Candolim Beach, Goa

Candolim Beach is positioned between Sinquerim and Calangute Beaches. It is one of the three main areas where most tourists stay when visiting North Goa (the other two being Calangute & Baga). Of the three it is usually the cleanest and quietest. The water can be rough - watch the undertow - and there's little shade here.

Off the shore and within sight is the River Princess (so close that some people - stupidly - swim out to it). The River Princess is a 240-meter (787 foot)-long ore carrier that ran aground off the Candolim-Sinquerim coast in June, 2000. For over 11 years, the state gov't. has not removed or forced the removal of the ship. It sits in the sea rusting away. Now it seems, that less and less beach shacks are up during the season because the beach is eroding. The fact that the beach is eroding should shake the government into action but the River Princess will probably continue to be a running joke for years to come. Such a sad situation.

I spent alot of time in this area (our restaurant) was on one of the beach access roads. Candolim Beach is so convenient (short walk) to plenty of restaurants, shops, etc. New Year's Eve sees it come alive with people celebrating and enjoy the fireworks show provided by the (just down the beach) Taj Hotel. It's one of the "friendlier" beaches.

I'll be visiting again soon and will update with any new info about the beach erosion/shacks.

4 more images

Candolim beach is the second largest beach in Goa. Actually it is a continuation of Calangute beach, and it is no visible partition between them. Candolim beach is wide with soft sand. There are several beach restaurants here and a lot of sunbeds, but in contrast to Calangute beach you have to pay for using the beds since the restaurants doesn't have a ownership to the shoreline. It costs from 50-100 rupies depending on how good you are to bargain. There are many beach boys, hawkers and women selling "this-and-that" on this beach. I have never seen anything like it at any other beach I have been to. And they don't take no for an answer. Buy food, beer, softdrinks, clothes and take massage. There are mostly english tourist here and some russians. This beach is the best in North-Goa in terms of the sand/sea quality. It is the second best when it comes to accessibility of restaurants and water activities.

1 more image

The straight beach at Candolim stretches for a good few kilometres from Fort Aguada in the south to Calangute in the north. This is prime package tour company land but it features less beach shacks and is a bit quieter than Calangute, which will suit a lot of people.

The beach is not much to say about, the sand is a bit rough and brown, very big waves made it a bit dangerous, but here is not much tourists at all, so if you are in that mode it could be a pleasant stay. Here is hardly no salesmen, only some guys try to sell you a boatride.
A big ship has stranded on the beach, and as far as I know - it have been here for a couple of years now.
It is easy to find accomodation here, serveral options for hotels with pool or without.

This is a long long long beach (more than 30km). If you want privacy and quietness, go there. As you can see on the picture, it's ideal for swimming, suntanning, playing with friends.

There are very few bars or vendor stalls on that beach

3 more images

The Beach Road is the best place for tourists in Candolim. The road has the nicest restaurants and bars, and the road is not so trafficated.