Goa, the sunshine state, is known for its breezy vibes and beautiful beaches. With everything from watersports and sightseeing to wild parties and delicious seafood, there’s plenty to keep you busy here. But that’s not all. Goa also has its fair share of hidden gems throughout the state, including beaches, tucked away from the buzz of the crowd. So, for your next trip, skip the usual suspects like Baga Beach and Calangute Beach, and pick from our list of hidden beaches in Goa.
When in Goa…10 Hidden Beaches to check out in the Sunshine State
1. Querim Beach
Secluded and less-crowded, Querim Beach in North Goa is one of the hidden beaches in Goa. Its long sandy stretch is lined with trees and sun loungers while a few rocky outcrops can be seen at some spots. With a shoreline of around 2 km, this is where you can enjoy a splendid sunrise and sunset with your travel companions, soaking in the serenity of the moment. Just beyond the trees here, you will find a river which flows into the sea. While at Querim Beach, make sure to visit the ancient Ajoba temple and gape at the age-old Goan houses which you’ll find just off the beach.
2. Bogmalo Beach
Just around 4 km from Dabolim Airport, Bogmalo Beach is, surprisingly, one of the unexplored and probably among the most underrated beaches of Goa. Quiet, clean and picturesque, this hidden beach is perfect if you want to spend some time away from Goa’s characteristic bustle. Sit back and savour the sunset. Or watch the rustic life of the seaside village with kids playing cricket and fishermen going about their daily routine. The little shacks along the beach serve some great seafood delights for you to tuck in to. You will also find budget-friendly bars if you want to end the lazy evening with some booze and karaoke.
3. Mobor Beach
Located in the relatively calm South Goa region, Mobor Beach has pristine white sand and clear water that will tempt you to spend hours here. The expansive beach also has its share of watersports for adventure lovers. Go for a walk towards the end of the beach, where you will find Sal river making its way towards the beach! Perfect for a day out with family or your travel companions, Mobor Beach has a good selection of shacks serving lip-smacking food and refreshing drinks.
4. Butterfly Beach
Perfect for outdoorsy folks, the best way to reach Butterfly Beach is by trekking through the dense forest around it. Once you clear the woods and step out into the clearing, you will be greeted by the small cove and its sun-kissed beach. One of the hidden beaches in Goa, Butterfly Beach is named so apparently because of the butterflies that frequent the region (owing to the greenery here). Enclosed by the forest and huge rocks, you will feel like you’re miles away from the city. go on, take a walk along the shore, go for a swim or just sit back to enjoy the beautiful view and serene vibes.
5. Kakolem Beach
If you’re up for an adventure in the sunshine state, head to Kakolem Beach near Cabo de Rama. Probably one of the most isolated and hidden beaches in Goa, the place is not very easy to find. After you get off the main road on to a steep off-road path, you will have to walk down the slope and then trek downwards to reach the beach. Alternately, you can also take a boat to get here. Raw and almost untouched, the stunning view here is reason enough for you to check it out. The feeling of being all by yourself adds to the appeal of the spot. Be careful while wading into the waters, though. End your trip with a meal from the nearby beachside cafe. Also, don’t be surprised if you don’t get network coverage here.
6. Galgibaga Beach
Clean, calm, lesser-known, unexplored…Galgibaga Beach is all this and much more. Tucked away in South Goa, this is where you will get to experience the region’s laidback vibes and rustic life. Lined by lush trees, the long sandy shore invites you to sit back and let the waves lap at your feet. Apart from being tranquil and less-crowded, another highlight of the beach is that it is the nesting site for Olive Ridley turtles, making it a great spot for nature lovers. Pick from one of the few shacks here to tuck into a filling meal.
7. Velsao Beach
Quiet and deserted, Velsao Beach is another option to consider if you’re on the lookout for hidden beaches in Goa. With very few shacks or tourists to disrupt your solitude, you can walk along the broad sandy strip of the beach and gaze out at the sea while the sun sets. You will also find plenty of seashells to collect while strolling on the golden yellow sand. Traditional fishing is carried out here by local fishermen. Take your food and beer along, and make a picnic out of it if you feel like spending the day there (make sure you don’t litter the beach though). While you’re at it, you can also visit Three Kings Chapel which is located a couple of kilometres away.
8. Cola Beach
The sun, sea, sand, lush greenery and serene vibes – what more could you ask for in a Goan beach? Bringing all this together, Cola Beach is one of the hidden beaches in Goa. While you won’t find any signboards leading you here, it is easily accessible from Palolem Beach and Agonda Beach. Lounge about in the shade of the palm trees lining the beach or venture into the water for a dip. There’s also a freshwater lagoon nearby where you can swim about.
9. Betul Beach
With splendid views and tranquil surroundings, Betul Beach is great when you want to take a break from the crowded beaches and tourist spots. With rocks, hills and greenery added to the mix, the place is bound to delight you. This is also where you can watch the Sal River draining into the Arabian Sea. For a more rustic experience, you can get a glimpse of the village life here or go fishing even.
10. Hollant Beach
A perfect place to witness the sunrise in Goa, Hollant Beach is one of the most beautiful and hidden beaches in Goa. With the minimal danger of underwater current, it is also a safe spot to indulge in some swimming, away from tourists. Look out during high tides because the beach may seem to almost disappear since it’s really small. There are no restaurants or shacks nearby, so take some food and beach mats along and make a day of it.
Now that you know some of the hidden beaches in Goa, go on and explore the sunshine state’s lesser-known side.
