South Goa Beaches: 15 Best Beaches In South Goa To Visit At Least Once

Cabo De Rama Beach is a lesser-known beach in Goa, rarely visited by anyone except a few locals. It's recommended for 'me time' days or private picnic feels. Once here, Cabo De Rama Fort can be seen on the hill behind (you need to hike through and explore it). This beach is a bit rocky (the rocks appear and disappear with the tide), but still pretty suitable for a swim. It's a place where nature, history, and serenity converge.

Where To Eat: For food, try Dine at the Cape Goa for beachfront dining or The Cape, known for fresh seafood.

How To Reach: To reach here, you can drive 28 km from Palolem or 30 km from Margao—public transport is sparse, so renting a scooter or car is ideal. 

Where To Stay: If you're looking to stay for a night, The Cape Goa also has beautiful, luxurious and oh-so-romantic cottages.

Cola Beach is another serene spot along the coastline, and most would testify that it is undoubtedly one of South Goa's best beaches. Be prepared, though, for a small hike through the jungle by the cliffside. Since we're not accustomed to hiking to reach a beach, it might seem like a challenge, but it's absolutely worth it. Once you make it through the jungle, the beach begins to come into view, and the sight is truly extraordinary. Cola Beach is famous for its beautiful lagoon, which adds to the attraction, making you want to pitch a tent and spend your days here.

Pro Tip: In this beautiful lagoon, you can also try your hand at Kayaking!

How To Reach: Although it is well connected to other South Goa beaches, it still requires a tricky trek down the hill. You can take your own trans port or opt for a boat ride from Agonda.

Where To Eat: Blue Lagoon Restaurant and Fatima's Corner

Where To Stay: There are two premium resorts here if you want more luxurious accommodation. Dwarka Beach Resort is our favourite. Or, if you are willing to splurge some more, blindly book your stay at Cola Beach Resort & sip your wine while relaxing in your private outdoor jacuzzi! 

LBB Tip: Avoid this beach in the monsoons as the trek becomes risky and treacherous, and most places are shut. 

The Butterfly Beach is another one of the South Goa beaches with absolutely no infrastructure, making it a beautiful and private spot. It is accessible by boat from Palolem or Agonda beaches or you can take a short hike to reach here. It's the perfect secret spot to have that overnight camping trip or a cosy picnic. Nestled between two hills with a thick jungle (like the wings of a butterfly!), this beach is like a cove with golden sands and the sunsets from here are just magnificent. This beach is loved by Goa regulars for its secret parties that happen occasionally. How does this not sound like one of the nicest beaches in the South? 

How To Reach: Take a boat from Palolem or Agonda or trek through the forest from Leopard Valley (approx. 1.5 hours).

Galgibaga Beach is a pristine, white-sand beach, and it is also popular for being the place to watch the Olive Ridley Turtles come to nest. So, do not disturb their nesting period, but just watch the beauty of Mother Nature unfold. Be warned that the forest authorities have someone here to ensure that their habitat is not disturbed. Galgibaga also features a lagoon, along with a decent number of accommodation and dining options, so you can definitely stay for a weekend or more here. It also helps that this South Goa beach is open to everyone throughout the year.

How To Reach: You can drive to Galgibaga by crossing Palolem, as it's just 10 kilometres away. 

Where To Stay: Casa Galgibaga is a stunning property to stay. Remember, though, that even though it's one of the best beaches in South Goa, it does become quiet during the monsoons, so plan your vacation accordingly.

Where To Eat: Just doing a day-long road trip? Grab lunch at Holy Turtle Cafe on the beach. If you're heading straight from the airport, it's about 70-plus kilometres away. 

Agonda Beach is no longer a secret, but that doesn't change the fact that it is a beautiful and clean beach. This beach in South Goa has become popular lately for its good mix of quiet and lively areas, with strings of shops, eateries, and resorts. A great option to stay at for a couple of days, this one has enough for the children as well. Live music, hip bars, chic boutiques, and vegan cafes... the whole atmosphere here is touristy, but it helps that it's still not as commercial as others.

