How To Prepare For Your First Solo Trip To Calangute Beach Goa?
So you are FINALLY planning a trip to Goa? And how can any trip to Goa be complete without a visit to North Goa’s most popular beach? Yep, we are talking about Calangute Beach, Goa. If you love beaches, then Calangute Beach Goa should be high on your priority list.
I recently returned from Goa after spending 10 days in this beautiful state. And while there is so much to see and do in Goa, only a few places left a mark. And the Queen of Beaches is one such spot.
Whether you are a newly married couple or a group of friends, find ways to let your hair down; Calangute Beach has something for everyone.
But where is Calangute Beach in Goa?
Located in North Goa between Candolim and Baga Beaches, Calangute attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world every year. In fact, during peak season, finding rooms in nearby hotels is almost impossible – but that is precisely why you can plan your trip ahead!
Today, I will talk about Calangute Beach – how to prepare for your first solo trip to the beautiful Queen of Beaches. I had an experience of a lifetime – and I would encourage everyone to travel solo at least once – and if you are worried about where to begin, Calangute Beach is a good place to start.
Which Is The Best Time To Visit Calangute Beach Goa?
So, which is the best time to visit the Queen of Beaches? The best time to visit is anytime between late October to February. During this time, the weather is very pleasant and ideal for activities.
I visited in early November, and it was perfect!
While you can visit this beach throughout the year, it is best to plan during these months. Here’s why! The months between summer and monsoon have the perfect weather to experience the best of Calangute.
While the monsoon months bring heavy rainfall in this region, the sea also acts rough and unruly. In addition, summer here is hot, humid, and uncomfortable afternoons. It is not a good time to be out on the beach – the afternoon sun tends to be very harsh, making it not a great time to be outside.
What Are The Best Ways To Reach Calangute Beach Goa?
So, which is the best way to reach Calangute Beach Goa?
| Destination | Air | Rail | Road |
| Mumbai To Goa | 1 Hour | 6 Hours | 10 Hours |
| Pune To Goa | 1 Hour | 7 Hours | 11 Hours |
| Kolkata To Goa | 7 Hours | 33 Hours | 50 Hours |
| New Delhi To Goa | 2 Hours | 25 Hours | 18 Hours |
| Bangalore To Goa | 1 hour 30 Minutes | 14 Hours | 14 Hours |
The best way to reach the Queen of Beaches is by hailing a cab from the International Airport in Goa or GOI. The Goa International Airport is your most convenient, not to mention, fastest alternative.
You can also consider pre-booking a pickup from the airport or just opt for a bus if you are looking for budget-friendly options.
By Air:
Just fly to GOI or Goa International Airport – the most convenient and accessible way to reach the Queen of Beaches.
Once you land, how to reach Calangute Beach from Goa airport?
- The fastest alternative is to take a taxi. It will take around forty minutes.
- The other option is to opt for a pre-booked airport transfer. It is convenient and reliable, especially if you aren’t traveling alone.
- Finally, you can also opt for a bus. While it might take longer, it is a cost-effective alternative, especially if traveling alone.
By Train:
So, which railway station is near to Calangute Beach Goa?
If you plan to travel by rail, take a train to Vasco Da Gama or Thivim railway station. These are the closest railway stations to the Queen of Beaches. You must opt for a pre-booked ride, a taxi, or a local bus to reach the beach, much like arriving via air.
Private cabs or taxis typically cost you 1,000/- to reach Calangute Beach from Thivim or Vasco Da Gama railway station.
Hotels In Calangute Beach Goa: Where To Stay On Calangute?
The perfect Calangute Beach Goa hotel doesn’t exist, or so we thought – but my last three trips to Calangute have proved me wrong. There are so many hotels for all kinds of travelers. If you are a fan of luxury resorts, I have got you covered. Similarly, I have also got you covered if you are looking for a budget-friendly alternative.
My point? It does not matter what you are looking for – I have found options for all types of tourists. So, without wasting time, let’s check out some of the best hotels near Calangute Beach Goa.
