At the far end of North Goa's long strip of shack-lined beaches, Candolim and Sinquerim are quiet, laid-back places to enjoy the sea and sun. At the tail end of this stretch sits the 17th-century Fort Aguada and Lighthouse, which were originally built to protect Goa from potential Dutch and Maratha invasion. The fort is a popular stop for history buffs. Visit the beaches and fort as part of a guided tour of Goa highlights.
Remember to wear sunscreen and a hat to avoid sunburn.
These beaches are great for families and couples seeking a quiet alternative to the Goan party scene.
It’s unsafe to walk alone on the beach after dark, especially for women.
It’s best to explore Fort Aguada first thing in the morning when temperatures are coolest and then relax on the beach, rather than the other way around.
The Candolim and Sinquerim Beach area is in the southernmost part of the main stretch of North Goa, south of the town of Calangute. It takes about a half-hour to get to the beaches from the Goan capital of Panaji by car, or an hour to get there from the airport in Vasco de Gama. Commercial flights travel between Goa and major cities across India, and charter flights are available to overseas destinations.
Goa’s high season starts in October and continues through February, though the state is most jam-packed around Christmas and New Year’s, when travelers from across Europe and India arrive en masse. The beaches are best visited during daylight hours, especially for travelers wanting to explore Fort Aguada.
Although most travelers to Goa stick to beer and cocktails, it's worth sampling the local spirit, feni, at least once during your trip. This strong, clear alcohol is produced in small batches from either cashews or coconut palm toddy, and though feni is traditionally distilled in earthen pots, copper is more common these days. Cashew feni is more popular in the northern parts of Goa, while coconut feni is more often consumed in the south.