How To Reach: To reach Agonda Beach, drive south from Margao for about 35 km, or take a bus or taxi directly from Palolem or Canacona.

Where To Stay: Our favourite places to stay here include Simrose, Agonda White Sand, The White and H2O when we're feeling a little indulgent. You can also check out Zest's eco huts, Fatima and Maria Paulo's guesthouse, all of which are clean and relatively affordable.

Where To Eat: When here, do check out Zest, Kopi Desa and Jaali Cafe & Boutique. 

LBB Tip: Remember that all the beach resorts/stays are pricey, and a lot of the smaller places to hang out and stay are shut during monsoons. 

For those seeking white sands without the rustic, secluded atmosphere, this is one of the finest beaches in South Goa. With enough resorts to pick from (like Alila Diwa) and gorgeous homestays (hello, Vivenda Dos Palhacos), you can easily spend a couple of days here with your SO, family or friends. Water sports abound with banana rides and dolphin spotting, and shacks line the beach to ensure there's never a dull moment.

How To Reach: Easily accessible by car or taxi—just 10 km from Margao and well-connected by road.

Where To Stay: Stay at Alila Diwa Goa (luxury), The Majorda Beach Resort, or local homestays for a quieter experience.

Where To Eat: We also suggest grabbing a nice Italian dinner at Salute nearby and lunch at the ever-so-loved Zeebop By The Sea. One evening, if you have the time, visit this local bakery for fresh poi and pick up a Feni to get a taste of real Goa. 

While not as undiscovered as it was a few decades ago, Palolem Beach is one of South Goa's most buzzing beaches. If you're travelling with children or in a group and intend to go bar-hopping, shack-chilling, surfing, and on boat rides, we recommend visiting this beach down South. With a whole slew of restaurants (Magic Italy, Dropadi, Little World, Ciarin's, Zest Cafe and more) and our favourite island bar, where we often go to watch the sun go down, it's a good buzz to Agonda's quiet. They're both 20 minutes away from each other, and great bets if you want to live the beach life in all its fun and sun-soaked frenzy.

How To Reach: Private transport or public transport both can be taken here.

While many people talk about Cavelossim Beach, few know that Mobor is just a couple of minutes away. Possibly the cleanest beach in South Goa, Mobor remains a stretch of peaceful sun, sand and solace for people staying at The Leela or Holiday Inn. That said, if you're staying in the vicinity, feel free to walk up here in search of beer or water sports, and you won't be disappointed.

How To Reach: This stretch is about 30 km from the Goa airport and a good bet if you're doing a quick Goa getaway and not keen on driving up too far South. 

Where To Stay: The Leela or Holiday Inn

With a few shacks dotted across the beachfront, this South Goa beach comes to life after October (peak season). It is recommended for those who like a bit of peace with the side order of pina coladas. Go jet skiing or parasailing, but don't go here expecting a crazy influx of water sports or a crowd that's become synonymous with the likes of Colva. This beach in South Goa has become a sweet spot between civilisation and rustic goodness. During monsoons, Utorda beach becomes dramatic with dark clouds looming and rain lashing down. 

How To Reach: It is just 15–20 minutes by car from Margao or 30 minutes from Dabolim Airport — easily accessible via road.

Where To Stay: The Kenilworth Resort, Planet Hollywood, or the more serene Jasminn South Goa.

Where To Eat: Dine at Zeebop by the Sea for fresh seafood, or grab snacks and cocktails at nearby beach shacks like Pedro's.

White sand, orange-hued skies, and a peaceful stretch of beach - that’s Benaulim for you. Bring your journal and write your heart out in the space offered here. The beach provides a variety of shacks serving fresh seafood and drinks, and in the evenings, you can enjoy live music at some of the shacks. It’s also a great spot for water sports like parasailing and jet-skiing. It is ideal for families and couples looking for a peaceful yet lively environment.

