South Goa-Top 5 beaches and why you should give this a chance over North Goa.

Moumita C.
May 2, 2020
4 min read

Updated: May 22, 2020

Not really a party person but want a taste of Goa?

Want to go on a quiet romantic getaway with your loved one away from the hustle-bustle?

Want to just travel alone,sort things out in your head and chill out?

If your question is any of the above,your answer is South Goa. Thank me later peeps.

South Goa is one of those places that are 60% commercialized but still gives you the raw essence of Goa.The clean and empty beaches,the salty sea air,the jolly local people,the exotic food,the broad roads,the tourists,the beautiful green belts---everything just adds to the boho vibe of Goa.

So,if you are one of those people who love to enjoy nature in its own form with a beer in your hand after the occasional skinny dip,South Goa might just be the place for you.

The top 5 beaches of South Goa:

1. Palolem Beach :

The main South Goa bus stop is in Madgaon. It is almost a 50-60 mins (nearly 40kms) drive from Madgaon to Palolem.

Palolem Beach with several shacks & coast guard — Palolem Beach shacks & coast guard

The entire beach is crescent shaped,spooned with coconut trees and huge rocks on one side which makes it visually very appealing.There are several shacks where you can keep your belongings and chill.You can go kayaking too.The main inhabitants here are the fishermen and visitors who stay in the shacks.Coast guards are present at all times making it a safe environment to relax.

Palolem beach-coconut trees and huge rocks

The southern part of the shore is deeper than the north,so if you are going into the water,make sure to stay in the northern parts of the shore for safety.It is not very crowded and will be a perfect getaway destination with your loved one,one of the best beaches in Goa for couples.

Transportation needs: You can rent a scooty or a bike from the locals at very affordable rates starting from Rs 200 (off season) to Rs 400 (peak season). Don't forget to bring an ID(any ID will do,not necessarily a driving license).

Here are a few more pictures for your reference !

2. Colva Beach:

The second best beach would be Colva Beach. Located 6 kilometres to the west of Margaon,the sand on this beach is white and fine grained,surrounded by green coconut groves.The sunset appears so beautiful that it may be etched in your memory forever.The beach is generally very empty,but there are a few shacks which will take take care of your refreshment needs.

On the left is a view from the 'Bob and Dom's' cafe on the Colva Beach.

You can chill on the sunbeds after a swim,engage in some water sport activity like

paragliding and water skiing on this beautiful beach.

At dusk,the shacks arrange for candle lit tables where you can sit,munch on seafood and unwind while soaking in the beautiful sunset and the warm sea breeze!

Transport needs: You can find scooty,bike,cycles on rent just outside the boundaries of the beach at affordable rates. Make sure to carry your driving license if you want to rent a bike/scooty(They do not accept any other ID here). If you want to go sight seeing with your family,there are cabs available which will cover all the main locations(dolpin watching,Jimmy's bungalow,Aguada Fort etc) and drop you back to Colva beach by evening.

Including a few more pics for your reference:

3. Agonda Beach:

It is a very clean and quiet beach,much like the other beaches of South Goa. It is located only a 90 min drive from Dabolim Airport.

The vast stretches of empty sea shore,the sand glistening in the sun,the beautiful coconut trees swaying in the breeze makes it look like a painting.The main attraction here are the cottages you can rent just on the beach which will give you a view to remember forever.There is no nightlife on this beach and it gets pitch dark at night,but just sitting on the verandah of your cottage listening to the growling sea while sipping on your favourite drink is worth it.

There are few shops here where you can buy hippie stuff like anklets,beaded necklaces,clothes etc.The bohemian vibe of this place is what sets your mood and makes you feel alive.

Including a few more pics for your reference!

4. Zuri Beach:

This was a sudden discovery for us as we initially intended to go to Varca Beach,but somehow lost our way and reached Zuri Beach.I was in awe of the beauty of this place the moment I saw it.There was a destination wedding going on in the background and little boys were playing football on the beach. It somehow felt like home.The sand there was glistening white,the water was warm, absolutely calm and very very clear. The long drive in the scorching heat all day had made us all tired,but just the glimpse of that beautiful beach wiped away all our fatigue.

Trust me,there is no picture that can do justice to the beauty of this beach. Don't miss it.

Few more pics of the road leading to this beautiful beach and the beach itself:

5. Patnem Beach:

Last but not least on this list is Patnem Beach. This beach does not have any water sport activities,but is famous for the excellent seafood you can find in the shacks here.

There are numerous shacks lining the entire length of the beach. There is excellent seating arrangement with candle light dinner options available here which can make your day even more romantic and leave you longing for more. The golden sunset,the ayurvedic massage centres,the beautiful view,the shops selling hippie stuff like paintings,silver junk jewellery,clothes,bags etc add to the vibe of this beautiful beach.

Adding a few more pictures for your reference!

The best time to come to Goa is between October and February.Vegan people can easily find food options here although it may be on the pricier side.

Accomodation is not a problem since there is a huge selection of hotels to choose from,keeping all kinds of budgets in mind.Hotels are all couple friendly.December last week is the peak week when price soars high,so make sure to book your hotels ahead if you are planning to spend your new year/Christmas here,else it will burn a hole in your pocket.