Calangute Beach

Beaches

Goa

28°C / Clear

History
Places to visit
How to reach

Known as the Queen of the Beaches, Calangute beach is the longest beach in Goa and is also the busiest and the most popular among all the beaches in Goa. The days and nights at Calangute beach are equally alive and filled with interesting fun activities that will make you forget the hustle-bustle of city life for a while!

A day at Calangute starts with a mystical sunrise, maneuvering your way through the sea waves, relaxing by the shore, indulging in water sports, relishing the seafood by the shacks, and dancing all night. In between all this, you will find yourself amid the most vibrant Goan culture.

Any time of the year is the best time to visit Calangute beach as it observes pleasant weather throughout owing to its coastal geographical location. You can stay at an offbeat, close-to-the-sea kind of place, or otherwise, you also have an option to stay in luxurious resorts situated nearby Calangute Beach during your visit.

History of Calangute

There are many stories behind the name of Calangute village. According to some, the village was known as Kolongutt, which later was changed to Calangute by an ancient Portuguese sailor. Some believe that the name is inspired by Goddess Kali, whom the local fisherman community used to worship. After India’s independence, it developed as a spot for hippies to hang out, and since then, it flourished as the most happening beach in Goa.

Places To Visit & Things To Do Near Calangute Beach

Calangute Beach is among the best beaches in Goa. If you are traveling to Calangute then do check out these places to visit & things to do near Calangute beach.

1. Shopping

The shacks by the beach offer delectable seafood, refreshing beverages, and a lot of stuff that you may take as souvenirs comprising pebbles, handmade bamboo accessories, seashell accessories, clothes, and boho jewelry.

2. Water Sports

Goa is not just located by the sea, but it’s also the sea of all the water sports in India. You can put on your adventure gear to indulge in some serious parasailing, speed boat ride, snorkelling, water scooter ride, jet ski, bumper boat ride, and windsurfing here at the Calangute beach.

3. Irresistibly Charming Nightlife

Some of the best pubs and bars in Goa are located close to Calangute Beach. In addition to good music and great food, you will have an amazing dining experience under the stars with the calming sound of waves crashing on the shore.

4. St. Alex Church

Built-in 1714 by the villagers, this white church is a piece of the finest architecture besides being the worship site for the local community. St. Alex Church, which fundamentally features roman architecture is known for its Cupola Falsa (Central Dome), which is made in Indian architecture style. Another intriguing fact about this church is that initially, in 1576, it was a temporary cottage structure that was built by Franciscan with palm leaves.

5. Our Lady of Piety

Built by the Portuguese in the 18th century, this church is one of the oldest in Goa. The gothic style of architecture and the grey exteriors of the church has kept the vibes of the old colonial Goa alive.

6. Kerkar Art Gallery

Kerkar art gallery is one of the most visited spots near Calangute beach. The gallery features some of the finest specimens of art, handmade sculptures, paintings, terracotta accessories, and a lot more made by local artisans and artists from across the country.

7. Baga Beach

Calangute beach is in the middle of Baga Beach and Candolim Beach. Baga beach is named after the Baga creek that flows into the Arabian Sea. The beach is filled with designer boutiques, fancy restaurants to grab a meal, tattoo parlors, palm/tarot readers, and shacks.

8. Aguada Fort

Located at the end of the Candolim beach, Aguada Fort is a 17th-century Portuguese fort with a lighthouse. Built by the Portuguese to resolve the security threats from Marathas and the Dutch attack. This laterite stone-built fort has been designed in military-style with strategically located walls, bastions, galleries, and the capacity to store gallons of freshwater.

How to Reach Calangute Beach

Goa is nearly 1900km via NH 48, 586km via AH 47, 2000km via NH 16, and 560km via NH 48from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru, respectively. Goa is connected to all the other states of the country through airways, railways, and roadways. Listed below is a compilation of all the best routes and travel modes that you may consider arriving here.

By Air

Dabolim International Airport is the only airport in Goa that serves the air travel needs of locals and tourists arriving from other cities and countries. The airport manages the arrival and departure of domestic and international non-stop/connecting flights.

From Delhi - Board GoAir, AirAsia, Vistara, or IndiGo flight. The airfare starts from INR 5,000
From Mumbai - Board Vistara, SpiceJet, or AirIndia flight. The airfare starts from INR 2900
From Kolkata - Board GoAir or IndiGo flight. The airfare starts from INR 4,000
From Bengaluru - Board AirAsia or IndiGo flight. The airfare starts from INR 3,000

By Train

Thivim station is the nearest railway station to reach Calangute Beach. From the station, you may get on a taxi to reach the beach, which is nearly 18km away via Calangute Mapusa road.

Delhi - Board MNGLA LKSDP SPL from Delhi and deboard at Thivim Station
Mumbai - Board MAO Festival SPL from C Shivaji MAH Terminus and deboard at Thivim Station

By Road

Goa is well connected to nearby cities via roadways hence, you can get behind the wheels and drive straight to Calangute beach. You may also get on tourist buses that run regularly from adjoining cities to Goa. Listed below is the estimate of distance in kilometers and the fastest route to take if you are arriving from the nearby cities.