Goa is the laziest place on the globe I’ve ever been. Absolutely. The whole state has an extremely laid-back vibe that you tend to forget everything about your life before Goa.
Probably it’s the sunny days and chilled nights, the energising yoga sessions on the beach, the freedom seeker cosmopolitan crowd on the roads with their rented bikes or the cheap alcohol. Whatever. There is certainly something in the air that makes the place utterly different from other coastal areas I had been earlier.
Before I arrived to this Western paradise in India sure I had made my homework and soaked-in as much information as I could but the ambiance I encountered there is just something insane that no photos, no guidebooks and no articles could illustrate in its entirety. So neither I am trying to do that. Let me just say that at times I was standing confused if I was still in India or secretly jetted-off somewhere far over the rainbow.
Soon after our arrival my travel-buddy, my two-wheeler and I decided to go for some beach hunt and spend each day on different sands. That’s how we met some crazy folks, lots of activities and mind-blowing shores out there.
#5. Candolim – your regular day at the beach
Popular with tourists so don’t expect to get much peace but definitely more relaxing and less crowded than the over-touristy, no-charm-at-all Calangute beach nearby. You can get a pair of sunbed at any of the shacks at a fixed rate if you are willing to consume something while tanning. Go to Bobby’s shack for a friendly service.
Popular but loveable – Candolim beach, Goa (source: Wikimedia Commons by Adriao)
#4. Anjuna – daydreamin’ backpackers’ nirvana
Budget friendly Anjuna beach appeals to wandering souls with its low-cost guesthouses and pocket friendly bazaars. The area seems a bit shabby compared to other Northern spots but it definitely adds to the charming side of the scale. Goa’s trademark, the famous hippie infused flea market takes place here every Wednesday.
Ragged charm – Anjuna beach, Goa (source: Wikimedia Commons)
#3. Vagator – hypnotizing sunset with trance
The once wild party spot is now more quiet, however the night still holds surprises to dance and trance lovers with international DJs from around the world. Daytime the seashore is a picture perfect place with rocky linings, green forest pieces and the remnants of a 17th century Portuguese fort in the background providing just an amazing landscape when the sun goes down.
Mixed crowd – Vagator beach, Goa
Sunset fun-set – Vagator beach, Goa
#2. Mandrem – where the sea splits
We lost our way to find ourselves in the most hidden beaches of the North. We didn’t think twice before we put our towels down. Due to the high tide the sea was like meandering river in the sands split from the rest of the water. If you wanted to go for a swim you had to cross the flows. With hardly any people around if you need some time away from the Goan crowd this is your best choice on the North. Early evenings Yoga enthusiasts soothing their mind and strengthen their body in the light of the setting sun.
High-tide bliss – Mandrem beach, Goa
Lonely paradise – Mandrem beach, Goa
#1. Arambol – for those bohemian souls
If someone asks me how I’ve always imagined Goa, I would say how Arambol is. Probably because it was our last day in the exotic or as it was the day before Christmas Eve but Arambol undeniably tops my list of fave beaches not only around Goa but anywhere. If some crowd freaks you out it’s definitely not your place however the amount of people coming up here is rather manageable. The boho travelers’ destination has that cheerful and colorful atmosphere with so many fascinating faces coming down here escaping harsh winter to celebrate the Goan sun just like one happy society.
Lifeguard cruising shores – Arambol beach, Goa
Shack choice – Arambol beach, Goa
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