North India Highlights

Flying from Goa to Delhi this two-night, three-day tour includes a train journey to visit the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort plus a guided tour of the sites of India's historic capital city.

 
 
 

Our favourite beach shacks in Goa

Updated on Oct 24, 2019 by Kathryn Burrington

Blog > Our favourite beach shacks in Goa

The beaches of Goa are a big draw for holidaymakers, not least because of their famous beach shacks. Kathryn, from our marketing department, shares her favourite beach shacks in Goa.

One of my favourite memories from my first visit to Goa was sitting around a table with friends outside one of Goa’s beach shacks. I kicked off my shoes so I could feel the cool, soft sand beneath my feet and sipped a chilled Kingfisher beer, while gazing at the ocean in the moonlight. Even though we had planned to eat at a wonderful restaurant in town and I was hungry, I found it very hard to pull myself away.

Above: Anjuna Beach

As I went on to discover, each Goa beach shack has its own vibe and specialities, from tranquil shacks offering traditional Goan fare to the lively Candolim beach shacks and those on neighbouring Baga Beach, blaring out a soundtrack of thumping bass,

Above: Palolem Beach, credit: Lena Serditova | Shutterstock

Goa’s beach shacks are wonderful places to relax during the day, when you can hire a sunbed and order refreshing drinks from the bar, but it's at night that they really come into their own. The sunbeds are put away and more tables are put out on the sand within view of the ocean waves –  the perfect spot for enjoying the sunset with a great meal and drinks.

 

What is the best thing to eat and drink in Goa’s beach shacks?

Look out for Goan Fish Curry, the most famous dish from Goa, as well as sumptuous seafood and other fresh fish. Wash this down with the local Kingfisher beer. For pre or post-dinner drinks, try out their cocktails, or if you're feeling adventurous, try the local feni. Be warned, it’s a strong alcoholic beverage and not to everyone’s taste!

Image credit: Sta | Shutterstock

 

When are Goa’s beach shacks open?

Most of Goa’s beach shacks are open all day and late into the night. They are seasonal though, closing each spring and reopening in October for the start of the new season.

 

Which are the best beach shacks in Goa?

Calamari, Dando Beach, Candolim – my favourite beach shack in North Goa

One of the best Candolim beach shacks is run by Santana Beach Hotel. You'll find a huge choice on the menu including many Goan favourites and delicious seafood. There are plenty of sunloungers on the beach and live music most days. In the evening, it’s the perfect spot for relaxed dining with your toes in the sand.

 

Zeebop, Utorda Beach – my favourite beach shack in South Goa

One of the best shacks in south Goa is Zeebop. With a lovely view of the beach and a laid-back vibe, you’ll find excellent seafood here prepared in a traditional South Indian manner. Try their ‘Catch of the Day’ or their Zeebop Special Goan Fish or Prawn Curry with Rice. Vegetarians are also well catered for.

In the evenings, pretty, colourful lanterns make it even more inviting.

Service can be a little slow but the food is worth the wait and the views of the sunset can be superb.

And if you are wondering why this shack is called Zeebop. It's named after the album, Zebop! by the Mexican American guitarist Santana – a curious coincidental link between our two favourite beach shacks!

 

Related Articles

 
FEATURED
 

A first-time visitor's guide to Goa Read more

FEATURED
 

Best authentic Goan restaurants to visit during your holiday Read more

 

Goan Fish Curry Recipe Read more

 

Day 1: Departing Goa for Delhi our representative will meet you in the arrivals area of the airport. They will assist with your private transfer to your Delhi hotel which will be your base for two nights.

Day 2: This morning, you will depart Delhi railway staion to Agra. Once a small village on the banks of the Yamuna, it was transformed by two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and his grandson Shah Jehan into the second capital of the Mughal Empire, Dar-ul-Khilafat, or ‘seat of the Emperor’ in the 16th and 17th century.

Taj Mahal

When you arrive in Agra you will be met by our representative who will introduce you to your guide who will take you to Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays). On the inner walls, jewel-like stones create beautiful designs in white marble. The Mughals perfected the art of embedding semi-precious stones into marble and the Taj is the finest example of this special process called pietra dura. It begins with a marble plate, varying in size. Then jewels are sliced paper thin and embedded in the marble with such precision that the joints are invisible to the naked eye. Continue for a visit to the Agra Fort, a walled city constructed of red stone which was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983. Construction of the fort was originally started by Emperor Akbar in 1565, but his son, Jahangir, and grandson, Shah Jahan, later made valuable additions to it.

You will also visit Itmad ud Daula, also known as Baby Taj. This tomb was built in 1622 for Ghiyas Beg, father of Empress Noor-Jahan, the wife of Emperor Jahangir. It is beautifully conceived in white marble, mosaic and lattice and set a precedent as the first Mughal building to be faced with white marble inlaid with contrasting stones.

Later, you will be driven back to Agra Cantt railway station, where you will board your train back to Delhi.

Day 3: After breakfast, proceed for the orientation city tour of Old and New Delhi including a visit of the 17th-century Jama Masjid and enjoy a rickshaw ride through the narrow, winding lanes of colourful and bustling Chandni Chowk. Stop in front of the Mughal Empire’s most opulent fort, the Red Fort for a photo opportunity.

Later proceed to New Delhi where you will be taken for a drive past the Presidential Palace, the one-time imperial residence of the British viceroys, the India Gate, a memorial raised in honour of fallen Indian soldiers and a drive along the Rajpath past the Parliament House and secretarial buildings. You will also visit Qutab Minar, the 12th-century tower of victory built by a slave king and prototype of all minars (towers) in India.

After the tour you will be transferred to Delhi Airport to board your short flight back to Goa.

 

Two-night price from £825 per person

  • Prices are based on two people sharing including internal flights and two nights' accommodation on B&B and include transfers.
  • A choice of superior or deluxe accommodation is available.
  • You will be able to book this excursion either in the UK or on arrival / during your holiday to Goa.
  • Operates any day (subject to availability) except for Friday due to closure of the Taj Mahal.
 
Contact Us

Contact Us

For more information about this excursion, please contact our Goa specialists:

01489 866994 | Email Sales

 

Recent Articles

 

New properties for winter 2024/25 Read more

 

Expert's top pick - Hotels in Goa Read more

 

Choosing your perfect hotel in Goa Read more

 

Expert's top pick - Candolim Read more

 

Follow us on Social Media