Calangute Holidays

Nine miles north of the Goan capital, Panaji, lies Goa's busiest beach resort. Holidays in Calangute offer four miles of beautiful white sand fringed by palm trees and lapped by the Arabian Sea. A popular hippy haunt in the 60s and 70s, Calangute has secured its place as a year-round holiday destination. The beach is a haven for sun worshippers, swimmers and water sports-enthusiasts. However the beach is not just for tourists, cows are often seen roaming the shores too!

Calangute translates as the 'land of fisherman', and as one would expect, fresh seafood is available here in abundance. There is a small selection of shops along the beach. The Saturday market next to the post office sells fish, textiles and handcrafts. Alternatively, the Tibetan market is bustling with Kashmiri merchants selling carpets and embroidery. Unlike its neighbouring resort of Anjuna, Calangute is not known for its hectic nightlife, but there is a cluster of bars along the beach.

Those who fancy a break from sun and sand can take an excursion to the Mandovi and Zuari rivers - inhabited by dolphins at the mouth and crocodiles in the swamps. Sightseeing opportunities in Calangute include the Church of St Alex, with its stunning white dome, and the Kerkar Art gallery, which displays a collection of local arts and crafts.