Introduction

About 25 kilometers (16 miles) from Panjim in North Goa, the Vagator Beach is popular with sunbathers who come here for its white sands and pristine beauty. In proximity to the beach is the popular Chapora Fort on the southern headland of the Chapora River. This 17th century fort built by Adil Shah has a commanding view of the Vagator Beach and the nearby Anjuna Beach. Vagator is a quaint little bay between rocky promontories and a string of small beaches, especially attractive in the early morning. An ideal place for those who wishes to spend a day under the Goan sun in solitude. A more secluded beach awaits you a little further south of the main beach, known as Little Vagator or Ozran beach. This sedate white stretch of sand is flanked by a fresh water pool, making it more idyllic. At the southern end of the beach, there is a row of makeshift cafes serving delicious seafood and traditional specialties. Besides, there are restaurants scattered along the main road and the back lanes leading to Ozran beach. You can arrive at this part of the beach by walking for about ten minutes from Big Vagator or driving to the end of the lane off the main Chapora-Anjuna road, from where a walkway drops sharply down to a spotless sandy beach.

After a stroll on the beach, proceed to the Chapora village that has beautiful thatched homesteads under the shade of swaying palms. Amble down the village, watch fishermen carry home heavy fishing nets, and kids play among the dry docked boats. It is a great opportunity to meet the locals and soak up the Goan way of life. If you intend spending a night at this village, you can stay up at one of the many guesthouses lining the main road, though most lodging options are long stay houses in the woods. Besides, there are some sprawling beach resorts. Explore the area around the beach for its quaint elegance, complete with palm fringed sidewalks, sleepy farmhouses and sprawling Portuguese mansions.

As to shopping, the small fishing village of Vagator doesn’t have very much to offer except a handful of souvenir shops selling traditional handicraft, clothes and antiques. Don’t forget to take back some interesting and uniquely Goan artifacts such as candelabras made of fine blue china, woven baskets and beautiful earthen pots. And if take to sweetmeats, do buy some ‘Bebinca’, a popular local delicacy cooked lovingly and skillfully by adding layers upon layers of coconut egg custard flavored with nutmeg. Vagator presents to you Goa from a different perspective.

Special Attributes

The southern end of Vagator is a pristine white sandy stretch complete with a fresh water lagoon, and is greatly secluded.

Nuisance

The site is very peaceful and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Dress is whatever you find comfortable.

Connectivity

There is a decent bus service from Mapusa and Calangute Beach to Vagator Beach. To get here from Panaji, you will have to first take a bus to Mapusa. The bus stand for buses to Mapusa is on the main road which is about a kilometer from the beach. The nearest interstate bus station is at Mapusa, the KTC bus station. To get here from Calangute or Baga, you are advised to hire a taxi or motorcycle taxi, as there are no direct buses.

Enjoyed by

Families, Honeymooners, Backpackers, Senior Citizens

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

April, May, June, July, August

Facilities

You can explore Chapora Fort and Chapora Village on the same day, and continue to Anjuna which is only a few miles away.

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction.

Tip

This beach is better explored in the earlier part of the day, as it looks very attractive in the morning hours, besides there is not much nightlife around here. The beach is not ideal for swimming.

Type of site

A picturesque beach in North Goa