Palolem Beach
पालोलेम बीच
A crescent-shaped bay in South Goa, framed by headlands on either side, with gentle waves. Beach shacks among the coconut palms and kayaking make it the most photogenic beach in Goa.
Palolem Beach is in Canacona, at the southernmost tip of Goa. It is a crescent-shaped bay about 1.6 km long. Rocky headlands and small islands at both ends block the big waves, so the water is calm and good for swimming and kayaking. Behind the sand, rows of bamboo and wood beach shacks (shacks or huts, about ₹1,500 to ₹4,000 a night) are set up each high season among the coconut palms. They must be dismantled before monsoon, so their look changes every year. The mood here is far more relaxed than North Goa, and it is especially loved by European long-stay visitors. Things to do: rent a kayak (about ₹300 an hour) and paddle to Butterfly Beach at the north end or go dolphin watching (boats leave early in the morning, about ₹500 per person). Walk south along the sand and across the stream to the quieter Patnem Beach. On Thursday nights, the Silent Noise “silent disco” (dancing with headphones) is a local specialty. At night, beach restaurants serve grilled fish by candlelight. Nearby: Agonda Beach to the north is more open and has a sea turtle nesting protection area. Cabo de Rama Fort is a good place to watch sunset over the cliffs. Getting there: it is about 1.5 hours from Dabolim Airport and about 2 hours from Panaji. The nearest railway station is Canacona, on the Konkan Railway, 2 km away. Plan to stay at least 2 nights. Note: during monsoon (June to September) the beach has almost no facilities and swimming is banned. In peak Christmas and New Year, book shacks in advance. Bring cash, as ATMs are few.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Canacona Island
- Patnem Beach
- Butterfly Beach
- Talpona Beach
- Galgibaga Beach
- Agonda Beach
- Shree Mallikarjun Temple
- Cola Beach (Khola)