The centre of the hippie scene in the 1960s and 1970s, Calangute is Goa’s most crowded beach. During the day, it is packed with sunbathers, trinket stalls and hawkers. The entire stretch of sand is lined with bars and restaurant beach shacks that serve Goan food. En route to the neighbouring picturesque village of Saligao is the colonial Casa dos Proença mansion and the churches of Mae de Deus and St Alex. Extending north of Calangute, Baga Beach is far less crowded, although its expanse of soft, white sand has its share of guesthouses and late-night clubs and bars along Tito’s Lane.
Baga Beach & Calangute Beach
Mario Gallery: Pedru Martina, Calangute; 0744 736 5372
Mae de Deus Church: Chogm Rd, Saligao; 0832 227 8246; open 9am–5pm daily
Tito’s Statue
Tibetan Market: Calangute–Baga Rd, Baga; open 11am–11pm daily
St Alex Church: near Don Bosco School, Bardez; 0982 359 3995; open 9am–8:30pm daily
Casino Palms: 614, Calangute–Baga Rd, Baga; 0779 898 5000
Casa dos Proença: Calangute–Baga Rd
Literati: E/1-282 Gaura Vaddo, Calangute; 0832 227 7740
Next to Calangute, Baga is Goa’s most developed beach. It is dotted with several shacks, trendy eateries and lively night spots. Many operators here offer a wide range of watersport activities.
Once regarded as the “queen of beaches”, this is Goa’s busiest beach. There’s plenty for visitors to explore here including the market town, which has several Kashmiri-run handicraft boutiques and Tibetan stalls selling crafts and miniature paintings.
Legendary artist Mario Miranda’s (1926–2011) original artworks are on display here. Large and small-size prints of his illustrations and merchandise can be purchased from the store. Miranda was famous for his sketches and cartoons of local characters and Goan culture.
This church in Saligao is one of the best examples of Neo-Gothic architecture in Goa. Near the altar is the miraculous statue of Mae de Deus (Mother of God). The church looks stunning when it is illuminated in the evening.
One of the oldest churches in Goa, St Alex’s striking façade is dominated by a dome, flanked on each side by bell towers – one has a church bell while the other has a statue of Our Lady. The Rococo-style interior has an ornate pulpit and gilded reredos.
In 1971, Tito Henry de Souza opened a small eatery to promote tourism in Goa. Today, Club Tito’s is a Goan institution. A life-size statue of Tito is located in Baga.
This market has handcrafted jewellery, clothing and display pieces from Nepal and Tibet. Though expensive, the objets d’art leave no room for doubt as to their authenticity.
The luxury spa and resort of La Calypso in Baga is home to the Casino Palms. There are many gaming tables for blackjack, roulette, mini-flush and baccarat. Several poker and slot machines are also available.
This grand 18th-century mansion has a distinctive tower-shaped verandah with oyster-shell screens and a unique natural cooling system.
Set in a 100-year-old Portuguese house, Literati has a great collection of books. It hosts literary and cultural events. Visitors can enjoy reading in the Italian-style garden café.
Between the beaches of Baga and Anjuna is the vibrant and unmissable Arpora Saturday Night Bazaar. The market, spread over a vast area, begins at 7pm and has over 500 stalls selling everything from clothes, jewellery, and accessories to film posters and spices. Visitors can also sample drinks and mouthwatering food from the stalls, while enjoying the live music performances.
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