The sparkling sand, beautiful palm trees and pristine waters are the very images that come to the mind at the very mention of Goa. In fact, the beaches are what Goa is known for because its 100 km long coastline is home to some of the most amazing beaches in the world. Some are always crowded while some are defined by their very isolation and serenity. All you need to do is just explore this beautiful region and pick out a beach of your liking. Once you are there, you can just put up your feet and relax. Whether you would like to try some local cuisine at one of the numerous food joints or browse through the souvenir shops scattered around, it's all up to you, because once you are in Goa it is the best to throw your cares to the wind and enjoy to your heart's content. Besides, if you are of the adventurous kind you could indulge in some exciting water sports and after that relax under a beach umbrella and watch the world go by around you.

There are many beautiful beaches scattered all over the world, but the joy and liveliness displayed by everything around you in Goa cannot be found anywhere else. You would just want to go with the flow and enjoy your day full of the sun, sand and fun. If you are on a beach bustling with life and activity, you should not forget to join the celebration because in Goa everyday is a holiday to be celebrated with gusto. So once in your life, do try to squeeze out some time out of your busy schedules and come to Goa, which would surely be a great experience.

Goa has many beautiful and exciting beaches to explore, which leaves a first time visitor spoilt for choice. There are a number of crowded and popular beaches like the Calangute, Colva and the Anjuna beaches. Being the most visited beaches in Goa, they have several resorts, recreational facilities and food joints scattered around them. For someone who would like to relax in a quiet and secluded beach, there are some beaches like the Betul beach, the Palolem beach or even the Bambolim beach. So no matter what, Goa has something for everyone to enjoy and remember for a lifetime.

Agonda Beach

If you are someone who loves solitude, the Agonda Beach is the best place for you to go. Situated at a distance of 37 km away from Margao, the Agonda beach is a far cry from the crowded Calangute and Anjuna beaches of Goa. This lovely beach is a 3 km long virgin stretch of white sand fringed with palm trees. In fact, after the hustle and bustle of the other tourist spots in Goa, the Agonda beach is perfect getaway for the tired traveler. Since this beach is not frequented by many tourists, there are very few stalls and eating joints around it. Therefore it is advisable that you carry all the items you need when you visit the Agonda beach.

Aguada Beach

The Aguada beach, located on the Aguada Bay in North Goa is one of the most beautiful beaches in Goa. The beach is a clean stretch of sand, which is dotted with colorful shops, kiosks and taverns that are great places to visit and know about the local culture. It is also a nice place to shop for the traditional Goan feni and other alcoholic beverages. Besides tourists can also enjoy swimming and other water sports which are great fun.

Anjuna Beach

The Anjuna Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Goa. Also known as the 'freak capital' of the world, this beach was the favorite haunt of the hippies or the 'flower generation' in the sixties. Its popularity has still not waned going by the thousands of people who visit it everyday. However the main attractions of this beach apart from its picturesque settings are its full moon parties that go on through the whole night and the weekly flea market where you can pick up everything from clothes to old bikes. In fact if you are good at bargaining, you can walk away with some very great deals.

Baga Beach

The Baga beach, which is located 29 km away from Panaji, is basically an extension of the Calangute beach. But unlike its counterpart, the Baga beach is not so crowded and hence a welcome change for tourists who would like some solitude after the hustle and bustle of the city. Baga is a great place to try your hand at some fishing and after that a nice swim in the inviting water would be the best way to spend a relaxed day. And for those who would like some excitement, Baga offers a host of sporting activities like yachting, water-skiing and parasailing.

Benaulim Beach

The Benaulim beach is situated at a distance of 41 km away from the state capital of Panaji. One of the most beautiful fishing beaches in Goa, the Benaulim beach starts where the Colva beach ends. It is a nice place to relax as it is not crowded and has partly remained undiscovered by tourists. But it presents a different picture during the weekends when its local population pours into the beach to spend an enjoyable holiday.

Bogmalo Beach

Fringed by tall palm trees and surrounded by some great eating joints, the Bogmalo beach is a place you must visit on your travel to Goa. Apart from its picturesque settings the beach is also a haven for those seeking to mix relaxation with fun. Of course, you can indulge in both when you are on this amazing beach. Since this beach is not too crowded, you can go for a lazy stroll or browse through the stalls scattered all over the place. Not to forget the eating joints that treat you to some of the best cuisine Goa can offer. A swim in the clean and sparkling water is an added incentive for those who are in the lookout for some fun.

Calangute Beach

The lovely Calangute beach, also known as the 'Queen of Beaches' is just a 45 minutes drive away from Panaji. Once a picturesque fishing village, this beach is now one of the most important hotspots of Goan tourism. This idyllic beach was discovered by the colorful hippies of the sixties who were mesmerized by its pristine beauty. Soon enough, international tourists started visiting the Calangute beach in hordes. On any given day, you will find this beach crowded with both international and domestic tourists.

Candolim Beach

Tucked away in a quiet part of northern Goa is the beautiful Candolim beach. This beach is a clean, sandy stretch that runs into its famous cousin, the Calangute beach. But unlike Calangute, Candolim is a quiet and peaceful place to sit and relax. There are very few resorts and restaurants around this beach, but the shacks and stalls scattered around are great places to dig into some local Goan cuisine and seafood. The Candolim beach is a good place to hone your fishing skills and also indulge in some daring water sports.

Cavelossim Beach

The Cavelossim beach is a delightful interplay of soft white sand and black lava rocks. A luxuriant growth of palm trees fringe the border of the beach thus making it a very pretty sight to behold. This pleasant but relatively quiet beach is mainly known for its luxurious resorts and dolphin watching facilities. Boat trips specially arranged for this event can be an out of the world experience wherein you can watch the lively dolphins from close quarters or even touch them if you are lucky.

Chapora Beach

Far from the madding crowd and 10 km away from the coastal town of Mapusa, lies the beach of Chapora. The clear water of the Arabian Sea washing against the black lava rocks strewn around this beautiful beach is a fascinating sight to behold. It almost seems as if the sea creates a music of its own which drowns out every other sound around you. This combined with the beautiful surroundings in Chapora makes it a haven for those who want a close communion with nature. You can close your eyes and relax or take a lazy stroll along the beach and enjoy the beautiful sights Chapora has to offer.

Colva Beach

A 12-mile long stretch of fine white sand fringed by palm trees, Colva is one of the most popular beaches in India. This beach is also one of the very few beaches in India to rival Calangute beach in terms of beauty and popularity. No wonder you will always find tourists, both international and domestic lounging around this magnificent beach enjoying their fill of the sun, sand and water. As you relax on this magnificent beach, watch the light and wind chasing each other thus creating a fantastic effect on the sparkling waters, which would surely lure you to a swim. Take a stroll on the beach and watch the fishing folk go about their daily work or go to the stalls scattered around and get souvenirs for your friends at home. If you are looking for something romantic, try visiting the Colva beach in the evening, which would be an experience to remember.