Baga Beach
The golden sands at Baga Beach have been popular with backpackers since the hippy heyday of the 1970s when western tourists made a second home for themselves along the beaches in this part of Goa. In the years since it has become a thriving beach resort that welcomes domestic and international travelers in equal measure.
The Basics
Baga is divided into two areas: Baga Beach and Baga Creek, an area of guesthouses and cafes a short distance inland along the Baga river. Baga Beach has a thriving nightlife in high season, with most bars clustered around Tito’s Lane. There are also a number of water sports on offer at the beach including parasailing, banana boat rides, and dolphin- and whale-watching excursions.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The sun can get very hot so pack sunscreen and remember to bring a hat.
- Sunbeds and parasols can be hired at places along the beach.
- There are bars and cafes selling drinks and snacks on the beach.
How to Get There
Baga Beach is located just north of Calangute in Goa. It’s some 12 miles (20 kilometers) away from Panaji, Goa’s main city. The closest international airport is Dabolim 25 miles (40 kilometers) away. Taxis and public buses travel between the two Pajai, Calangute, and Baga.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
Baga beach is at its busiest during the high season of December to January. This is when you’ll find the biggest parties happening. For a quieter experience plan your visit outside of these times.
Visit Aguada Fort
For an insight into Goa’s colonial history—it was once ruled by the Portuguese—head to Aguada fort, a Portuguese fortress built in 1612 that overlooks the Arabian Sea. When it was built it was the most important fortification in the state and also had the capacity to store millions of gallons of fresh water, hence the name, Aguada. There’s also a lighthouse here, built in 1864. Visitors can tour the fort and walk through a secret underground escape passage.
- Calangute Beach
- Anjuna Beach
- Candolim and Sinquerim Beaches
- Fort Aguada
- Reis Magos Fort
- Panaji (Panjim)
- São Tomé
- Fontainhas
- Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
- St. Catherine’s Cathedral (Sé Cathedral)
- Basilica of Bom Jesus (Borea Jezuchi Bajilika)
- Old Goa (Goa Velha)
- Shri Shantadurga Temple
- Sahakari Spice Farm
- Ancestral Goa