A guide to the best beaches in Candolim
The peaceful town of Candolim has its very own chilled-out beach that makes up part of the eight-kilometre stretch of sand in northern Goa. Alongside the town’s namesake beach, visitors here are just a stone’s throw away from some of India’s best loved coastal hotspots, providing more things to do and upbeat atmospheres. There are also nearby beaches that are even quieter than Candolim.
Candolim Beach
Candolim’s beach offers plenty of beachside accommodation and is easy to access no matter where in the village you stay on your holiday to Goa. Sinquerim Beach is connected to the south, while on the other side is Calangute beach – one of the most popular and most crowded in the area. By comparison, this stretch of sand is a little less bustling and may be a better option for families looking for some extra space to paddle and play.
Calangute Beach
Situated at the northern end of Candolim Beach, Calangute Beach is perhaps one of the most famous stretches of sand that Goa holidays have to offer. With watersports opportunities galore and plenty of amenities and refreshments available close to the shoreline, it’s ideal for families and is regarded as one of the safest spots in the area for children to explore the water.
The size and cleanliness of this beach combine to make it incredibly popular with both locals and tourists. Look past the crowds though, and visitors here are rewarded with a warm and friendly beach, lined with rugged shacks serving a selection of refreshing drinks and snacks.
Sinquerim Beach
Water skiing, parasailing and scuba diving are just some of the activities available on this sublime stretch of rich, golden sand. Sinquerim Beach is one of Goa’s best kept secrets, yet it’s one of the prettiest beaches around and is easy to reach by foot from the centre of Candolim.
Visitors here can enjoy some of the most beautiful sunsets across the whole of Goa, while welcoming beachside shacks make it possible to lie back with a cocktail and enjoy the views in peace – on one of the many beach beds, of course.
Coco Beach
Small in size but big in personality, Coco Beach perfectly illustrates the easy-going way of life that visitors to Candolim can enjoy. It’s one of the lesser known beaches in the area, making it a popular choice for locals looking for a quiet spot away from the more tourist-led areas. That doesn’t mean you’ll feel out of place here though, as Coco Beach is renowned for having a friendly, welcoming vibe.
There’s a popular restaurant and bar located just a short walk from the sand, while those lucky enough can watch dolphins frolicking in the distant blue waters. Due to its size there are fewer watersports available than at some of the larger beaches in the area, although snorkelling continues to be a popular pastime and gives visitors the chance to take a closer look at the vast array of colourful underwater wildlife here.
Kegdole Beach
Kegdole Beach is remarkably humble in appearance, but don’t let that keep you away. This unassuming stretch of sand is one of the most peaceful in the local area, making it a popular choice for both sunbathers and families with young children who will just love to paddle in the shallow water.
On the whole, there may not be much on offer by the way of activities, but it’s the ideal retreat for those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of some of the larger beaches in the area.