Calangute Beach is a must-see for any Indian or global traveller, regardless of their preferred mode of transportation. The beach is the largest in North Goa and attracts visitors from all over the world. Calangute Beach, which is just 15 kilometres from the capital city of Panjim, is affectionately referred to as the “Queen of Beaches.” It is flanked by Candolim village to the south and the Baga Beach crossroads to the north.
In Goa, the Calangute Beach is one of the most crowded and commercially oriented beaches. The Calangute Beach’s proximity to the Candolim and Baga beaches adds to its popularity. Over the years, the Calangute Beach has become a popular destination for tourists and backpackers from around the world. Since this place is known for its own distinct charm, this is why. Throughout the day and night, the place is filled with the constant hum of pop and rock music. The numerous shacks, shops, and beach restaurants that dot the shoeline of Calangute Beach offer a wide variety of street food and seafood, making it a local favourite. It’s no surprise that tourists flock to the clubs for their hip music, cool environments, beer, creative cocktails, and more.
For tourists, Calangute Beach in the Indian state of Goa is a must-visit destination because of the shacks, souvenir shops, and other stalls that line the beachfront selling everything from beer to trinkets. Huge showrooms filled with handicrafts from the Himalayas and other exotic locations line the main road leading to Anjuna in this area. Calangute Beach is a great place to spend time with friends and family because it exhibits the unique Goan beach culture. There are numerous restaurants, shacks, and clubs lining the beach in North Goa. A number of water sports are available in Calangute, including parasailing and water surfing, as well as banana rides and jet-skiing. In Calangute Beach, there are wild parties and live music for the night owls.
Four miles long, the beach is surrounded by palm and coconut trees and is just nine miles from the city of Panaji. With Candolim village to the south and the Baga crossroads north, Calangute Beach is Goa’s main tourist attraction. There are numerous stalls selling everything from beer to pawns at Calangute Beach, a popular tourist destination. The popularity of the beach in Goa is enhanced by all of these factors, making it a must-see destination. Since Calangute is a nature-dream lover’s destination because of its breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes and serene atmosphere, it’s an excellent choice for beach vacations.
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Location of Calangute Beach
Calangute Beach is North Goa’s largest and most popular tourist destination, and it’s only 14 kilometres from the Panjim Kadamba Bus Station, 10 kilometres from Mapusa, and 41 kilometres from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station. Goa Tourism often uses images of the beach in their advertising.
A wide variety of scenery can be seen along this coast, which includes cliffs, rocks, and soft golden sand. Calangute Beach is a one-stop shop for all kinds of fun. Calangute Beach offers a variety of activities for all types of visitors, from families and singles to couples and groups of friends looking for some peace and quiet to more active pursuits. There are numerous beach shacks and restaurants on Calangute Beach, making it a popular vacation spot for locals and tourists alike. So if you’re planning a trip to Goa, Calangute Beach is a must-see.
How to reach Calangute Beach
Airways
You can fly to major cities and countries around the world from Dabolim Airport, which is 40 kilometres away.
Railways
Karmali, the nearest railway station in Goa, is 25 kilometres away from Calangute.
Roadways
Buses from Pune, Ahmedabad, and Bangalore are available. Taxis can be taken from Madgaon and Panaji, as well.
Right time to visit Calangute Beach
Late October to early February is the best time to visit Calangute beach in Goa. Despite the fact that this beach can be visited at any time of year, these months are the most ideal. It’s because these months fall right between the monsoon and summer months, when the weather is more pleasant. Overcast skies and rough seas are common during the monsoon season, making it unsuitable for most water sports. It is also difficult to enjoy the beach in the summer because of the heat and humidity.
Activities to do at Calangute Beach
Calangute beach is a popular destination for tourists on a Goa vacation because it offers a wide range of activities, from water sports to shopping to sightseeing to adventure activities. Check out these Calangute Beach activities that will leave you with a lifetime of fond memories if you haven’t already done so.
You can find many beach restaurants, most with their own private area with lounge chairs near the water. Calangute is a more family-friendly destination than Baga, which is popular with tourists who want to drink, dance, and party. There is little nightlife in Calangute, as night clubs and bars close at 10 pm, making the area more family-friendly.
Tourists flock to the beach because of the abundance of restaurants, clubs, and shopping opportunities. It is also known for its water sports activities in Calangute. One can experience Parasailing, water surfing, banana ride and jet-ski.
