Extremely popular and undeniably beautiful, this bustling beach has plenty of affordable food and drink options, as well as watersports and shopping.
The tourist-oriented Calangute Beach is packed with practical amenities and is full of life and excitement. All tastes and budgets are catered to here, whether you want to laze away an afternoon in the sun, sample the wonderful local cuisine or take part in waterspouts out on the water.
Like the neighboring beaches of Baga and Anjuna, Calangute was a choice destination for the Western bohemian set in the 1960s and ’70s. These days, the beach is no longer a magnet for the free-wheeling crowd and instead attracts international and domestic sunseekers. Stake out a spot on this long, tourist-friendly stretch and enjoy an array of beach activities.
With so much to see, do and experience on the beach, it’s easy to spend a few days here. The most popular thing to do here, of course, is sunbathing. Rent a sun lounge for extra comfort or look for empty spaces among the crowds to lay out a towel. Though the beach gets busy and can be loud, the crowd is generally good-natured and happy, and the atmosphere lively and enjoyable.
If you’re keen to try watersports, shop around the nearby shacks for the best price. Many vendors will offer discounted rates for bulk packages. Hop aboard a dolphin-spotting tour in the morning, then follow it up with an afternoon bout of windsurfing, which will have you soaring above the waves.
Snack and dining options at Calangute are plentiful so it’s worth staying on the beach for lunch or dinner. Choose from the affordable shacks at the north end of the beach or venture further south for fancier dining options. With candle-lit table settings, sea views and fresh seafood dishes, these restaurants have a relaxed and romantic vibe. Food is relatively cheap here so you can afford to splash out on several courses.
Calangute’s nightlife is fairly tame, so if you’re looking for late-night fun, head north to Baga instead. This is a popular nightlife hub for fun-loving 20-somethings.
Calangute Beach is located about 8 miles (13 kilometers) north of Panaji. There are frequent buses to and from the capital. Rent a bike for the day and explore the neighboring beaches of Anjuna and Baga, which extend north of Calangute.
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