Palolem Beach

Beach · Canacona, Goa

A crescent-shaped beach in Canacona, South Goa, with calm water in season, palm trees and kayaks, framed by rocky headlands.

Palolem curves for about a kilometre and a half between two rocky headlands in Canacona, the southernmost taluka of Goa. Palm trees line the back of the beach, and in the dry season the bay is usually calm enough for swimming and kayaking.

Boats from the beach go to nearby coves such as Butterfly Beach and Honeymoon Beach, and to look for dolphins in the mornings. In the season the back of the beach fills with huts, cafés and small guesthouses, many of which close during the monsoon.

The northern end has a small tidal island you can reach at low tide. As everywhere on the coast, check the sea conditions and swim only where it is marked as safe.

Best time to visit

November to March. Many beach businesses close from June to September.

How to reach

Nearest Konkan Railway station: Canacona, a few kilometres away by road. Madgaon is about an hour to the north.

Places nearby

Dudhsagar Falls