Goa and beaches – The two words are just synonyms of each other! Anyone in India or even abroad who thinks about enjoying a beach holiday in India just cannot miss a trip to Goa. The tiny land, actually, is a paradise for beach lovers!

Amongst the most popular beaches of Goa are Anjuna, Colva, Calangute and Baga. The first of these, Anjuna is famous for its nightlife and flea market. The natural beauty of Anjuna with swaying palm trees is like an icing on the cake. The beach is just 8 kms from Mapusa and is a part of 30 km stretch that begins form Fort Aguada and culminates in Chapora river and fort.

Also a part of this stretch are the Baga and Calangute beach. Though the two beaches are close by, they differ with each other. While Calangute attracts visitors in large number, Baga is relatively quiet, specially as far as local tourists are concerned. And this is despite the fact that the natural beauty of the latter exceeds the former by a huge degree. A long walk along the Baga beach is totally worth taking. Baga is not generally safe for swimming whereas Calangute is somewhat. Tourists interested in swimming in these two beaches should really avoid the mouth of the river and high tides respectively. The nightlife of Baga is far more active than that of Calangute. At Baga, Friday and Saturday nights are most happening. Given so many differences, there are also similarities amongst the two beaches – both have ample opportunity to enjoy water sports like paragliding, parasailing, windsurfing, surfing, speedboat rides and jet skiing.

Colva is retreat for tourists looking for a tranquility. For a good part of the year, Colva does not see a lot many tourists, however, come October and the trend is broken. Large number of people throng the area to pay their respect to infant Jesus in the Colva Church. Other than the church, the other high point of the beach is the trip which is conducted to spot dolphins and crocodiles. Other adventure sports like parasailing and jet skiing can also be enjoyed here.

Other beaches that attract tourists are Vagator, Candolim, Miramar and Dona Paula. The first of these beaches is hugely popular with British and Israeli tourists. The Chapora Fort that adds charm to this beach, the fresh water spring and the Lord Shiva provide for abundant sightseeing while the Chapora village nearby is just perfect for anglers.

At Candolim, sightseeing options include the Church of St Lawrence and the Candolim Church. A number of boat operators offer river cruises, fishing trips and island trips to spot dolphins and crocodiles. Both Miramir and Dona Paula are quieter beaches that allow for a peaceful walk, Scuba diving option is available at both beaches.

Goa holidays offer you plenty of opportunity to enjoy the beaches of Goa. It is one thing you should never miss out on a holiday to Goa.

To know more about the beaches of Goa and its other attractions, check out Goa Holidays