Calangute beach, North Goa-
image by jo.in.pink
Discovered by hippies in 1960s ,Calangute beach is also called as the 'queen of beaches'. Located in North Goa and around 8 kms. from Mapusa city and 15 kms from Panjim, the capital city of Goa, it is most commercialized beaches in Goa and crowded by tourists all the year round.
Why one should visit Calangute Beach in Goa:
Calangute beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Goa and suited for everyone.Whether you are a solitude lover or a party lover or if you love to shop or enjoy some nice cuisines, Calangute has got something to offer to you.This is why Calangute is called as 'queen of beaches'.
image by wnorrixJust take a look at how some of the websites have described calangute beach on their pages-
Once you reach Calangute beach in Goa, then you can spend your vacation soaked in the serenity of the sea, sun and sand. Goa Calangute beach is often crowded with people, children making sand castles, colorful crowds surging towards the sea,
hippies busy remembering the good old times and the young and old alike lazing on the golden sands. This picture of a perfect tourist haven is completed with shacks and stalls under the shade of palm trees selling everything from fried prawns and beer to trinkets made of seashells.
Source
image by diametrik
Fun in the sun, sand and sea along with great opportunities for feasting on fresh seafood and feni is what a day on the Calangute beach essentially means. Frolicking families, eager hands making sand castles, colorful crowds surging towards the sea, hippies busy remembering the good old times and the young and old alike lazing on the golden sands are some of the images that characterize this Queen of Beaches. Source
image by diametrik
What to do at Calangute beach-
Eating out- If you are fond of eating then certainly Calangute beach has a lot to offer you. You can enjoy some very nice Goan cuisines in the restaurants and bars situated on the beach.In goa you will particularly get some good servings of sea foods.Night life- Due to repeated crack down by Goa police the night life here at Calangute beach is somewhat calm.You won't find any rocking parties like on Anjuna Beach but you can always enjoy a bottle or two of beer in hippies hide outs. Most of the bars are closed on the beach by 10 'O clock.
image by diametrikShopping- As I have said earlier , Calangute is the most commercialized beach of Goa, so, always have a good bargain on the commodities sold here. India beaches have some good words to say about the shops around the Calangute beach, Goa.
At the Calangute beach you must check out the Saturday bazaar for some good bargains. The market offers a wide range of items from daily food items to souvenirs. Then there is the Tibetan market that offers gems and silverwork, wooden statues of the Buddha's besides Hindu deities. You may pick up the Kashmiri carpets, embroidery, and papier-mâché boxes from the Calangute beach that makes excellent gift items. For some exclusive art pieces pay a visit to the Cocoon Art Gallery.
image by diametrik
Water sports-Calangute also makes a perfect beach site if you want to indulge in some water sports activities. Parasailing, water skiing and wind surfing at the Calangute beach starts in the afternoon when the wind is blowing just in the right direction and it goes on till sunset.
How to reach Calangute beach ,Goa-
Calangute beach is situated around 8 kms from Mapusa city and 15 kms. from Panjim. Regular buses can drop you to the beach and it is cost effective. Alternatively, you may hire a taxi or a motorcycle-taxi to reach here.It takes only a few minutes to reach here from Mapusa or from Panjim.
image by diametrik