1. Lillywoods Zac Beach Resort (4 Stars/5):
| Address | ➼ Lillywoods, Zac Beach Resort Maddo Vaddo Calangute Beach, Calangute, Goa, 403516 |
| Phone | ➼ 076204 99271 |
| Check-in Time | ➼ 2:00 PM |
| Check-out Time | ➼ 11:00 AM |
| Price | ➼ 5K +/night (in rupees) |
Lillywoods Zac Beach Resort is perfect for fans of luxury travel, complete with a beautiful outdoor pool, free parking, and access to a private beach.
2. Sunkissed Premium Goa By WSI (4.6 Stars/5):
| Address | ➼ Plaza De Antonio, Fort Aguada Rd, Gauravaddo, Calangute, Goa 403516 |
| Phone | ➼ 083291 38441 |
| Check-in Time | ➼ 2:00 PM |
| Check-out Time | ➼ 11:00 AM |
| Price | ➼ 2.5K +/night (in rupees) |
Sunkissed Premium Goa By WSI is not very expensive, making it ideal for families and couples, especially if you are on a budget. They also have several special packages.
3. Blue Marine Resort (4.2 Stars/5):
| Address | ➼ Golden Beach Ln, Near Calangute Beach, beach umttawaddo, Calangute, Goa 403516 |
| Phone | ➼ 070579 28876 |
| Check-in Time | ➼ 1:00 PM |
| Check-out Time | ➼ 11:00 AM |
| Price | ➼ 2K +/night (in rupees) |
The best part about staying at the Blue Marine Resort is the view – it is located in front of the beautiful Mirabello Bay. What more do you really need?
4. Calangute Beach Resort (4.1 Stars/5):
| Address | ➼ Calangute Beach Rd, Umta Vaddo, Calangute, Goa 403516 |
| Check-in Time | ➼ 2:00 PM |
| Check-out Time | ➼ 11:00 AM |
| Price | ➼ 2K +/night (in rupees) |
Calangute Beach Goa is nothing without its hustle-bustle, lively spirit, and dazzling personality. Calangute Beach Resort is located in the city center – and that’s perfect!
5. Villa Theresa Beach Resort (4 Stars/5):
| Address | ➼ Beach Street, Hotel Charleston Road, Umta Vaddo, Calangute, North Goa, Goa 403516 |
| Phone | ➼ 098226 85690 |
| Check-in Time | ➼ 12:00 PM |
| Check-out Time | ➼ 10:00 AM |
| Price | ➼ 2.5K +/night (in rupees) |
Villa Theresa Beach Resort is so beautiful that one photo of this beautiful bungalow convinces you. Plus, it’s affordable, especially if traveling with a group.
6. Calangute Residency (GTDC) (4 Stars/5):
| Address | ➼ Umtav Vado, Calangute, Goa 403519 |
| Phone | ➼ 0788 789 7528 |
| Check-in Time | ➼ 12:00 PM |
| Check-out Time | ➼ 12:00 PM |
| Price | ➼ Contact For Information |
After all, you are traveling to a beach – what else do you need? Accommodation, preferably along the beach? And that’s exactly what you will find at Calangute Residency (GTDC)!
7. La Mer by Eleet Hotels (4.9 Stars/5):
| Address | ➼ 5/51, Maddo Vado, Calangute, Goa, 403516 |
| Check-in Time | ➼ 12:00 PM |
| Check-out Time | ➼ 12:00 PM |
| Price | ➼ 3K +/night (in rupees) |
Ideal for everyone seeking budget-friendly options, La Mer by Eleet Hotels is located only 3 to 5 minutes away from the popular Calangute Beach.
8. Royale Exotica Goa (4.3 Stars/5):
| Address | ➼ Royale Exotica, Maddo Waddo, Calangute, Goa 403516 |
| Phone | ➼ 0832 297 9910 |
| Check-in Time | ➼ 2:00 PM |
| Check-out Time | ➼ 5:00 PM |
| Price | ➼ 15K +/night (in rupees) |
If you love waking up to a panoramic view of the sea, then Royale Exotica Goa is ideal for you. The property is very new, very clean, and has all the amenities you need for a crazy vacation.
