This seaside resort has long sweeps of golden sand, busy markets, international cuisine, a busy nightlife scene and a snow theme park.
Visit Calangute for a blend of beachside entertainment and pumping nightlife. Spend your days lounging on the pristine beaches of Calangute and browsing market stalls for wares from across Asia. Tour an old fort and find serenity at pretty churches. Finish the day at a collection of lively restaurants, bars and dance clubs.
Set between palms trees and the Arabian Sea, Calangute Beach boasts the picturesque coastal setting associated with Goa. Splash around in the gentle waves, dabble in watersports such as jet skiing and parasailing, and purchase exotic fruits from local vendors. Watch glorious sunsets with a cold beer or fruit juice in hand from the beachside shacks. Baga Beach, to the north, and Candolim Beach, to the south, offer more of the same.
The activity of Indian artisans and shopkeepers comes to life around Calangute Market. Bargain for ceramics, clothing, shoes and trinkets that have come from Rajasthan, Kashmir, Indonesia and Tibet. Find more shopping opportunities alongside characterful cafés and curry houses in the Gauravaddo district.
Experience the town’s spiritual devotion at St. Alex Church. This whitewashed masterpiece was built in 1741 and has a dome that resembles Rome’s St. Peter’s Basilica. The small St. Anthony’s Chapel stands curiously in the center of a roundabout.
Set aside time to wander the grounds of Aguada Fort, a 400-year-old Portuguese-built fortress in nearby Candolim.
The bustling streets of Baga are the area’s hub for late-night revelry. Hop between the bars and clubs along Tito’s Lane. Play baccarat, roulette and slots at Casino Palms. An ice bar, igloo, ice slides and sledding hill provide fun for all ages at the winter-themed Snow Park.
Located in North Goa, Calangute is about a 30-minute drive from Anjuna and Panjim. The nearest train station is 11 miles (18 kilometers) away at Thivim. Stay overnight in this beach town at budget guesthouses, low-key hotels and upmarket resorts.