Calangute Beach

Come season time and Calangute is like a beach transformed. It’s noisy, it’s crowded and it’s nothing like its serene self during the monsoon. But, there’s no getting away from the fact that it’s still immensely popular. One of Goa’s biggest beaches, Calangute continues to draw crowds because of its vast water frontage. Located about 15 kms from the capital city of Panjim in North Goa, Calangute is among the most popular beaches in Goa and it is large enough to accommodate the huge numbers of high season tourists. Not only is it one of Goa’s longest beaches, it is also at the heart of the ‘party’ district which makes it a popular and sometimes overcrowded option. Calangute is the perfect tourist haven, complete with shacks and stalls under the shade of palm trees, selling everything from fried prawns and beer, to trinkets made of seashells. One of the most famous beaches of north Goa, Calangute offers visitors plenty of enjoyment. Visitors can walk around the sea shore to enjoy Goa’s scenic beauty or hire some sun beds for a nice tan or massage. The beach is also serviced by a lifeguard.

Things to do: Water babies will love the beach for the array of water sports on offer. Parasailing, water scooters, jet skiis or even just the tame boat ride or banana boat – it’s all possible here. There are a number of watersport operators on the beach which provide facilities for crocodile and dolphin spotting trips, fishing expeditions and river cruises as well. Water junkies can also enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, water skiing and sailing.

Location: North Goa, 9 kilometers (6 miles) from Mapusa and 16 kilometers (10 miles) from Panaji. The closest railway station is Thivim.

Image Credits: Vikas Sharma

Planet Goa Team

For us at Planet-Goa, our team is driven by that feeling of exhilaration that one gets when discovering that something ‘unique’ and ‘new’ about Goa for our ever-so-discerning readers.