How To Reach: It’s just 7 km from Margao, making it an easy ride by bike.

Where To Eat: For a fantastic meal, we recommend Cavatina, where traditional Goan dishes are given a modern twist, or you can head to The Southern Deck if you’re in the mood to learn Bachata while enjoying their delicious cocktails.

Betalbatim Beach is a fantastic location for swimming and was selected for the Goa Swimathon in 2023. Its golden sands and relatively quiet atmosphere make it perfect for a relaxing day by the sea. Locals refer to it as "Sunset Beach" because the evening views here are truly spectacular. While dining options are limited, you can easily find more choices by heading to Colva or Majorda Beach, which are nearby.

How To Reach: To get to Betalbatim Beach, drive about 8 km south from Margao towards Colva, or take a local bus or taxi from Margao. The beach is conveniently accessible by road and is well-signposted.

Where To Eat: Martin's Corner, Nazaré or Mickey's

Varca Beach is a peaceful spot with swaying palm trees, scenic lava rocks and soft, white sands. Enjoy boat trips and dolphin watching in the River Sal, or simply relish the solitude of one of Goa's cleanest beaches. The beach is bustling with several shacks where you can savour a variety of treats, including traditional seafood.

How To Reach: It's easily accessible - just drive 10 km south from Margao, or take a local bus or taxi. Parking is available nearby. It's a great place to escape the hustle and enjoy a tranquil day at the beach.

Where To Eat: Casa Varca, Barbeque Bay By Club Mahindra or Flavour Boat

This secluded South Goa Gem offers golden sands, crystal-clear waters, and a quiet atmosphere that is ideal for relaxation and privacy. It's the kind of place you go to to be unbothered and just enjoy the nature around you in all its glory. You can sit here to read, write or journal as there are only a few bars or restaurants around. With no water sports or noisy shacks, it offers the kind of stillness that's hard to find. 

How To Reach: It is a 10 to 15 minute drive away from Galgibaga or Palolem by car, scooter or taxi.

Where To Stay: You can check out Talpona Paradise Beach House if you plan to stay here for a day or two.

If you have never visited Palolem beach before it somewhat commercialised, don't worry, Patnem beach will give you the same energy. Just south of Palolem, it's a quieter, more relaxed sibling that offers wellness cafes, yoga retreats and colourful beach huts. Expect to slow down here and just enjoy the present moment. The restaurants here are a bit overpriced, but definitely worth it if you want the peace and quiet. 

How To Reach: It's just 10 minutes away from Palolem beach, so you can take a taxi or private transport

Where To Stay: Check out Patnem Dwarka or Om Shanti Beach Stay

Where To Eat: Head to Nada Brahma for vegan meals or Jaali Café for stylish brunches.

Nestled between Colva and Benaulim, Sernabatim Beach is a hidden gem that offers the same golden sand as its counterparts but with significantly more peace and quiet. It's ideal for swimming, relaxing, recapturing and even spotting dolphins (if you're lucky, of course). It is one of the cleanest and most peaceful beaches in South Goa, which can feel like a private beach on most days. 

How To Reach: It's approximately 2 kms from the main road and central Benaulim and easily reachable by car, bike, scooty or taxi.

Where To Eat: People have raved about the hospitality and food at White Crab Beach Shack and Furtados.

Where To Stay: Hotels closest to this beach are typically located in Benaulim or Colva.

If you venture inland, South Goa reveals its lush, green heart. It's like scrolling through a Pinterest board of fields, coconut groves, and charming villages, where life moves at a deliberate and unhurried pace. Keep an eye out for some culture as the Portuguese influence is still very much alive here, with colonial architecture standing as quiet, elegant reminders of a bygone era, like retro filters over a modern landscape. For all you foodies, we have a treasure trove of the best restaurants along the southern stretch of Goa. Savour the best dishes and thank us later!