History of Calangute Beach
The Portuguese sailors who renamed the Calangute Beach from its former name of Kolongutt Beach many years ago are credited with giving the area its current name. A popular legend has it that the local fishermen in the area revered and worshipped the goddess Kali, and thus named the beach Calangute after her. Because the village is surrounded by coconut trees, the word “Konvallo-Ghott” (pit of the coconut tree) could be the origin of the name.
Nightlife at Calangute Beach
After the sun goes down, one of the most popular things to do on Goa’s Calangute Beach is to attend one of the many parties being held there. You’ll find everything you need for a memorable night here, from crazy dancing to psychedelic music to delicious drinks to scrumptious food. The following are some of the most popular gathering spots:
- Tio Tilly’s Bar and Kitchen, which has a full bar, a smoking area, board games, live music and outdoor seating. It’s the perfect place to go for a wild night out.
- Goan, Continental, North Indian, and Chinese cuisines can be sampled at Carvalho’s, where cocktails and mocktails are served alongside a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
- If you’re looking for a laid-back night out, Spice It is the place to be, with a full bar, outdoor seating, nightlife and a smoking area all at your disposal.
These are just a few of the most popular spots in the city, but there are many more.
Accommodation at Calangute Beach
Calangute offers a wide range of lodging options. Resorts with excellent amenities can be found at a wide range of price points, from luxury to mid-priced lodgings. As a paying guest, you can get a place to stay. Resorts and hotels with luxurious amenities are available for those who prefer beach lodging. The Calangute Residency is run by the Goa tourism department, which is located right on the beach.
For those who enjoy seafood, Calangute is an excellent choice. In the town, as well as on the beach, you’ll find seafood vendors. All over Calangute, you’ll find a number of restaurants that serve cuisines from around the world. In most restaurants, vegetarian food is also available.
Shopping at Calangute Beach
Calangute Beach is a shopaholic’s paradise thanks to the numerous local shacks and outlets selling antiques, junk jewellery, sake boxes, and beachwear in the area around the beach. The flea market near the Calangute Beach sells handicrafts made in Kashmir, Tibet, Indonesia, and Rajasthan, as well as other exotic locales.
The Fisherman’s Wharf
Goa’s largest fish market, the Calangute Naikwadi Fish Market, is located here. In addition to king prawns, mackerel and fresh crab, one can also find a wide variety of fish at this restaurant.
The Saturday Market
Calangute’s Post Office is just a few blocks away. A wide variety of groceries, meat, vegetables and fish can be purchased here. Shops specialising in both pottery and textiles can also be found here.
Adventure activities at Calangute Beach
Calangute Beach has a plethora of water sports to choose from, making it one of the most exciting places to visit.
Banana ride
Float on the sea in a banana-shaped boat while basking in the rays of the sun! When the opportunity presents itself, dive into the water and make new memories.
Jet Ski
Jet skiing in the Arabian Sea is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. One of the most exciting activities to do on Calangute Beach is to go parasailing!
Parasailing
Parasailing in Calangute Beach is an exhilarating and exhilarating experience, and it’s a great way to get in touch with your inner adventurer.
Fishing, kayaking, sailing, windsurfing, water snorkelling, and water skiing are some of the other fun activities you can partake in while you’re there. Aside from angling on the island, you can also participate in activities like dolphin spotting and crocodile watching.
Nearby Attractions
- In the middle of the sea, a dark-bricked road leads to an Aguada Fort that looks like something out of a movie. At the mouth of the Mandovi River and Arabian Sea is Aguada Fort, a fort built in Portuguese style of architecture.
- Baga Beach is a more developed beach than Calangute’s, making it a quieter alternative. It is well-known throughout Goa for having one of the most exciting nightlife scenes.
- The Kerkar Art Gallery is one of the most popular art galleries in North Goa, and it houses Subodh Kerkar’s terracotta paintings, sculptures, and other collectibles.
- With a white-colored exterior, dome-like towers, as well as a rococo pulpit decorated with floral motifs and scrollwork, the Catholic Church exudes a sense of peace and tranquilly, making it an ideal place to worship.
- One of Calangute’s best-known churches, Our Lady of Piety sits atop a hill overlooking the beach and the ocean.