Calangute Beach: Enjoy the Best of Goa Beaches in 2024

Introduction to Calangute Beach

Welcome to Calangute Beach, the crown jewel of Goa’s beaches! Known as the “Queen of Beaches”, Calangute offers a perfect blend of golden sands, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant beach life. As one of the most popular beaches in Goa, Calangute attracts tourists from all over the world who are looking for sun, sand, and unforgettable memories.

History of Calangute Beach

This beach was discovered in the 1960s by hippies who were attracted to the beauty and peaceful surroundings of the place.

The name “Calangute” comes from the Konkani word “Koli-gutta”, meaning “land of fishermen.”

Some also associate the name with “Kalyangutti”, meaning “village of Kala”, or “Konwalo-bhut”, meaning “strong grove of coconut trees”, due to the number of coconut trees in the area.

The Portuguese occupation of the area probably transformed the word into “Calangute”, which is the name used since then.

Calangute Beach Goa Special

This beach is one of the many beautiful beaches in Goa for several reasons:

Extensive coastline: Stretching for miles, the Beach offers ample space for sunbathing, strolling, and beach activities.

Clear waters: The turquoise waters of the Arabian Sea provide a striking backdrop for swimming and water sports.

Lively atmosphere: From beach shacks to busy markets, the beach is full of energy and excitement.

Rich culture: Experience a unique blend of Indian and Portuguese influences in the local architecture, food, and lifestyle.

Stunning sunsets: Witness the breathtaking sunsets that paint the sky in vibrant colors every evening.

Activities on the Beach

The beach offers a wide range of activities for visitors of all ages:

Water sports: Try parasailing, jet-skiing, banana boat rides, or windsurfing for an adrenaline rush.

Beach volleyball: Join locals and fellow tourists for friendly matches on the sandy shores.

Sunbathing: Relax on a beach lounger and enjoy the warm Goa sun.

Fishing: Watch local fishermen at work or try your hand at traditional fishing techniques.

Yoga and meditation: Many beachside resorts offer early morning yoga sessions overlooking the sea.

Calangute Beach Water Sports

Banana Ride: Ride on a banana-shaped boat

Parasailing: A type of paragliding in which you are attached to a speedboat while being attached to a parachute and harness

Speedboat Ride: Ride on a boat that can move at high speeds

Jet-skiing: Ride on a self-drive speedboat

Scuba Diving and Snorkeling: Explore the underwater world of Goa

Bumper Ride: A version of the banana boat ride that kids love

White River Rafting: Ride a raft in rough waters

Windsurfing: Use the wind to propel the board on the surface of the water

Shark Diving: Explore the underwater world of Goa with the thrill of seeing sharks

Calangute Beach Resorts Goa

Charleston Beach Resort: Kid-friendly resort with a playground for kids

Paradise Village Beach Resort: Close to shopping, beach and restaurants

Calangute Residency: Beach-facing rooms and a great location

Annabel’s at Bernard Simao Goa: Luxurious rooms with kitchen and pool

QEES Empire Beach Resort: Spacious beach resort with a sea view

Villa Theresa Beach Resort: Comfortable and safe hotel

Camelot Beach Resort: Convenient location to enjoy the nightlife

Things to do near the beach

Divin Water Sports and Scuba Diving: Offers water sports and scuba diving activities

Flying Fish Scuba: Offers outdoor activities

Pine Shack: A popular nightlife spot

Refresh Spa and Massage Centre: Offers spa and wellness services

Goa Adventure: Offers boat tours and water sports

Atlantis Watersports: Offers boat tours and water sports

Royal Jewellers: A popular shopping destination

Shamrock Jewellers: A popular shopping destination

Public Bar: A popular nightlife spot

Cyril Yoga Ayurveda Centre: Offers spa and wellness services

Night Calangute Beach

The beach is a lively and bustling destination at night, offering expansive views

A range of activities and experiences. Here are some of the things you can do at the beach in the evening:

Nightlife: Enjoy the beach’s vibrant nightlife with numerous bars and clubs along the beach road.

Beach parties: Join the frequent beach parties in the evening, where there is music and dancing.

Sunset views: Watch the spectacular sunset over the Arabian Sea.

Dinner: Enjoy a romantic dinner at one of the many restaurants along the beach.

Live music: Listen to live musical performances at various venues.

Strolling: Take a stroll along the beach, enjoying the cool evening breeze.

Shopping: Browse the night markets and stalls selling souvenirs and local goods.

Nearby Attractions

While the beach itself is a major attraction, there are several other interesting places around it:

Baga Beach: Located just a short distance from Calangute, Baga Beach offers a more laid-back atmosphere and great seafood restaurants. The distance from Baga Beach to Beach is about 2 kilometers.

Fort Aguada: This 17th-century Portuguese fort offers stunning views of the Arabian Sea and a glimpse into Goa’s colonial history.

Anjuna Flea Market: Every Wednesday, this vibrant market comes alive with stalls selling everything from handicrafts to spices.

Chapora Fort: Made famous by the Bollywood movie “Dil Chahta Hai,” this fort provides panoramic views of the surrounding coastline.

