Calangute Beach

Calangute beach, the largest in northern Goa, is visited by domestic as well as international tourists in large numbers. The Queen of Beaches-Calangute Beach is a part of the popular stretch of three beaches- Candolim, Calangute and Baga. Extremely crowed, Calangute is just the right place for those who love to indulge and like to party every moment. Located to the north-east of the state capital Panaji, it is just at a distance of 15 kilometers.

You can simply relax or sunbathe while resting or simply read your favorite book.  At the beach shacks, you can get sumptuous food of most of the world cuisines with sea food, Chinese, continental and local Goan dishes being the highlight. Take a glass of your favorite wine and enjoying the activity going on at the beach. If stories have to be believed then during the 1960’s, Calangute was discovered by hippies, since then, it is one of the ultimate places to enjoy the best of beach experience. During Christmas and New Year, the beach bustles with tourists.

Attractions

Baga and Candolim Beaches– Baga and Candolim Beach located nearby are other two every popular beaches of Goa. Calangute is flanked by these two beaches on its either sides. It is actually not an easy thing to tell where one beach ends and the other starts. The amount of activity and the number of tourists on these beaches is also quite high.

The St. Alex Church– Founded by Franciscans in 1595, Church of St. Alex, is a famous church that is known for its beautiful architecture. The church consists of a white dome, two towers and altars visible from the entrance. The church boasts of being one of the oldest surviving Goan churches. The church was re-constructed by the locals 1741 with its towers re-installed in 1765 and the sanctuary was re-built in 1916.

Kerkar Art Complex 
The Kerkar Art Complex is quite famous for its exhibitions of arts and crafts by the local artists. On every Thursday and Friday, specialists of Indian classical music and dance attend the concerts held here.

Medicinal springs 
If you walk on the slim road crossing the Bom Viagem Convent moving along the cashew-covered foothills, you arrive at the springs at Mottant with water that has medicinal properties. The place is also popular as a picnic spot and for bathing.

Activities

Water sports– At the Calangute beach, you can have a great time by indulging in water sport activities such as swimming, surfing, jet skiing, water skiing, parasailing, banana ride, motor launcher ride along with the other activities. There are groups of young trained boys offering these rides but it is advisable that you should fix the rates before indulging in any activity.

Dolphin Viewing– Dolphin Viewing is an activity that is popular among adults and children alike. You can hire a boat from the local boat operators and experience this amazing sight. If you are lucky, you will be able to see 3-4 dolphins spring-up the ocean but if not, the early morning motor ride in itself is a nice experience.

Motorcycle rides– Almost every tourist, be it domestic or international, hire a Scooty or a bike to explore Goa on his own. You can also do so and roam around Calangute, Baga, Candolim, Anjuna.

Shopping– Calangute plays host to a Saturday bazaar near the new Post Office, a perfect place to shop if you know the art of bargaining. You can shop for earthenware grocery, textiles, trinkets, local handicraft and much more.

There is a modest Tibetan market too that sells silver works and gems. Here you can also shop for wooden statues of various Hindu deities and Lord Buddha. This market also attracts Kashmiri traders selling some amazing stuff like carpets and paper-mâché boxes.