Introduction

Compared to other beaches in North Goa, Candolim is quieter owing to the fact that they aren’t many resorts around the beach. About 15 kilometers (9 miles) from Goa’s capital city, Panaji, the beach receives an assortment of people taking a break after visiting Rajneesh Ashram in Pune, backpackers and nature lovers. In fact, Candolim Beach is the longest and quietest part of the northern stretch. Enjoy a stroll on the beach, lounge on its golden sand and soak up the sun or take a refreshing dip. After relaxing on the beach, head to a shack set back on the dunes, and savor some deep sea delights complemented by a tipple of Feni.

A sojourn on Candolim Beach brings you up close with the local villagers who live in rustic huts along the beach, fish for a living, and thrive on fish curry and steamed rice. The beach begins at the foot of Goa’s most ancient Portuguese bastion, Fort Aguada, and runs into the Calangute stretch. The Candolim part of the beach is long and straight, punctuated by scrub-covered dunes. A dispersed village with no real center, Candolim Beach is quite peaceful compared to other beaches in Goa. There are many colorful legends and folklore associated with Candolim Beach believed to be the birthplace of Abbe Faria, a Goan freedom fighter and the father of Hypnotism.

You can very club your trip to Candolim Beach with a visit to Fort Aguada and Calangute Beach, located nearby. Take photographs, meet the locals, enjoy a swim, feast on a meal of seafood delicacies and spend leisurely hours soaking up the sun. Candolim is truly an idyllic sand-and-sand getaway in Goa.

Special Attributes

It is a quiet and peaceful beach, close to Fort Aguada and Calangute Beach.

Nuisance

The site is very peaceful and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Dress is whatever you find comfortable.

Connectivity

You can take a bus to Candolim from Mapusa and Calangute. The nearest interstate bus station is at Mapusa, which is the KTC bus station. Buses from Panjim stop frequently at the bus stand opposite Casa Sea Shell. A few also continue south to Fort Aguada Beach Resort. You can even hire a taxi or motorcycle taxi available easily.

Enjoyed by

Families, Backpackers, Honeymooners, Senior citizens, especially nature lovers

Exposure

You will be under the open sky of Goa. The sun can get harsh near afternoon, so you are advised to carry sunshades, a sun block cream and a bottle of drinking water.

Avoidable Season

March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November

Facilities

You can enjoy sunbathing, shop for trinkets, clothes, feast on seafood, and simply relax and enjoy the scenery.

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction.

Tip

The shoreline is not very fit for swimming due to strong undercurrents. Candolim is best explored during the day since there is not much nightlife around.

Type of site

Picturesque North Goan beach