Old Goa: Explore the historic churches and cathedrals of Old Goa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Dining and Nightlife

The beach is famous for its varied cuisine and vibrant nightlife:

Beach Shacks: Enjoy fresh seafood and a cold drink with your feet on the sand at a local beach shack.

Restaurants: From traditional Goan cuisine to international cuisine, Calangute has a wide range of dining options.

Bars and Clubs: Experience the nightlife at the Beach, where many bars and clubs remain open till late at night.

Night Market: Visit the nearby Night Market for street food, live music, and shopping.

Best beach bars in Calangute

Cafe Mambo: This bar is known for its huge indoor area for DJ music and its good food, drinks, and service.

The World Famous Decades Bar: This bar is a great place to hang out with friends and has a great view from the bar.

The Sportsman Bar: This bar is known for its great atmosphere and features live sports, music, and karaoke.

Mr. Toff Toff: This bar is known for its masala coke and has a limited but delicious selection of vegetarian food.

Pine Shack: This bar is known for its great food and drinks and has nice, chilled English music.

Best spots for photography in Calangute Beach

Calangute Beach: This bustling beach offers spectacular sunset views, with huts and eateries dotted along the shore.

St. Alex Church: Located in the heart of North Goa, this beautiful church is a popular spot for photography.

Tibetan Handicrafts and Souvenirs Market: This bustling market offers plenty of opportunities for photography, with colorful handicrafts and souvenirs on display.

Benz Celebrity Wax Museum: This unique museum has lifelike celebrity wax statues and a 9D cinema, which makes for an interesting photography subject.

Holiday Street: This lively street offers plenty of photography opportunities with its many shops, restaurants, and access to the beach.

Calangute Beach Massage Services

Dreamz Salon and Spa: Known for its hospitality and skilled therapists

Blue Terra Spa and Salon: Offers the best therapy services

Neomis Salon and Spa: Highly rated for its Balinese massages

So Thai Spa: Offers a calm environment for spa treatments

Satya Yoga Goa: Offers yoga classes for both beginners and intermediate practitioners

Russi Luxury Thai Spa: A massage parlor that offers a wide range of services including deep tissue massage, body scrub, Thai massage, and more

Accommodation (Calangute Beach Hotels)

The beach has a variety of accommodation options to suit every budget and taste:

Luxury Resorts: Beach Resort and other high-end properties offer great amenities and sea views.

Mid-range Hotels: Several hotels near the Beach offer comfortable stays at reasonable prices.

Budget Guesthouses: Perfect for backpackers and budget travelers looking for basic accommodation.

Beach Huts: Experience authentic Goan life in rustic beach huts along the shoreline.

Here is a short list of some top-rated hotels near Beach:

• The Park Calangute Goa
• Estrela Do Mar Beach Resort
• Chalston Beach Resort
• Royale Exotica
• Paradise Village Beach Resort
• Calangute Residency
• QEES Empire Beach Resort
• Casa Domingos Guest House
• Villa Theresa Beach Resort
• Little India Beach Cottages

The best time to visit Calangute Beach

Although the beach is beautiful all year round, the best time to visit depends on your preferences:

October to March: Peak tourist season brings perfect weather for beach activities and outdoor exploration.

April to May: Ideal for those who enjoy warm weather and want to avoid the crowds.

June to September: The monsoon season brings greener vistas and fewer tourists, but some beach activities may be limited.

How to reach Calangute Beach

By Air: Fly to Goa International Airport (Dabolim Airport), then take a taxi or pre-arranged transfer to Calangute (about 1 1-hour drive).

By Train: Reach Thivim Railway Station and take a taxi to Calangute (about 20 km).

By Bus: Regular buses connect major cities to Calangute. Kadamba Transport Corporation operates services from Panaji and Mapusa.

Baga Beach to Calangute Beach distance

The distance between Baga Beach and Calangute Beach is approximately 2.1 kilometers. They are very close to each other and are connected by a long stretch of sandy beach, making it easy to walk between the two. Baga Beach is located on the west coast of the Arabian Sea, and Calangute Beach is located in the North Goa district of India.

Tips for a great holiday at Calangute Beach

Book accommodation well in advance, especially during peak season.

Respect local customs and dress modestly when away from the beach.

Use sunscreen and stay hydrated, especially during hot afternoons.

Be careful while swimming and follow the instructions of the lifeguards.

Try the local Goan cuisine for an authentic experience.

Bargain at the markets, but do so respectfully.

Hire a scooter or bike to explore the surrounding areas, but drive safely and wear a helmet.

Conclusion

Calangute Beach truly offers the best of Goa’s beaches, combining natural beauty with vibrant culture and endless activities. Whether you are looking for relaxation, adventure, or a cultural experience, Calangute has something for everyone.

From its golden sands to its warm hospitality, this beach destination promises to give memories that will last a lifetime. So pack your bags, book your stay at a beach resort, and get ready to experience the magic of Goa’s most loved beach!

Remember, whether you are watching the sunset, playing water sports, or simply relaxing on the sand, Beach offers you a piece of paradise that will compel you to come back year after year. Don’t miss the chance to visit this gem among Goa’s beaches and create unforgettable beach memories!

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