Agonda beach Goa is the ideal beach in Goa for every body who wishes to loosen up away from the routine life. This reputedly endless pristine beach stretches for nearly two miles. It’s lined with shacks and huts, some simple and some fancy. Hawkers aren’t allowed on the beach, so you’ll be capable of staying refreshingly undisturbed.
How to get to Agonda beach Goa
Agonda beach is in South Goa. It’s 43 kilometers (26 miles) from Marago and 76 kilometers (47 miles) from Panjim. Palolem beach, the most popular beach in South Goa, is only 10 minutes further south. If the solitude at Agonda gets too much, you won’t have far to go for entertainment as South Goa’s most popular beach, Palolem beach, is only 10 minutes further south.
Getting There
The closest railway stations to Agonda are Marago, on the Konkan Railway, and local railway station Canacona (also known as Chaudi). Canacona is 20 minutes south of Agonda, and the journey costs around 300 rupees in an auto rickshaw. Marago is about an hour north of Agonda, and costs around 800 rupees in a taxi. Alternatively, Goa’s Dabolim airport is a bit over an hour and a half North. A taxi from the airport will cost 1,800-2,000 rupees, depending on whether you want air-conditioning. You’ll find a prepaid taxi counter inside the arrivals terminal before you exit the airport. Airport shuttle bus service also operates upto certain points along the beach belt like Calangute.
When to Go To Agonda Beach Goa
The weather in Agonda is warm throughout the year. Temperatures rarely reach more than 33 degrees Celsius (91 degrees Fahrenheit) during the day or drop below 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit) at night. Some winter nights can get a bit chilly from December to February though, and the humidity really rises during the summer in April and May. Rain comes from the southwest monsoon from June to August. The beach huts are dismantled at this time and the beach is deserted. The tourist season kicks off in late October and starts winding up late March.
What to Do At Agonda Beach Goa
Chilling, swimming, walking, eating, shopping (you’ll find the usual stalls selling clothes and accessories), and just generally doing nothing are the main activities at Agonda. Boat trips are possible to Butterfly beach and Honeymoon beach for those who are up for it.
Animal lovers will find it worthwhile to visit Animal Shelter Agonda, where injured and mistreated animals are being looked after.
If you want to venture further afield, Cabo de Rama Fort is an offbeat attraction about 20 minutes north of Agonda beach. The road there is really scenic, and the ruins of the Portuguese fort are interesting to explore. Allow a couple of hours there and then drop into The Cape Goa for a bite. This spectacular boutique resort is nestled into the rock on the side of a cliff. The restaurant serves a range of yummy Indian and western dishes, and the view is to die for!
Where to Stay
Most people choose to stay in a coco hut on Agonda beach and there are ones to suit all budgets. The following places are open and popular.
Upmarket: Goa Cottages (formerly Agonda White Sand), Agonda Cottages, Agonda Villas, The White Resort (beautiful rooms and clean pool), H20 (sea view cottages on the beach).
Mid-Range: Simrose cottages, Mariposa Beach Grove, Serenity Agonda, Agonda Paradise, Sand Sapphire, and Cinnamon (deluxe huts set around a swimming pool just back from the beach).
Budget: Om Sai Beach Huts, DucknChill, Sonho do Mar, Jardim a Mar, Saxony, have clean huts on the beach. At the southern end of the beach behind Saxony, Fusion is a friendly place with great owners, 10 simple garden huts, music nights and movie nights, and yoga. It will appeal more to fun-lovers than serenity-seekers.
Inland from Agonda beach near Leopard Valley, The Tribe Goa is a collective of individuals that has come together to build an off-the-grid forest village for creative people to meet and live amid nature. They’ve transformed a huge derelict former cashew plantation into a thriving, self-sufficient jungle with a guest house, vegetarian cafe, and music venue. Khaama Kethna is another jungle haven in the same area that’s been turned into a holistic well-being retreat centre with yoga, organic food, healing therapies, and workshops.
Galaxy Jungle Huts is also recommended there.
Where to Eat
Fatima’s Corner is possibly the most popular restaurant in Agonda, so much so that it can be a struggle to get a table during the tourist season. The seafood is reasonably priced and delicious!
The atmospheric Simrose has an outstanding position on the beach, as well as some of the best food (and beach huts) around. They grow their own herbs and vegetables, and even bake their own bread. It’s the perfect spot for some romance or to sit and watch the sunset with a drink.
If you’re feeling in the mood for a thali, head to the Roadhouse Bar and Grill. It’s a small roadside joint that also serves decent seafood momos.
For super fresh and healthy food, try Nature Organic. It’s easy to miss this gem of a restaurant, as it’s not on the main road. However, it’s well worth the effort to find it (look for the sign south of Saint Anne’s Church, near the entrance to H2O resort). The local Goan owners are a young couple who have come up with an inventive menu that will even appeal to non-vegetarians.
Where to Party
If you’re looking for party places on Agonda beach, you’re likely to be disappointed. It’s much too chilled out. However, south Goa’s biggest outdoor dance club isn’t far away! Head to Leopard Valley on the Palolem-Agonda Road to dance the night away. It’s open during the tourist season from mid November until March. Fridays are the main party nights there.
