Goa is definitely one of the most popular vacation destinations. Surprisingly enough even those who wish to go are not actually aware of where to head or what awaits them. Goa gets its credit as the most popular vacation destination because of its beautiful beaches throughout the state. It’s no less than a paradise, may it be any season. So if you have finally made your ‘Goa Trip Plan’ and look forward to visiting South Goa beaches, here’s a complete guide for you.
Utorda Beach
Utorda Beach is known as the most gorgeous beachside, with its palm-lined white sands making it the perfect frame for a jaw-dropping snap. It is also known as the cleanest beach in Goa, which is probably another reason why people find it beautiful. Because it is located near the Dabolin International Airport, getting to this beach can be an expensive affair. But the good news is that it is a hidden gem, and so is less frequented, making it a peaceful vacation spot. For people looking to actually relax, and to be away from the busy city life this is the perfect place to indulge in food, enjoy watersports, and take great pictures. For Indian tourists, not looking to get tanned and enjoy the cool weather November to March is the perfect time to visit and relax. The place has a bunch of luxurious hotels for people who would like to spend holidays getting pampered. Remember, booking in advance might help in getting better deals.
Attractions at Utorda Beach: Utorda Beach offers water sports like Water Skiing and windsurfing and many other seaside activities. It also arranges Fishing trips where you can enjoy the laid-back way of Goan living. The nearest tourist attraction is the Three Kings Chapel.
Things to carry:
- Driving License: Since getting there by taxi is expensive, it is advised to carry your license so that you can rent a car or a scooter and get to Utorda Beach easily.
- Water Bottle to beat the heat and stay hydrated.
- An empty bag to get all your rubbish back and leave the beach clean.
Why You Should Visit Utorda Beach: Getting there can be expensive, so anyone who is prepared to spend lavishly or has a vehicle should visit. Also, people looking for calm and to avoid the tourist rush should go.
Colva Beach
Finding white sand beaches in India is a difficult task and that’s what makes Goa special. Similar to the other beaches Colva Beach too has palm-fringed white sands but with silver carpets of mackerels drying on golden sands. Once known as the village of Lord of Colva, today is known to be the cultural hub of South Goa. For people who have not been to Portugal, this place displays Indo-Portuguese architecture. It is the most loved beach in Goa with all the facilities for tourists and locals to enjoy the sunrise, sunset & the magnificent waves of the sea. With even locals frequenting, the beach is crowded most time of the year and makes a good spot for off-season travelers to enjoy the liveliness of Goa. Tourists should avoid Colva in May due to harsh summers and In October to avoid the rush of religious pilgrims. Other beaches such as Sunset Beach and Baywatch Beach are very close and are less crowded. If you are already in Colva and do not want to travel more to avoid crowds, you can choose them as well. It is easily accessible from Madgoan Junction railway station and offers a good range of seafood delicacies. Colva Beach and street markets are a shopper’s paradise with their amazing cashew nuts, spices, cashew feni, handicrafts, musical instruments, and hand-painted sculptures. Families and large groups traveling together find it convenient as there are several hospitals and medical clinics all around Colva Beach.
- Attractions at Colva Beach: Colva Beach offers great nightlife and a must-see attraction is the Lady of Merces Church and Goa Chitra Museum.
- Things to carry: The list includes
- Camera
- Sunscreen (At least SPF 50)
- Cotton wear to bear the heat and
- A swimsuit if you want to swim in the sea
- Why You Should Visit Colva Beach: Families with even small kids can visit as the place is well-equipped to cater to tourists.
