14 Best Beaches of Goa away from the crowds

You might feel it is difficult to find some of the best beaches of Goa away from the crowds, but we are here to help. If you love beaches, Goa is the ideal vacation destination for you. Home to many beautiful, crowded, popular, as well as hidden beaches, Goa is a traveler’s dream. The beach culture has truly taken hold in this region – you can find beach huts, bars, restaurants, and shacks all with a view of the sea! In this blog, we talk about the 14 best beaches in Goa away from the crowds. Read on to find out which Goa beach will be your next destination!

Agonda Beach, South Goa

A small beach in South Goa, Agonda Beach gives off a cozy vibe with small cafes and shops along the beach. You will not find the party scene and crowds that are synonymous with the beaches of North Goa like Arambol, Anjuna, Baga, or Calangute.

You can also explore the area and the neighboring beaches of Palolem and Patnem by scooter. Also, since it is a bay, the water is calm and the waves are not too high, making it perfect for families with small children.

Agonda Beach

Patnem Beach, South Goa

Patnem is another charming Goa beach located south of Agonda and Palolem. This is the last beach in Goa before the state of Karnataka begins. There are a few beach bars and cafes along the beach where you can relax, but it is much quieter here than other places in Goa.

The water is clean and the waves are perfect for bodyboarding or stand-up paddling. You can also take a boat tour at this beach, and if you are lucky, you may even spot dolphins! Another water activity you can do here is kayaking, as you paddle along the rocks and go towards Palolem.

If you want a livelier nightlife or more options for shops and restaurants, you can walk from Patnem to Palolem in around 10 minutes.

Patnem Beach

Ashwem Beach and Mandrem Beach, North Goa

Located in North Goa south of Arambol beach, Ashwem beach and Mandrem beach are connected, making the entire beach area expansive, perfect for long walks. The beaches offer a relaxed and peaceful atmosphere, except for some persistent vendors, but that’s unavoidable on most public beaches in Goa. Otherwise, they are among the least crowded beaches in Goa.

There are many beach side resorts in the palm forest behind the beach that offer comfort, privacy, and good service amidst nature. However, you will find that they cost more than the resorts in South Goa.

Ashvem Beach

Betul Beach, South Goa

The fishing beach of Goa, Betul Beach is 18 kilometers from Margao. Situated at the delta of the Sal River, you need to visit Mobor Beach and take a ferry across the river to the beautiful fishing village. Silver sand, palm trees and fruit trees, a small lagoon, and fishing boats make for a very pretty picture.

Visit the Betul Fort and Betul Lighthouse to get a bird’s eye view of the mesmerizing landscape. You can find some of the largest mussels in Goa in this fishing village. You will also get some of the freshest, most delicious seafood here that you may not easily find elsewhere in Goa.

Small Vagator Beach, North Goa

Located in North Goa, Little Vagator Beach is ideal for those who want a relaxed vibe during the day and a decent party scene and nightlife during the night. There are many options for partying at this beach, but it is still not a crowded beach like the prime party beaches like Baga, Anjuna, and Calangute. There are many small cafes and good restaurants here.

Vagator is also the center of backpacker hostels. Many of the popular places in Goa, such as Assagao, Morjim, and Siolim, are nearby and can be reached quickly by a short scooter ride. This beach is also closest to the airport, making it perfect if you are planning to visit other regions of India as well. You can check out the Instagram-popular Thalassa Greek Restaurant for some great food, Club Cabana if you want to party at a nightclub, or explore the Saturday night market in Arpora during winters.

Small Vagator Beach

Palolem Beach, South Goa

Palolem is one of the quietest beach villages in Goa, and most of the population includes the local fishermen. However, the crescent-shaped Palolem Beach offers a breathtaking view of the sea from both ends. The calm waters of the beach make it perfect for swimming.

