4.3 / 5

Palolem Beach

📍 Palolem Beach, GoaView map ›

🗓 Best Time To Visit:November to March

⏰ Open Hours:24 hours

🏖 Things To Do:Swimming, sunbathing, boat trips, dolphin spotting, yoga classes

💰 Budget:N/A

🧳 Traveller Types:Solo travellers, Couples, Families, Adventure enthusiasts

📌 Known For:Scenic beauty, dolphin spotting trips, silent discos

🚉 Distances:Nearest Railway - Canacona Railway Station (3 km), Nearest Airport - Dabolim Airport (67 km)

🍴 Nearby Dining:Art Resort Café, Artisan Bakery, Magic Italy Authentic Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria

🏨 Nearby Accommodations:Art Resort Goa, Cuba Premium Bungalows, Sobit Sarovar Portico

💡 Tips:Carry sunblock, visit during weekdays for less crowd, participate in the Silent Noise Parties

🚣 Water Sports:Kayaking, Canoeing, Boat trips - prices vary based on operators

Have questions about Palolem Beach?Ask the Tripoto Community ›
Palolem Beach: A Complete Travel Guide to Goa's Most Beautiful Beach

Goa is a popular destination for travellers who want to enjoy the sun, sand and sea. But not all beaches in Goa are the same. Some are crowded and noisy, while others are peaceful and relaxing. If you are looking for a beach that offers relaxation and adventure, then Palolem Beach is the perfect choice.

Palolem Beach is one of the most beautiful and serene beaches in Goa, located in South Goa. It is a long stretch of white sand lined with coconut palms and bamboo huts. The beach has a curved shape that offers a panoramic view of the Arabian Sea.

In this article, we will provide you with a complete travel guide to Palolem Beach, covering all the aspects such as how to reach, where to stay, what to do, where to eat and what to see near Palolem Beach. We will also share some tips and suggestions to make your trip more enjoyable and memorable.

So read on and discover why Palolem Beach is Goa's most beautiful beach.

How to Reach Palolem Beach

Palolem Beach is located in South Goa, about 70 km from Panjim, 43 km from Margao and 67 km from Dabolim Airport. You can reach Palolem Beach by taxi, bus or train.

Photo of Palolem Beach 1/5 by

Taxi:

The easiest and fastest way to reach Palolem Beach is by taxi. You can book a prepaid taxi from the airport or any other place in Goa. The taxi fare depends on the distance and season, but it usually ranges from Rs. 1500 to Rs. 3000 per trip. You can also negotiate with the taxi drivers for a better deal.

Bus:

The cheapest way to reach Palolem Beach is by bus. You can take a bus from Panjim or Margao to Canacona, which is the nearest town to Palolem Beach. The bus fare is around Rs. 50 to Rs. 100 per person. From Canacona, you can take an auto-rickshaw or a taxi to Palolem Beach, which will cost you around Rs. 50 to Rs. 100 per trip.

Train:

The most scenic way to reach Palolem Beach is by train. You can take a train from Panjim or Margao to Canacona railway station, which is 3 km from Palolem Beach. The train fare is around Rs. 20 to Rs. 50 per person. From Canacona railway station, you can take an auto-rickshaw or a taxi to Palolem Beach, which will cost you around Rs. 50 to Rs. 100 per trip.

Where to Stay at Palolem Beach

Palolem Beach offers a variety of accommodation options for different types of travellers,

such as beach huts, resorts, hotels and homestays. The prices vary depending on the season, location and amenities. The average price for a beach hut is Rs. 1000-5000 per night; for a resort is Rs. 2000-8000 per night; for a hotel, it is Rs. 1500-6000 per night and for a homestay is Rs. 500-2000 per night.

Photo of Palolem Beach 2/5 by
(c) Palolem Beach Resort

Some of the best places to stay at Palolem Beach are:

Ciaran's Camp: This is one of the most popular and luxurious places to stay at Palolem Beach. It offers spacious and elegant cottages with private balconies overlooking the sea. It also has a restaurant, a bar, a spa and a yoga centre. The price for a cottage is around Rs. 5000 per night.

Dreamcatcher Resort: This is another great place to stay at Palolem Beach. It offers cozy and comfortable huts with attached bathrooms and balconies. It also has a restaurant, a garden, a library and a massage centre. The price for a hut is around Rs. 3000 per night.

