How To Prepare For Your First Solo Trip To Candolim Beach?

Candolim Beach is underrated – and hence it was a joy to discover this beautiful beach in the Goan capital of Panaji. Of course, after spending a beautiful week at Calangute, my next stop was Candolim Beach.

North Goa is famous for its busy beaches like Baga and Calangute – plus, it tends to get crowded during peak season. In comparison, the much quieter Candolim Beach is stunning with miles of golden sand, tall palm trees, and bright blue waters of the Arabian Sea.

Moreover, this was a solo trip – and preparing for the same was vital and I did document the same to help other young women planning a solo beach trip! So, keep reading to find out how to prepare for your first solo trip to the stunning Candolim Beach in north Goa.

Which Is The Best Time To Visit Candolim Beach In Goa?

Planning any solo trip ideally begins with finding the best time to visit your chosen destination. So, it was essential that I find the best time to visit the beautiful Candolim Beach.

The idea was to go at a time when the weather was pleasant with minimal rainfall and mild temperatures, that is, between October and March. During this period, the weather in Goa is so good that it is perfect for relaxation and trying out multiple beach activities.

So, I visited Goa in early November and spent nearly a month exploring its beautiful beaches, crazy night life, and vibrant culture.

Having said that, if you do want to experience a somewhat tropical climate then you can also consider planning a trip during Summer, that is, July and August, in spite of the heavy rain.

Visiting Candolim Beach? Here’s The Travel Hot List You Need!

Candolim Beach is one of the most mesmerizing beaches that Goa has to offer the world. The unforgettable view of the sea, the soft, glittering white sand, and the warm sun can make your day so much better by just existing.

I was staying at the Swimsea Beach Resort – the best part? Don’t book these places online – you will end up paying at least 2 to 3 thousand bucks extra. Instead, it is always best to book these places directly once you reach the destination.

You might think that it’s a little risky, but then that’s fine – a major tourist city like Panaji has so many options to offer. But if you still like planning every detail of your trip way ahead, it’s best to opt for AirBNBs – Goa is a paradise for all AirBNB fans!

I was staying near Caranzalem Beach – and it was pretty, but nothing compared to the beauty of Candolim. The very sight of the huge waves constantly going back and forth has made a permanent home in my memories.

Travel Hot List For Candolim Beach:

While a majority area of the beach has already been acquired by the Candolim beach hotels, resorts, and tour companies, you can still check out the beach as it’s a widely popular destination for so many tourists.

It happens to be a popular place to stay for tourists visiting Goa. In fact, you will also come across multiple hotels that offer budget stays – these are all located very near Candolim Beach. And the beautiful Arabian Sea is not the only point of interest for tourists here – there’s so much to do here.

Scroll down to check out the ULTIMATE travel hot list for Candolim Beach!

1. Bumpy Banana Boat Ride:

You cannot visit a popular Goan beach and not go on a bumpy banana boat ride – it’s so fun! Candolim Beach is well known for the beach activities it offers – trained instructors and experts will take you on a fun ride bumping across the picturesque waves of the Candolim beach waters.

2. Snorkelling Under The Deep Sea:

I was fortunate to come across several dolphins, and it was such a fun activity to do – so forget about everything else and make snorkeling a priority. Get ready to dive deep into the crystal blue waters of Candolim Beach. Of course, you will be helped by world-class experts and trained professionals in your journey.

3. Parasailing:

Another activity that I wish I had done was parasailing. If you are dying to get hold of a nice bird’s eye view of the entire Goan coastline, then parasailing on the Goan coastline is an absolute must. Again, you will have a fantastic time checking out Goa from the top – plus, if you are an adrenaline junkie, you will have plenty of fun.

5. Aguada Fort:

Entry Fee: Free

Opening Hours: 9:30 AM – 6 PM

Of course, Candolim Beach is popular – but have you wondered why? You can do Parasailing, snorkeling, or even banana boat riding on other beaches like Baga Beach or even Calangute Beach. The attraction close to Candolim is the well-preserved Portuguese Fort – yep, I am talking about Aguada Fort, on the banks of the Mandodari River.

💡It’s a four-storeyed lighthouse – one of the oldest of its kind across the Asian subcontinent, complete with a powerful citadel, multiple secret passageways, and a stellar capacity of almost 200 canons.

6. Rent A Scooty:

Perhaps one of the best things you can do at Candolim Beach is rent a scooter and explore the nearby area.

You can spend hours exploring the nearby areas and it’s very affordable! So, if you know how to ride a scooty and you are traveling alone like me, it is best to rent a scooty – it’s cheap, it’s convenient, and it’s comfortable!

What Are The Best Ways To Reach Candolim Beach?

Candolim Beach is located about 12.6 kilometers from the capital city of Panaji – it takes about 35 to 40 minutes to just reach the beach. Now, here’s a glimpse at the details you need – nope, you don’t need the Candolim Beach Pincode; you need other details such as the ones mentioned below. Stay tuned to find out now!

How To Reach Candolim Beach From Panji?

If you go via bus, it will take you about 30 minutes to reach the beach. Plus, the fare is minimal and ranges between 0.36 to 0.48 INR.

Your other option is getting a taxi or a car – you can also just hire a taxi. It will take about 15 to 20 minutes to reach Candolim Beach from the capital city via taxi.

Additionally, you can look for a cruise from the capital, if available.

How To Reach Candolim Beach From Goa International Airport?

It will take you about 30 minutes for you to reach Candolim Beach from the Goa International Airport. You can take a taxi from the airport directly to the beach.

Additionally, you can opt for a cab from the airport and end up reaching the Vasco Bus Stand. From this bus stand, you can easily take the bus that will take you to Panaji, and from Panaji, invest another 30 minutes to reach Candolim.

Tips To Remember Before Heading To Candolim Beach:

Before you can head over to Candolim Beach, here are some tips that might come in handy (I learnt from my mistakes – you can learn from them too!)

Wear sunscreen and protect your skin from the UV rays of the sun. Also, opt for mirrored sunglasses for protecting your eyes.

Carry comfortable shoes like crocs since you will be walking areound in the sun.
It is best to hit the beach early in the morning or in the evening since it tends to get really hot during the afternoon.

Be careful near the entrance to the beach since the road is narrow and dotted with restaurants, shacks, and hotels. So, it can get a little difficult to reach the beach.

You can rent chairs on the beach if you want to spend some time sunbathing. There arte multiple spots on the beach that offer hourly chair rentals.

If you are going with a vehicle, don’t worry about the parking. You will find paid parking options on the beach.

And that’s a wrap on Candolim Beach – what are your thoughts on visiting this famous Goan beach? And if you have already been here, then feel free to share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below.