6 Quiet Goa Beaches to Visit Before the December Rush

There's a window in Goa — after the rains and before the December rush — when the hills are still green and you can have a beach almost to yourself. That window is closing fast. Here are six of our favourite quieter stretches.

1. Galgibag, Canacona

Long, wide and fringed with casuarina trees, Galgibag is one of Goa's protected olive ridley turtle nesting sites. Nesting season usually begins around November, so keep to the marked areas and leave the sand undisturbed.

2. Cola Beach, Canacona

A small cove where a freshwater lagoon meets the sea, reached by a steep, rough road. The effort is the point — it's rarely crowded.

3. Cabo de Rama, Canacona

Come for the old fort on the cliff, stay for the small beach below and the view over the Arabian Sea at sunset.

4. Betul & Mobor, Salcete

Where the Sal river meets the sea: fishing boats, a working jetty and long, empty sand to the north. Fresh fish is never far away.

5. Ashwem, Pernem

North Goa's calmer side. Soft sand, rocky outcrops and a laid-back strip of cafés, now back for the season.

6. Querim (Keri), Pernem

Goa's northernmost beach, backed by casuarinas and the Tiracol fort across the river. We wrote a whole post about it.

Before you swim

• The sea can still be rough in early November. Swim only where lifeguards are posted, and respect the red flags.

• Facilities are thin on the remoter beaches — carry water and snacks.

• Take your rubbish home. Quiet beaches stay beautiful only if we keep them that way.

Got a favourite quiet beach we missed? Tell us through the form on our homepage — or tag @goa on Instagram.