The white sand, rocky formations, and palm trees make this picturesque beach attractive to tourists visiting the area. One of the major attractions here is the silent discos, where everyone puts on headphones and dances to their own music. Palolem beach was also one of the shooting locations for the Hollywood movie “The Bourne Supremacy”.

Palolem Beach

Cola Beach, South Goa

15 kilometers away from Palolem Beach is Cola Beach, a lesser known beach on the southern coast of Goa. The beach is also known as the Little Cola or Khola beach. The secluded beach is separated into North Cola and South Cola by a small hill, and joined by a clear green lagoon.

Cola Beach is truly a hidden gem, perfect for couples or backpackers looking for something off the beaten path. While you will witness some of the most breathtaking sunsets at this beach, keep in mind that there is limited mobile network and very few shacks at Cola Beach.

Cola Beach

Benaulim Beach, South Goa

Benaulim Beach offers you the best of both worlds as it is a serene beach during the day, but has an active nightlife. The famous shoreline of Benaulim beach is known as a fishing shoreline, but it is quite a secluded beach during the off season.

One of the major attractions of the Benaulim beach is the bullfight that takes place every year from October to March. You can also enjoy water sports like jet skiing here. There are many beach shacks and restaurants along the shore where you can enjoy local cuisines. The Church of St John the Baptist Benaulim is also worth checking out while you are here.

Benaulim Beach

Velsao Beach, South Goa

Located near Majorda and Colva Beach, Velsao Beach is a scenic, hidden gem of Goa, not frequented by tourists. With silver sands, palm trees, coconut trees, and abundant flora and fauna, Velsao beach offers you all the privacy you need, along with beautiful views.

With very few beach shacks along the shore, this beach is perfect for couples, nature lovers, or people looking for some peace and quiet amidst the chaos of Goa’s crowds. Take a swim in the calm waters or be on the lookout for various birds that reside in the area. You can also try water sports like snorkeling in the clear waters.

Velsao Beach

Kalacha Beach, North Goa

Also known as Paliem Beach, Kalacha Beach is one of the untouched beaches in Goa. A narrow path from the famous Arambol Beach leads to Kalacha Beach, a haven for tourists seeking some respite from the chaos. This beautiful, less crowded beach is known for its sweet water lagoon and bohemian vibe.

You will often find backpackers enjoying music sessions under the stars in front of a campfire. You can also enjoy paragliding from a hilltop near the beach. There are a few shacks and bars along the shore as well, where you can gorge on some yummy seafood.

Galgibaga Beach, South Goa

With a silver sandy shoreline, clear waters, and palm trees along the coast, Galgibaga Beach is usually secluded, which might be why it is known to be the cleanest beach in Goa. The serene surroundings and gorgeous scenery is a treat for the eyes. This is one of the least crowded beaches in Goa, and so there are very few beach shacks here as well.

Galgibaga Beach is also named as the Turtle Beach, as it is a seasonal nesting and hatching site for the endangered Olive Ridley turtle. The state government runs a program for the olive ridley turtles at three beaches, and the northern part of this beach is reserved for the same. If you are lucky, you might spot turtle eggs or nests if you visit between December and February.

Olive Ridley Turtle at a Goa beach

Sinquerim Beach, North Goa

Situated between Fort Aguada and Candolim Beach is Sinquerim Beach,  one of the most unspoiled hidden beaches away from the usual crowds of North Goa. With golden sands, blue waters, and green palm trees, the beach is a perfect escape in North Goa for scenic walks and stunning sunsets.

Sinquerim beach is a take-off point for dolphin tours, since the playful mammals can be found in these waters. Book a dolphin safari or a boat tour at this beach and you might be able to spot dolphins playing around in the water. The tours will also show you the Aguada Fort and the Millionaire’s Palace during your ride. Go for a swim in the clear water, play a game of beach volleyball, go fishing or crocodile spotting. You can also enjoy water activities like scuba diving, water skiing, parasailing, and wind surfing here.