9. Sulcar Holiday Home (4.9 Stars/5):
| Address | ➼ Sulcar Holiday Homes, Opp Vrundavan Hotel Umta Vaddo, Calangute beach road Calangute Goa Calangute, Goa, 403516 |
| Check-in Time | ➼ 12:00 PM |
| Check-out Time | ➼ 10:00 AM |
| Price | ➼ 3K +/night (in rupees) |
We love this property – it’s a holiday home in every sense of the word. It’s close to the beach, cheap, and perfect for travel groups, couples, and solo tourists.
10. Casa De Calangute (4.5 Stars/5):
| Address | ➼ Dr Afonso Road, Doms Cafe Rd, Calangute, Goa 403516 |
| Phone | ➼ 099252 29010 |
| Check-in Time | ➼ 11:00 AM |
| Check-out Time | ➼ 11:00 AM |
| Price | ➼ 2K +/night (in rupees) |
Located only 600 km from Calangute Beach, Casa De Calangute is perfect for people looking for an authentic Goan vibe – plus, it’s so affordable!
Calangute Beach Cafes: The Cafes You Need To Visit At Least Once In Calangute!
You are on vacation – why would you stay and eat at the same place? Of course, a few meals at the hotel you are staying in sounds convenient, but what about the local food scene?
While you can find almost any cuisine in Goa, thanks to its thriving and diverse tourism industry, a trip to India’s favorite party spot is incomplete without trying out the local Goan cuisine.
Here are a few Goan dishes you must try on your visit to Calangute!
- Vindaloo,
- Xacuti,
- Sorpotel,
- Cafreal,
- Balchao, and
- Caldin.
This is precisely why I have found the best cafes on the Calangute Beach Goa – trust me, there’s so much to explore here that five days weren’t enough!
Scroll down to discover all the Calangute Beach cafes you cannot ignore on your trip to Goa!
1. Blue Sand Beach Cafe:
“A must-visit shack in Goa, the staff is very polite and helpful. Also, the location is very awesome if you want to drink with peace and a great view.” – Mayuresh Barde.
2. Xavier’s Beach Cafe:
“If you love slow music, go visit Buckingham Cafe with its awesome staff. And it’s really economical compared to other shacks on the beach. Don’t forget to witness the beautiful sunset here.” – Geek Vlogs.
3. Shooting Stars Beach Cafe:
“Superb place to hang on with friends and family nice Ambience on the Beach Shack with soft music and food was Amazing.” – Mohit Tomar.
4. Aggie’s Cafe:
“Great setting and amazing authentic Indian food. A must-visit when in Calangute! Aggie, the owner, and his team are super friendly and will look after you during your visit! 100% recommend!” – Jamie Spring.
5. Greg’s Cafe:
“I’ve been coming here for over ten years. Excellent location, great good value food and drinks. Very chilled, and Gregg is a fine host. I’m even staying in one of his houses over Xmas – Open in the evening too.” – Dave Jordan.
Calangute Beach Goa Nightlife: The Best Nightlife Scenes On Calangute Beach!
The Calangute Beach Goa images are incomplete without multiple glimpses and references to the happening nightlife Calangute is known for – and if you are here to party, trust us, Calangute is the place to be!
From epic bachelorette/bachelor parties to lovey-dovey honeymoon nights, Calangute has a little something for everyone to offer! So, what are the best places on Calangute Beach to experience the nightlife here? Stay tuned to find out more.
1. Club Tito’s Goa:
➼ Cost (for 2): Rs. 1500 (approx.)
➼ Address: Titos Ln, Near Baga Beach, Saunta Vaddo, Calangute, Goa
➼ Timings: 6 pm to 3 am
➼ Must-Try: Espresso Martini, Vodka Sunrise, Vodka Limeade Punch
2. Sky One Restro Bar:
➼ Cost (for 2): Rs. 1500 (approx.)
