Nestled along the beachy shores of North Goa, Calangute Beach offers a perfect destination for summer vacation in Goa. It attracts tourists from the country and beyond borders for relaxation and adventure. Beyond its scenic beauty, the beach offers an array of watersports and adventurous activities to be performed at the beach. Calangute Beach with its beachside dining captivates numerous visitors to come and dine by the beach. The place seemed to be a former ‘Hippie Hub’ and a gateway to Goa’s culture and the best culinary delights. Calangute Beach offers a vibrant nightlife that promises you a fabulous experience.
History Of Calangute Beach
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Calangute Beach has a history that can be traced back several centuries. History marks Calangute as a bustling fishing village inhabited by the local Hindu Community. The town seems to have derived its name from the Konkani word ‘Kalyangutti’, a city of art. This village back then was known for its beautiful coconut trees and idyllic setting across the Arabian Sea. During the 16th Century, the Portuguese emphasised their influence over Calangute and other regions of Goa for at least four centuries. The Portuguese influence was seen in the architectural style of churches and local cuisine.
In the mid-20th Century, Calangute Beach gained international significance and became a hub for hippies seeking relaxation and fun. This beach is a melting pot of cultures that welcomes tourists worldwide. Tourists often come to enjoy its expansive coastline. Today, Calangute Beach continues to maintain its allure and charm.
Must Read: Best Cafes In Goa
Nearby Tourist Spots To Calangute Beach
Known as the “Queen of Beaches,” Calangute Becah is one of the most popular and lively beaches in Goa. With its golden sands, clear waters, and various shacks and restaurants serving delicious seafood, it’s the perfect spot for sunbathing and people-watching.
1. Dona Paula
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Dona Paula is a beach and a tourist spot that offers mesmerising scenery to its visitors. This place is located about 20 km from Calangute Beach. Dona Paula offers panoramic views of the Arabian Sea and a tragic confluence of the two rivers, Mandovi and Zuari. This place is dedicated to a local sad love story with peaceful, lush green surroundings. Dona Paula invites its visitors to have a ride on the boat cruises that leave you with a lasting impression. The sunset views are worth witnessing. Nearby cafes and restaurants offer delightful seafood and Goan cuisine.
Location: Dona Paula, Panaji, Goa 403004
Distance From Calangute Beach: 20 km
2. Fort Aguada
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Aguada Fort is a 17th-century fort built by Portuguese Rulers that overlooks the Arabian Sea. This fort was primarily constructed to defend Goa from the Dutch and Marathas invasions. It also served as a crucial defence post during the Colonial Era. The fort’s name, Aguada, refers to the freshwater spring. Visitors can glance through the well-preserved fortifications, cannons, and iconic lighthouses, which offer broad vistas of the Arabian Sea. The lighthouse seems to have been built in the 19th century and still gives visitors a glimpse of Goa’s maritime history.
Location: Fort Aguada Rd, Aguada Fort Area, Candolim, Goa 403515
Distance From Calangute Beach: 4.5 km
Suggested Read: Talpona Beach
3. Sinquerim Beach
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Sinquerim Beach is located adjacent to Fort Aguada in Calangute. This beach is known for its pristine sands, clear water and tranquil atmosphere built around it. This place is much less crowded than Calangute Beach and Baga Beach, making it an ideal destination for tourists to relax and find solitude. A more comprehensive array of water sports activities like parasailing, banana boat rides, jet skiing and windsurfing are offered to all those seeking adventure and thrill by the shores of this beach. All the boat trips commence from here. The place hosts several dolphin-watching excursions that are worth witnessing.
Location: Sinquerim, Candolim, Goa 403515
Distance From Calangute Beach: 6.4 km
Things To Do At Calangute Beach
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Many international and domestic tourists visit Goa each year because of its white-sand beaches, active nightlife, places of worship, and World Heritage-listed architecture.
Beach Shacks and Restaurants: The beachfront at Calangute is lined up with numerous beach shacks and restaurants that offer an array of Goan, Indian and International Cuisines. Freshly prepared seafood delicacies like prawn curry, fish fry and crab masala are so mouthwatering that they leave you with a lasting impression.
Shopping: The beach is surrounded by bustling markets and pristine shops where souvenirs, clothes, jewellery and handicrafts are available at reasonable rates. These shops also have a bucket full of items made with seashells. The nearby Calangute Market Square and Tibetan Market are popular shopping spots, too.
Dolphin Watching: Calangute Beach is renowned for its dolphin-watching excursion. Visitors can spot playful dolphins in their natural habitat. These boat trips depart early in the morning and provide a memorable experience to nature lovers.
Suggested Read: Goa With Kids
Restaurants Near Calangute Beach
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The staple food of Goa is rice and fish curry. Most dishes incorporate coconuts, rice, fish, pork, meat and local spices like kokum. The cuisine of Goa is mainly dominated by seafood, which includes shark, tuna, pomfret, and mackerel fish.
Fisherman’s Wharf: Fisherman’s Wharf offers an outdoor seating area and an ambience with colourful decor. This place is famous for its Goan cuisine and seafood dishes like Butter Garlic Calamari, goat prawn curry, and Lobster Thermador.
Souza Lobo: Souza Lobo is a legendary beachfront restaurant offering stunning views of the Arabian Sea. It has been a favourite dining spot since 1932 and is known for its rustic charm. The specialities of Souza Lobo are Prawn Balchao and Pork Vindaloo.
Fiesta: Fiesta is widely known for its live music performances. It offers a selection of cocktails, beers, and mocktails, and the highly recommended dishes are Chicken Xacuti, Butter Chicken, and Paneer Tikka.
Further Read: Boutique Hotels In Goa
Calangute Beach optimises the spirit of Goa with a blend of natural beauty, scenic environments, and mouth-watering dishes. It captivates the tourists with its cultural vibrancy, too. The beach offers an array of experiences, from basking in the sun to exploring the bustling markets of the area. Its historical significance as a hub for Hippies has converted this place into a modern-day tourist spot in Goa that retains its charm. Whether exploring the nearby tourist attractions or marvelling at this peaceful site, your trip to Goa promises an enriching experience. It is one of Goa’s iconic destinations.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Calangute Beach
What is special about Calangute Beach?
Calangute Beach is one of the busiest commercial beaches in North Goa. Shacks and clubs on the seashore serve cocktails, beer and Goan cuisine. The beach is known for its water sports activities like parasailing and banana boat rides.
Is Calangute in North or South Goa?
Calangute is a small town that is located in the North Goa district of the Indian State of Goa. This village is known for its beach, Calangute Beach, the largest beach in North Goa. Calangute Beach is a popular tourist destination.
Which beach is better, Baga or Calangute?
Where Calangute Beach ends, Baga Beach starts. Baga Beach is comparatively less crowded and better developed. It offers more water activities and dining options than Calangute Beach.
Which beach is called Queen of Goa?
Calangute Beach is called the Queen of Goa. Tourists head to this place after they land in Goa. This beach has a sea coast of 7 km. It is known as the ‘Queen of Beaches’ by the locals in Goa.
Which beach is dangerous in Goa?
One of the most dangerous beaches in Goa is Colva Beach. This beach is known for its strong currents, leading to unpleasant incidents. Visitors shall always pay attention to the lifeguard’s instructions.
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