Fort Aguada, Sinquerim Beach

Hollant Beach, South Goa

One of the hidden beaches in Goa, Hollant Beach is the only beach from where you can catch a stunning sunrise. Hollant beach, or Issorcim Beach, has shallow waters mingling into the sea, making it ideal for non-swimmers. It is because during high tides, the rising sea water merges with the freshwater of a nearby stream, resulting in a lack of currents. The beach is lined with fishermens’ boats, making for a picturesque view with a backdrop of the foothills of the Western Ghats.

You can try kayaking here. Plus, spotting corals and rich marine life in the clear waters of the Arabian Sea add to the magic of the beach.

Butterfly beach, South Goa

Also known as Honeymoon Beach, Butterfly Beach is a small cove surrounded by dense trees. However, you cannot access the beach directly by a road vehicle. You need to take a ferry ride from one of the nearby beaches, or hike through the forest to reach this beach. This makes for a unique experience in Goa, and the destination is worth it. With a dense forest on one side and the open sea on the other, Butterfly Beach will truly have you awestruck.

The beach is named so because of the variety of butterflies you can spot here. Another reason for the name could be the shape of the beach, which is like a butterfly. Catch a sunset from this beach if you can. We would advise you not to visit the beach during monsoon season, since boat rides are not available during heavy rains.

Butterfly Beach

Some other beaches in Goa you should visit

Colva beach, South Goa

One of the cleanest and best South Goa beaches, Colva beach offers many water sports and beach activities. There are also many seafood shacks you can visit for a delicious snack or meal.

Betalbatim Beach, South Goa

Also known as the Sunset Beach of Goa, Betalbatim Beach has clean sands, pristine waters, and enchanting sunsets. Frequented by a lot of couples, it is also popular as Lover’s Beach. There are many hotels, restaurants, and cafes near the beach. You can even spot dolphins in these waters!

Morjim Beach, North Goa

One of the least crowded beaches in Goa, Morjim is a nesting site for Olive Ridley turtles. There are many beach shacks at this beach, and if you take a long walk towards the north, you can also visit Ashwem beach.

Cabo de Rama Beach, South Goa

Also known as Cab de Ram among locals, Cabo de Rama beach offers mesmerizing sunsets amidst bluish green waters and palm trees layering the coast. It is a great place for picnics, but you will not find any shacks or cafes. The Cabo de Rama Fort is one of the major attractions in the area.

Cabo de Rama

Cavelossim beach, South Goa

The gorgeous Cavelossim Beach is surrounded by coconut groves, beach shacks, the Sal River and the Arabian Sea, and offers stunning beauty. The place is usually calm even during peak seasons, perfect for a honeymoon, family vacation, or even a solo trip. You can sit and watch the beautiful sunset, or go for a cruise on the Sal river.

Kakolem Beach, South Goa

To the South of Cabo de Rama beach is Kakolem Beach, a stunning cove beach in a bay. Also known as Tiger Beach, Kakolem Beach is an isolated beach in Goa. Extremely clean and beautiful, it is not a very crowded beach. A small spring gushes from a hillside near the beach and merges into the sea.

Arambol Beach, North Goa

A quiet beach with cliffs on both sides, Arambol beach is a great place for swimming and enjoying barbecues. The bohemian vibe of the beach, yoga and meditation sessions, and lesser crowds make it a good alternative to busy beaches like Calangute.

Candolim beach, North Goa

Extending from Fort Aguada to Calangute Beach, the beautiful Candolim Beach is quite less crowded than other beaches in Goa, especially in North Goa. There are not many shacks and restaurants along the beach, leaving it pristine, but the Candolim-Calangute road nearby is full of shops, restaurants, and resorts.

Candolim Beach

So, was this blog helpful in finding the best beaches in Goa? If you are planning a trip to Goa, but do not want to go to yet another crowded beach, we will help you plan the perfect Goa trip.

We have also summarized numerous travel itinerary ideas for you. Contact us at India Someday, and we will help you plan the perfect trip to India according to your requirements!