➼ Address: Khobra Vaddo Calangute, Goa
➼ Timings: 8 am to 11 pm
➼ Must-Try: Bull Pump, Gimlet, Dirty Martini
3. Tonic – Hard Rock Hotel:
➼ Cost (for 2): Rs. 1800 (approx.)
➼ Address: Porba Vaddo, Calangute, Goa
➼ Timings: 11 am to 11 pm
➼ Must-Try: Sexy Citrus Comopolitan, Ice Cold Martini, Hand-Shaken Daiquiris
4. Cafe Mambos:
➼ Cost (for 2): Rs. 1500 (approx.)
➼ Address: Tito’s Lane, Calangute, Goa
➼ Timings: 8 pm to 3:30 am
➼ Must-Try: The Mambo 75, Honey Lime & Jalapeño Margarita, Honey Lime & Jalapeño Margarita.
5. Souza Lobo:
➼ Cost (for 2): Rs. 1300 (approx.)
➼ Address: Calangute Beach, Goa
➼ Timings: 12 pm to 4:30 pm | 7 pm to 11:30 pm
➼ Must-Try: Peanut Whiskey Sour, Elderflower Spritzer, Feni Cocktail.
Calangute Beach Goa: Things To Do
As a solo female traveler in Calangute, I was surprised to find so much to do, considering the area is all dotted with restaurants, cafes, and tourists. When you travel in groups, you will be spoilt for choice, but as a solo traveler, I was worried about the budget and safety.
However, after reaching the beach, I realized there was nothing to worry about – as a solo female traveler, it was one hell of a trip. In that context, here’s all the stuff I tried – and you must also (at least some of them)!
1. Watersports:
Of course, Calangute Beach has many water sports, such as water snorkeling, scuba diving, jet skiing, windsurfing, kayaking, banana boat rides, and parasailing. Now, being an adventure freak with a love for adrenaline, I had to try out more than one activity.
So, I decided to try kayaking, parasailing, and jet skiing. While I had already done kayaking in the past, the other two were completely new to me. But I realized later that safety was not an issue, considering I felt comfortable and had a fun time.
Below, I’ve shared a breakdown of expenses for all available water sports on the beach:
| Activity | Expenses |
| Kayaking | ₹1200 – ₹1600 per person. |
| Parasailing | ₹800 per person. |
| Windsurfing | ₹10,500/person (with professional training & certification) |
| Snorkeling | ₹500 – ₹1000 per person. |
| Jet Skiing | ₹350 (with professional assistance). |
| Banana Boat Rides | ₹1000 (for 5 people). |
| Scuba Diving | ₹2500 (for a basic dive) |
2. Beach Activities:
The Calangute Beach is called the Queen of Beaches for a reason! The golden sands are lined with pretty shacks, a busy market, and tons of water activities for everyone. While doing a few fun activities is a must, I would also recommend sunbathing, beach volleyball, and visiting the shacks.
The best part? The beach is open 24/7, and there is no entry fee. So, if you plan to save some money and stick to a budget for your first solo trip to this Goan beach, then you can just spend some time by the sea – go for a swim if you want.
I fell in love with the beautiful blue waters of the Arabian Sea during my first trip to Goa in 2023 with my family. Since then, Goa has been on my bucket list for solo travel – yep, the beauty of the sea won me over!
3. Nearby Attractions:
Once I landed alone in Goa, I realized the state had more to offer besides India’s most spectacular beaches. I did spend most of my time by the sea, but I did dedicate a day and a half to all the nearby attractions that Calangute had to offer.
- Fontainhas and Old Goa’s Portuguese Heritage.
- St Alex Church.
- Tibetan Handicraft Market.
- Fort Aguada.
- Basilica of Bom Jesus.
Frequently Asked Questions:
If you plan to visit Calangute Beach Goa soon, you have multiple questions to ask! Scroll down and check out the most frequently asked questions about Calangute Beach.