Zalor Beach
South Goa is the best place to go if you want a relaxing vacation with quiet beaches. Zalor Beach is no exception to the astounding beauty of Goa and is equally beautiful and serene. It is perfect for people looking to relax and be away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Though less developed commercially one can find luxury beach resorts to budget-friendly guesthouses like Airbnb catering to different budgets and tastes. With crystal clear waters Zalor Beach offers a chance to explore marine life and coral reefs along with a ton of other beachside activities. Also, by visiting this beach, you get a chance to explore the historic charm of Old Goa, where you can visit ancient churches, cathedrals, and museums that showcase the region’s colonial past. Varca is the nearest town and is situated in a quaint location. Tourists can find plenty of shacks with food and refreshments to enjoy by the clean white sands.
Attractions at Zalor Beach: The nearest attraction is Cabo the Rama Fort but you can also visit places like :
- Sahakari Spice Farm or
- Tropical Spice Plantation near Ponda to learn about Goa’s rich Spice heritage and enjoy traditional meals
- The famous Dudhsagar Falls.
Things to carry: Do not forget to carry
- Sunscreen,
- Snacks and
- A bag to get all your rubbish back and leave the beach clean.
Why You Should Visit Zalor Beach: Couples, individuals, or friends looking to spend quiet time. Also, Zalor Beach is mainly catholic with a lot of churches, chapels, and crosses everywhere so it can be a good vacation for Catholics.
Mabor Beach
Mabor is a beautiful beach with white sand and clear waters that is popular with tourists and locals. It is a unique beach with water on three sides. The harmonious blend of River Sal and the Arabian Sea is a sight to behold and makes for a great landscape, especially during sunsets. This beautiful and busy place offers a variety of options, including luxurious resorts and Airbnb rentals, for a comfortable stay. It is a fun fact & a good example of how distance doesn’t matter, as there is no bus stop, but that does not stop the locals or tourists from using personal or rental cars to reach Mabor Beach. To enjoy pleasant weather, you must visit this beach from November to February and try to avoid summers and monsoons. People can enjoy both local and international cuisine from the several restaurants and cafes near the beach and make the best of their holidays in Goa. The place is well equipped with pharmacies, but in case of emergency, the nearest hospitals are in Cavelossim or Margao.
Attractions at Mabor Beach: A must-visit attraction nearby is the Salcette Church which is a historic Portuguese-style church, but other attractions include :
- Underwater fishing
- Oyster catching
- Bird spotting on Estevam Island
- Dolphin spotting cruise
- Cruising along the River Sal
- Water sports at Mabor beach.
Things to carry: Always carry a bag and make sure you don’t leave any rubbish behind, along with water bottles to stay hydrated and a camera.
Why You Should Visit Mabor Beach: Families with kids can enjoy a good vacation.
Cola Beach
With a landscape, where there are hills on one side and palm trees on the other the cola beach remains a hidden gem and gives you the feel of a private beach. Cola Beach is a crescent-shaped beautiful beach and not just the beach the road leading up to it is wonderful too. The easier way though is to take a boat from Agonda to reach there. What sets Cola Beach apart from other beaches in South Goa is the small lagoon along the southern end of the beach and the beautiful brook that connects the lagoon to the sea making it a picturesque view. The beautiful emerald green lagoon is almost out of some beautiful painting and you are sure to remember the experience for a long time to come. The small hill that divides the beach into north and south beaches also provides a great view and a short trek. Cola Beach is a great place to relax or have a small private party even during peak season as the beach is not much explored by tourists. Also, it might be just the right place to make a cute seating arrangement with some snacks to enjoy a beautiful sunset with your special someone. Apart from that, be rest assured to get some great pics for your Instagram. It is not recommended to swim as there are rocks on the bed & also because lifeguards are not available. But the lagoon is calm and you can enjoy fishing or even Kayaking. There are no luxury properties but you will definitely find some decent accommodations and food near the lagoon and by the road. Unlike other beaches, this beach can be visited throughout the year but the tourist infrastructure completely shuts down during the off-season which is from March to September. The nearest town is Kankon, which makes available everything you need anything during your stay.
Attractions at Cola Beach: Cola Beach offers safari, wildlife, and beach photography tours, and do not miss the Cola Beach National Park.