Palolem Beach Resort: This is a budget-friendly place to stay at Palolem Beach. It offers simple and clean rooms with basic amenities and sea views. It also has a restaurant, a bar, a swimming pool and a travel desk. The price for a room is around Rs. 2000 per night.

What to Do at Palolem Beach

Palolem Beach has many activities to offer for different types of travellers, such as swimming, kayaking, island hopping, dolphin spotting, yoga classes, silent noise party, water sports, ayurvedic massage, cooking classes and canyoning. The prices vary depending on the activity, duration and provider.

Photo of Palolem Beach 3/5 by

Some of the unique and popular activities that are exclusive to Palolem Beach are:

Silent noise party:

This is one of the most fun and unique activities at Palolem Beach. You can attend a silent noise party at one of the beach shacks or clubs at Palolem Beach, such as Neptune Point or Silent Noise Club. You can wear wireless headphones and dance to the music of your choice from multiple DJs, while enjoying the beach vibes and nightlife. The best time to go for a a silent noise party is Saturday night, when the party is on till late.

Dolphin spotting:

This is one of the most exciting and rewarding activities at Palolem Beach. You can take a boat ride from Palolem Beach to the open sea, where you can spot wild dolphins frolicking in the water. You can also see some other marine life, such as turtles, fish and jellyfish. The best time to go for dolphin spotting is early morning when the sea is calm and clear.

Yoga classes:

This is one of the most relaxing and rejuvenating activities at Palolem Beach. You can join a yoga class at one of the many yoga centres or resorts at Palolem Beach, such as Arunachala Yoga Retreat, Bhakti Kutir or Lotus Yoga Retreat. You can learn various yoga poses and techniques from experienced instructors while enjoying the serene surroundings and fresh breeze. The best time to go for yoga classes is morning or evening when the weather is pleasant and peaceful.

Where to Eat at Palolem Beach

Palolem Beach has many places to eat that serve a variety of cuisines, such as Goan, Indian, Continental, Italian and Chinese. You can enjoy the delicious food and drinks at the beach shacks, restaurants, cafes and bars at Palolem Beach. Some of the popular places to eat at Palolem Beach are:

Dropadi Restaurant:

This is one of the best places to eat at Palolem Beach. It offers a wide range of dishes, such as seafood, curries, pizzas, burgers and salads. It also has a bar that serves cocktails, beers and wines. The price for a meal is around Rs. 500 per person.

Magic Italy:

This is another great place to eat at Palolem Beach. It offers authentic Italian food, such as pasta, pizza, lasagna and tiramisu. It also has a bakery that sells fresh bread, cakes and pastries. The price for a meal is around Rs. 400 per person.

Cafe Inn:

This is a cozy and charming place to eat at Palolem Beach. It offers continental food, such as sandwiches, wraps, pancakes and waffles. It also has a coffee shop that serves espresso, cappuccino and latte. The price for a meal is around Rs. 300 per person.

Zest Cafe:

This is a healthy and vegan place to eat at Palolem Beach. It offers organic food, such as salads, soups, smoothies and juices. It also has a yoga studio that offers yoga classes and workshops. The price for a meal is around Rs. 300 per person.

Little World:

This is a cute and quirky place to eat at Palolem Beach. It offers Indian food, such as thali, dosa, idli and samosa. It also has a bookshop that sells books, magazines and souvenirs. The price for a meal is around Rs. 200 per person.

Places to Shop Near Palolem Beach

If you are looking for some souvenirs, handicrafts or clothes to take back home from Palolem Beach, you will not be disappointed. There are many places to shop near Palolem Beach that offer a variety of items at reasonable prices. You can find some shops and stalls along the beach road to buy jewellery, bags, hats, scarves, sarongs and other accessories. You can also find some shops and boutiques in the nearby town of Chaudi, where you can buy clothes, shoes, books, spices and other items.

However, if you want to explore more shopping options near Palolem Beach, you can also visit some of the nearby markets and malls that offer a wider range of products and brands. Some of the best places to shop near Palolem Beach are:

Photo of Palolem Beach 4/5 by

Palolem Market:

This is a weekly market that is held every Saturday near Palolem Beach. It is a lively and colourful market that sells everything from clothes, jewellery, handicrafts, antiques, electronics and household items. You can also find some food stalls that sell local delicacies and snacks. The market is open from 9 am to 6 pm, attracting locals and tourists. You can bargain for the best deals and enjoy the market's vibrant atmosphere.