The Calangute Beach in Goa happens to be the largest in the whole of North Goa. Of course, its massive size makes it a popular tourist spot in Goa. The New Year-Christmas season is the busiest. You will also find lots of tourists during the Summer season that begins in May.
If Calangute is the most popular beach in North Goa, then Baga is next in like. Moreover, Baga Beach begins where the popular Calangute Beach ends. As a result, the crowds are relatively lesser here than in Calangute.
If you want to indulge more than usual, you will find Baga Beach much more developed with its wide selection of water activities and upmarket restaurants.
Calangute is the largest beach in North Goa and attracts thousands of tourists worldwide every year. Known as a beach paradise, Calangute is often called the Queen of Beaches, precisely for its massive area, different types of tourists, and, most importantly, its dazzling beauty.
Candolim is a pretty small town located in Goa. Standing right on the beautiful shores of the vast Arabian Sea, Candolim is famous for its rich Goan heritage and the lesser-known Candolim Beach. On Candolim’s north, you have the much more popular Calangute Beach.
Candolim Beach is only 18 km from the capital city of Panaji, but it’s spread over 3 km, forming only a tiny part of the massive Arabian coastline.
But What If You Don’t Like Calangute? Alternative Beaches To Calangute Beach Goa!
The thing about Calangute Beach is while the beach attracts a majority of tourists, it fails to appeal to a certain category of tourists who prefer quiet, practically empty beaches.
For instance, we reached Goa during a busy February week earlier this – we started with South Goa and then moved to the northern part of the state. While the beaches in South Goa were quiet and perfect for the vibe we needed, Calangute or Baga failed to provide a similar vibe.
Now, if you can relate, don’t worry; you can skip Calangute and move somewhere quieter. Scroll down to check out the best alternatives to Calangute Beach in Goa.
1. Palolem Beach, South Goa:
Yep, that’s Goa’s finest beach. We stayed at this crescent-shaped beach for five days, and it was perhaps our favorite beach here. It’s quiet, largely unspoiled, and, most importantly, breathtakingly beautiful.
From ramshackle beach shacks offering local flavors and fun water activities to trips to the nearby Butterfly Beach and spotting resident Dolphins nearby, Palolem never disappoints.
2. Candolim Beach, North Goa:
The holy Goa beach trinity is incomplete, with Candolim Beach – Baga and Calangute are the other two beaches, obviously. Both Calangute and Baga get overcrowded during peak tourist seasons, but Candolim? Relatively better.
Candolim is ideal for you if you are seeking a good beach time in North Goa but with tolerable crowds. Plus, it’s relatively smaller, dazzling with both beauty and charms.
3. Morjim Beach, North Goa:
Did you know that Morjim Beach is known as ‘Little Russia?’ Yep, it’s very popular amongst Russians, which explains the nickname. Morjim is one of the relatively quieter beaches in the North, famous for its otherwise endangered Olive Ridley Turtles.
If you love boating trips, take one because you can spot some dolphins in the water. The beach gives out this authentic Goan vibe, perfect for people not looking for anything ‘too touristy’ – plus, you can enjoy kitesurfing here as well.
4. Agonda Beach, South Goa:
Agonda Beach is not famous among tourists, making it perfect for people who love isolated beaches. Located very close to the more popular Palolem Beach, Agonda is mostly free of tourists or any crowds, for that matter.
Plus, Agonda is known as one of the cleanest beaches in South Goa – the white sands, the clear water, and the reputation of being a turtle-nesting beach make Agonda one of our favorite beaches.
Go, Goa, Gone: Visit Calangute Today!
Calangute Beach Goa is beautiful in its way, depending on your preference! Do you like beaches that are quiet or beaches that have fantastic nightlife? If you love a good party and are okay with the crowds, then Calangute is a must-visit. But if you want to avoid crowds, head to the relatively quieter beaches mentioned above.
So, tell us, what are your thoughts on visiting Calangute Beach? If you have already been to this beach, share your experiences in the comments below.