Things to carry:
- Keep your license handy to make sure you do not miss the hidden gems.
- Camera for those who wish to participate in beach photography tours.
Why You Should Visit Cola Beach: With no buses traveling, only people with private transport can visit.
Turtle Beach
South Goa is home to quieter and less crowded beaches, one of which is the secluded Turtle Beach, a nesting ground for Olive Ridley turtles, a protected species. Originally known as Galibaga Beach, Turtle Beach is serene and does not offer many activities as the turtles come ashore for nesting. Visitors are advised to keep a respectful distance, avoid using flash photography or bright lights, and refrain from touching or disturbing the nesting turtles or their eggs. From November to April, visitors can enjoy stunning views of the Arabian Sea and may even catch a glimpse of these adorable heart-shaped carapace turtles. While the beach has no facilities, visitors can find everything they need in the nearby city of Madgaon.
Attractions at Turtle Beach: The nearest tourist attractions include Mallikarjun temple and other beaches.
Things to carry:
- It’s a great idea to carry a yoga mat for people trying to enjoy a stretch along the beachside
- Food, and water, as the beach does not provide many options.
Why You Should Visit Turtle Beach: Galibaga Beach is an ideal place for those who want to relax and enjoy solitude.
Palolem Beach
Palolem Beach is a beautiful and cozy beach near Madgaon with white sand facing a blue bay between two headlands. One of its specialties is the little wooded islands on the northern headland. It is mainly inhabited by fishermen and international tourists and is a convenient spot for vacationing. The beach is easily accessible by buses, close to the railway station, and offers a wide variety of activities catering to everyone from backpackers to families with small kids. You can have a nice late-night party time with your family or friends along the beachside. It’s pretty cool and serene there post-evening.
Attractions at Palolem Beach: As it is a fishing spot, you may be able to convince a fisherman to take you across the water to enjoy the headlands. If you’re lucky, they might even take you to see dolphins. Other attractions at Palolem Beach include the Silent Noise parties and it is also the second nesting site for turtles in Goa. You can even enjoy Kayaking and speed boat rides. Don’t forget to visit the nearby Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary.
Things to carry: Don’t forget to carry
- Water bottle
- Camera
- FoodSunscreen
- Bathing suit/swimming suit
Why You Should Visit Palolem Beach: The beach now offers beach huts and family rooms, hence it can be a good getaway for families with kids and elderly couples or even newlyweds.
Butterfly Beach
Also known as Honeymoon Beach, Butterfly Beach gets its name because it is said that, in a particular season you can spot millions of butterflies flying over the hilltop blossoms surrounding the beach. Also, its semicircular bay surrounded by high rocks that form a ring may be the other reason for its name. With palm trees and golden sands against the warm blue water, Butterfly Beach is no less than a fairyland. The beach is only accessible by a boat ride from nearby beaches, but adventurous visitors can also trek through the thick forest to reach it. Remember to take necessary guidance and precautions, in case you do so. The best time to visit is from November to February, and it’s best to avoid visiting during the monsoon season.
Attractions at Butterfly Beach: The popular activities at Butterfly Beach are Canoe Ride and Dolphin watching. Other Tourist attractions include
- Fort Cabo de Rama
- Galjibaga Beach
- Rajbhag Beach
- Palolem Beach
Things to carry: With no shacks and not much crowd it is advisable to carry with you almost everything that you think you would need.
Why You Should Visit Butterfly Beach: Couples can visit here for a secluded vacation and tourists who want to spend time with only nature, without even a single form of disturbance must visit Butterfly Beach.
Why South Goa Is Worth Visiting
A trip to South Goa is totally worth doing. Not only because it’s beautiful, but because the above-mentioned beaches are the hidden gems of Goa and you simply cannot miss visiting them. You will be amazed by the spectacular sights and outstanding experiences they have to offer you on your trip to Goa. So, what’s the wait for, pack your bags and head straight toward the south of Goa!