Margao Market:

This is one of the oldest and largest markets in Goa, located about 40 km from Palolem Beach. It is a bustling and crowded market that sells a variety of items such as fruits, vegetables, flowers, spices, fish, meat, sweets and more. You can also find some shops that sell clothes, jewellery, pottery, leather goods and other items. The market is open from 8 am to 8 pm and is a great place to experience the local culture and cuisine of Goa.

Colva Beach Road:

This shopping street is located about 50 km from Palolem Beach. It is a popular tourist spot with many shops and stalls selling clothes, accessories, handicrafts, souvenirs and more. You can also find some cafes, restaurants and bars that offer food and drinks. The street is open from 10 am to 10 pm and is a good place to shop for some trendy and fashionable items.

Caculo Mall:

This modern and upscale mall is located about 70 km from Palolem Beach. It is one of the best places to shop near Palolem Beach if you are looking for branded and quality products. The mall has many stores selling clothes, shoes, accessories, electronics, cosmetics, etc. You can also find some entertainment options, such as a multiplex cinema, a gaming zone and a food court. The mall is open from 10 am to 10 pm and is a good place to enjoy some leisure and luxury.

What to See Near Palolem Beach

Palolem Beach has some nearby places that are worth visiting for their scenic beauty and solitude, such as Cola Beach, Agonda Beach, Butterfly Beach and Cabo de Rama Fort. These places can be reached by boat or road from Palolem Beach. The average cost for a boat ride is Rs. 500-1000 per person, and for a taxi ride is Rs. 1000-2000 per trip.

Photo of Palolem Beach 5/5 by

Some of the nearby attractions near Palolem Beach are:

Cola Beach: This is a secluded and stunning beach near Palolem Beach, about 12 km away. It is known for its natural lagoon, where fresh water meets salt water. You can swim, kayak or relax in the lagoon, or enjoy the views of the sea and the hills. You can also stay at one of the beach huts or tents that offer basic amenities and privacy.

Agonda Beach: This is a serene and spacious beach near Palolem Beach, about 9 km away. It is ideal for sunbathing, swimming and surfing. You can also spot some turtles and dolphins in the water or visit the nearby Agonda Church and Agonda Fort. You can also stay at one of the beach huts or resorts that offer comfortable facilities and services.

Butterfly Beach: This is a hidden and beautiful beach near Palolem Beach, about 6 km away by boat. It is accessible only by boat or trekking, as no road connection exists. It is named after the large number of butterflies that flock to the beach. You can also see some crabs, starfish and other marine life on the beach or enjoy the sunset and the stars at night. You can also camp on the beach with your own tent and equipment.

Cabo de Rama Fort: This is a historic and scenic fort near Palolem Beach, about 16 km away by road. It is one of the oldest forts in Goa, built by the Portuguese in the 17th century. It offers a panoramic view of the sea and the coast and some ruins and a church inside the fort. You can also visit the nearby Cabo de Rama Beach, which is a quiet and rocky beach with clear water.

Some tips and suggestions for visiting these places are:

1. Carry sunscreen, water and snacks when visiting these places, as they may not have many shops or facilities nearby. You can also carry a hat, sunglasses and a camera to capture the beauty of these places.

2. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes when visiting these places, as they may involve some walking, trekking or boating. You can also wear a swimsuit, towel and flip-flops if you plan to swim or relax on the beach.

3. Respect the local customs and traditions when visiting these places, such as dressing modestly, not littering or polluting the place, not harming or disturbing the wildlife or locals, not playing loud music or creating a nuisance, and not consuming drugs or alcohol excessively.

Palolem Beach is a great destination for travellers who want to experience Goa's natural beauty and relaxed lifestyle. It offers a variety of activities, accommodation, food and nearby places that cater to different tastes and budgets. You can enjoy the serene and scenic beach, the exciting and fun activities, the delicious and diverse food, and the scenic and secluded nearby places.

If you are planning a trip to Goa, don't miss Palolem Beach. It is one of the most beautiful beaches in Goa that will make you fall in love with it. Book your trip to Palolem Beach today and enjoy its features and attractions.

We hope you enjoyed reading this article and found it useful and informative. If you have any feedback or queries, please feel free to share them with us in the comments section below.

You can also share this article with your friends and family who are planning to visit Palolem Beach. Thank you for reading, and happy travelling!

FAQs about Palolem Beach:

Q: What are some of the best things to do at Palolem Beach?

A: Some of the best things to do at Palolem Beach are swimming, kayaking, island hopping, dolphin spotting, yoga classes, silent noise party, water sports, ayurvedic massage, cooking classes and canyoning.

