While Baga, Calangute and Anjuna beaches are crowded with tourists, and even Asvem has lost some of its pristine charm, there are still several Goan beaches where you can spend plenty of time with the sand and sea in perfect isolation. The majority of them are found in the less-developed south.
*Editor’s note: we decided against including a map here; these beaches are hidden away so have fun discovering them and keep the secret!
Galgibaga – Perhaps the most well known of the ‘secret’ beaches, Galgibaga’s status as a protected turtle nesting ground, along with its extreme south Goa location, has ensured it remains untouched. A few shacks at the southern end serve fresh seafood at wonderful prices.
Keri – In the far north, bordering Maharashtra, Keri is gradually filling up. However, walk south along the beach and you’ll find an impenetrable wall of rock isn’t so impenetrable after-all: a small cave tunnel leads you through to a wonderful string of small coves, leading all the way to the Arambol freshwater lake.
Cola – There are two adjacent beaches here, Little Cola and Cola. Both have access to a lovely lagoon, and both are quite difficult to reach, nestled along the rocky coast between Palolem and Margao.
Kakolem – Also known as Tiger Beach, this is possibly the most gorgeously isolated beach in all of Goa. Accessed either by water or an overgrown and dangerous path down a steep hillside, the beach itself is tiny, has a river flowing into it from the cliff, and most of the time has no people at all. Local legend has it that tigers and leopards sometimes visit in the night.
Xendrem – Almost at the Karnataka border, this beach is stunning but hard to find – you’ll have to find Loliem village on the NH17 and ask for directions from there. Be aware that the water here is quite dangerous for swimming, with strong undercurrents and a quick drop from the beach. The sunbathing should more than make up for it.
