Last Updated on November 24, 2023 by Augustin Fernandes
Pictures by Shivang Mishra
Candolim Beach situated perfectly below the ruins of the fort and under the Taj Hotel. Candolim Beach has one of the best ambiances of all the Goan Beaches.
Much like Calangute Beach, Candolim Beach too has its fair share of visiting tourists that come from all over India and around the globe.
Candolim Beach is considered to be a more homely and relaxing beach compared to Calangute Beach.
Also like by families who like a bit of space and peace. Since the beach is quite long, tourists have plenty of space to wander and to find a perfect quieter spot.
Things to do at Candolim Beach
The calmness and quaint atmosphere of Candolim Beach is ideal for long walks or jogs for fitness enthusiasts.
Sunbathing is an excellent option at the beach, with many shacks offering beds with adjoining umbrellas. Tourists can also enjoy a body, head or foot massage at the beach.
There are numerous well-established Shacks and Inns around the beach, all serving rich Goan Food. Fish Curry Rice is the Goan Speciality at most of the restaurants in each of these Shacks.
However, all the other food too is pretty mouth-watering and worth a try.
The beach will also offer you a lot of locally popular drinks to keep you hydrated like Coconut water, which is quite popular amongst the tourists who visit the area.
Water Sports at Candolim Beach
Besides being known for its calmness, Candolim Beach has its bit of fun too, offering a variety of spectacular water sports such as,
- Parasailing
- Paragliding
- Jet skiing
- Catamaran sailing,
- Banana rides
- Surfing
- Bump ride
Some of these water sports are a once in a lifetime opportunity for you to do something different in your life, that will leave you overwhelmed with excitement and happiness.
Night Life at Candolim Beach
Pictures by Shivang Mishra
When the sun goes down, and the night appears, Candolim Beach comes to life. It’s one of the most exciting places to be around after the sunsets.
The streets of Candolim is filled with so much music and joy that you can’t stay away.
The streets are filled with restaurants after restaurants, all playing wonderful music, performed by live bands.
The pubs and restaurants have excellent ambiances and may even sometimes have dance performances showcasing local talents. For the younger generation that like EDM or want to go clubbing, the Candolim stretch has some of the best nightclubs with the best Dj’s from around town.
One of the most popular Night Clubs amongst all is ‘Sinq’.
The streets have plenty of shops too, for those that love window shopping as well as those who want to take back home some souvenirs as remembrances of their trip or pick up some local items for their friends and family.
Also read :
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Things to see around Candolim Beach
Fort Aguada
At the left most corner of the beach, where the beach begins, lies a historic fort called the ‘Fort of Aguada’. This fort has a number of breathtaking viewing spots and is one of the best places to visit during sunset. The fort is a few km away from the beach and can be reached by foot.
Built on the mouth of the Mandovi River, overlooking the vast blueness and might of the Arabian Sea, lies the indestructible structure of ‘Fort Aguada’.
This great fort, now over 400 years old, was the main defense for the Portuguese against invaders coming in from Foreign Seas.
The ramparts and other remains of this mighty fort, still remain standing today, for tourist to come and experience the historic Portuguese Reign during the 17th century at Sinquerim, Goa.
The Chapel of St. Lawrence
Other places worth a visit during your stay at Candolim Beach is the Chapel of St. Lawrence. The Chapel of St. Lawrence is located at a distance of 5 km from Candolim Beach along the Fort Aguada Road (1.4 kms).
This Chapel is dedicated to St. Lawrence The Church was founded in 1630 by the Count of Linhares, Viceroy Dom Miguel de Noronha. The decision to build the church was taken soon after the fort was completed.
Places to stay around Candolim
Since Candolim Beach calls in tourists every month to visit its shores, the beach is surrounded by hotels, guest homes, and resorts.
The Hotels and resorts stretch throughout the streets of Candolim, and are available in deluxe to standard and even luxurious and 5-star resorts.
There are plenty of hotels to match your standard of lifestyle. The famous Taj Aguada is the most luxurious hotel around Candolim, which is situated right at the edge of the beach.
5 Star Hotels within 3 Km from Candolim Beach
- Taj Holiday Village Resort and Spa
- Hyatt Centric Candolim Goa
- Taj Fort Aguada Resort & Spa, Candolim,Goa
- The O Hotel Beach Resort And Spa Goa
- Novotel Goa Resort & Spa – Hotel
- Deltin Suites – Resort
- Seashell Suits and Villas
How to Reach Candolim
By Air
Dabolim Airport is the closest Airport to Candolim Beach, being just a distance of 46km away. From the airport you can hire a taxi or a car to reach the beach. There is also a direct Kadamba bus from the Airport to Candolim.
By Rail
The two closest railway stations to the beach are Thivim 24km away (which is to the north) and Karmali also 24km away (which is to the south)
By Road
Getting to Candolim from Panaji is fairly simple as buses depart from the Panaji bus stand to Candolim at regular intervals. The journey by bus from Panaji to Candolim is about a 30min drive. Different buses are available from private to public buses, depending on your choice of service.
One can also catch a bus from the Mapusa bus stand which is not too far and will only take about 15 to 20 mins to reach Candolim from Mapusa.
Other ways by road to reach Candolim Beach will be to either rent a car or a bike or to hire a taxi.
Best time to visit Candolim
The most appropriate time to visit the beach is either during the post-monsoon or pre-monsoon period, from November to April.
This is when the beaches in Goa are at their best and most prolific state, with all the water sports and shacks open to the public.
Conclusion
Having given you a brief walk-through about Candolim Beach, I do hope I have wet your appetite to plan a holiday at this beautiful destination called Candolim.