Q: What are some of the best places to eat at Palolem Beach?

A: Some of the best places to eat at Palolem Beach are Dropadi Restaurant, Magic Italy, Cafe Inn, Zest Café and Little World.

Q: What are some of the best places to stay at Palolem Beach?

A: Some of the best places to stay at Palolem Beach are Ciaran's Camp, Dreamcatcher Resort, Palolem Beach Resort, Bhakti Kutir and Lotus Yoga Retreat.

Q: What are some of the best places to see near Palolem Beach?

A: Some of the best places to see near Palolem Beach are Cola Beach, Agonda Beach, Butterfly Beach and Cabo de Rama Fort.

Q: How to reach Palolem Beach from Goa airport?

A: The best way to reach Palolem Beach from Goa airport is by taxi. You can book a prepaid taxi from the airport or any other place in Goa. The taxi fare depends on the distance and season, but it usually ranges from Rs. 1500 to Rs. 3000 per trip. You can also negotiate with the taxi drivers for a better deal.

Palolem Beach Reviews

The hotel is almost one hour plus drive away from the airport. But the drive is simply beautiful with greenery throughout. The roads are smooth with no potholes (such a relief after incessant travel on Mumbai roads). Our package included pick up and drop. They had provided refreshments (water and juice) in the car. They have hit bulls eye on the location front. Spread across acres of lush green lands, it immediately refreshes you. They have their own private beach (about 1 km stretch). Palolem beach is 3 kms drive away. Definitely, they deserve extra brownie points just for the location. Rooms: They offer private villas, sea-view room and garden view rooms. We booked the garden view room. The view we got was not just of the maze garden but the pool too. We could also hear the sound of the sea in the balcony. The rooms are spacious and well lit. The décor is decent. The only drawback was our room was very far from the reception area. Activities: There is table tennis, squash, pool, badminton, carom, kid’s activities area, ATV ride, salsa classes, steam room, Jacuzzi, gym, salon. Actually they have a book of 101 things to do in the resort. Some activities are charged (salsa one-hour session for 500 rs) and others are free. Few water activities were closed due to monsoon. Yet, 2.5 days were not enough to enjoy all of it. Spa: The Rejuve Spa is one of the best spas I visited. The rates are definitely as per the five-star status of the resort. Our package offered 500 rs on any therapy. I chose reflexology which they offer only for 30 mins, but on request and 500 rs extra they made it for 45 mins. We got an excellent spa done in 3k .The ginger tea they provide after the spa is simply wow. Food and Beverages: Our package included all 3 meals in Canacona restaurant. The buffet spread for lunch and dinner is not great neither is the taste. However, the manager Sagar asked us what would we like from the kitchen every time and served us the same. Surprisingly, the food he got from the kitchen was delicious. The breakfast buffet spread is good and the taste is way better than the lunch n dinner. They boast of using ingredients grown in their own farm. One of the nights, there was a live performance. Veri Feni Bar: The sports bar with karaoke. We were the only ones there and so the music was just about ok. Golf: One of the main reason I chose this resort was because of the golf course it has. I have never played golf before and wanted to try it. They have 1 hour session for beginners (50 balls and 1 game) for 1300 Rs(inclusive of taxes).Must must do. They teach well too considering my husband played some lovely shots. As for me, I faired quite ok. It was raining and they don’t generally play during rains. On our request they agreed to teach us. And our session went past 1 hour .Max brownie points just for the golf Staff: Bunch of amazing, courteous people. Our guest relation manager, the concierge manager, activities manager, restaurant manager, spa therapist. They helped us in every way possible. Extra brownie points for the well-mannered and trained staff. What we saw in Goa: Since we had half day Goa tour included, I coaxed my husband to venture out a bit. We covered only 2 places both recommended by the concierge manager
You will have to wait for bus to arrive , but as I have mentioned that between money and time that day , I had no money and a lot of time !Tip : the buses are those mini buses . If they do not stop , use a hand to hail them . They usually do not stop at the point themselves.So from the main bus stop I was lucky to quickly find a bus to Palolem beach directly (Rs. 30). You may have to take one to Canaconaand take an auto from there to the beach (Rs 30 - 50). I decided to sleep through the 'most amazingly beautiful' way . So when I reached Palolem and opened my eyes. My Reaction was 'OMG' ! Where am I ? I mean no one told me Palolem was supposed to this beautiful . I mean good holiday spot YES. Amazing village in a corner of goa where you wan to get lost and never go back to the reality !!! After the bus drops you. Everyone goes to the beach through way 1. If you want to live cheaper , take way 2 . There is a small , non commercialized village side walk upto a turning point (do not turn right) . There ask some one for the way to the beach, they will guide you through the huts and cows and hens and cats and pigs. You will arrive at Dreamcatcher . Now this is a great place to live . A 'Gerad' offered me a room for Rs 800 (common bath) . I still wanted inexpensive one , so moved further into the zig zag what they kept calling 'towards the beach' (By the way it was good for the Christmas time !). So anyhow I finally took a hut (Rs 500 for 22 and 23 Dec each ) at a place called Sai Ganesh . It was not directly on the beach , but just 20 steps away and definitely one of the cheapest at the time on the beach (and here I talk only about palolem , not patnem, its 'sister' beach). So took the place. These were just four huts. The owners were very nice people (the female's name was Wish) and also had a utility shop at the beach. They were very warm and nice people. The man talked about the life when he was just a fisherman, when having the fish he and his father had caught was the biggest pleasure in life ! Now , yes he was earning good , but the beautiful simple life was lost. You could feel from his talking How he longed for that true and un-superficial life. Ya but the cons were , not very effectively working bathrooms (Jugaad it was !) , no doors at the bahtroom too. But this was enough to make me irritated ! Anyways the beach was beautiful . And I was seeing waves after a looooong time. I observed How the waves are made ... had never done it before. Thanx for making me observe . So when rupu decided to reach the other day ,(BTW She liked the hut and loved loved the beach !) Now these few days before the Christmas Palolem was appropriately populated. Just the right amount of crowd. Have dinner at those candle lit tables,outside the shacks, facing the beach.
Our taxi dropped us off in Palolem after a very rainy ride from Goa airport. The second we'd left the terminal building the heavens had opened and drenched us with a deluge of warm rain. This continued for the entire hour long journey, showing no signs of letting up! We'd pre-booked four nights in Palolem Beach Resort. It probably wasn't necessary to book anywhere, but we didn't want to leave it to chace. It was the end of the Ganesh Festival (Ganesh Chathurthi) and we'd heard on the grapevine that the limited accomodation was getting booked up.. The resort was okay although a little run down, mainly beause of the off season maintenence going on, I think. Everywhere was green and lush and the usual high season throng of tourists was now depleted with just a handful of westerners, outnumbered by a slightly larger number of Indian's visiting to celebrate Ganesh Chathurthi. This meant uncrowded beaches, less traffic and lower prices etc. It also of course meant there was less accomodation and restaurants, but this didn't ruin it for us at all. It turned out to be just what we needed after a very busy few months and hectic three days in Mumbai. We were ready to relax and take it easy for a few days.
Day 1- I started my morning, strolling at the Palolem Beach situated in Canaconaa city in southern Goa. Since this beach is unexplored one can see very few people unlike the North Goa beaches which are always bustling with tourists and numerous shacks. The most beautiful morning I had ever witnessed! As the day progressed the shacks opened up making the beach a little lively still less crowded. My breakfast for the day was the Goan specialty calledRos Omelettea delicious egg omelette drowned in a rich chicken curry served with Pav (Indian bread). A must try delicacy of Goa known as its best street food and the most recommended place would be at the main gate of the Palolem Beach. The best mode of transport here is Bikes, you can either rent a bike or if you don’t know to ride a bike you can hire a Pilot Bike who can take you to your desired destination at minimal cost on a bike, the safest and easiest way to roam through the narrow lanes of southern Goa village. I spent a lovely day at the local market of Palolem and then took a bus from Palolem to Chaudi.
So in search of a new place to live, we hired a 'dio' and went off. We looked in palolem and we did find some options but by the time I really wanted to go to patnem, a smaller beach to the south of palolem. We found a good cheap accommodationhere. A house right on the beach, amid the tourist huts.It was owned by a lady called Vineeta. It had a nice small room, attached kitchen, with utensils and a burner to cook on AND a porch to sit and ponder :) (So much for just Rs 550 during christmas). The lady was very nice and on asking once about the homemade fish curry, made it for rupu for two days (I am a vegetarian). Now the cons of the place. The rooms are not separated from the main house i.e. these rooms are a part of big house where the rest of Vineeta's familylives. So you can hear them talk clearly and you might be afraid that you are too loud . Thats it , otherwise I loved the place. (and it had concrete unshared bathroom!).
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