15 km north of Panaji. Part of the 30 km coastline stretch of Northern Beaches of Goa that covers the most popular hotspots of Goa and India tourism.

Till the mid 90s Calangute (along with the adjoining Baga) used to be the beach of Goa for hippies, where ganja, hash and drug-induced merriment personified the Goa holiday in India experience. For the flower children the address of the center of the Universe was - Calangute / Baga, Goa, India.

The Universe has changed since then, but Calangute still remains the most happening beach of Goa, and the most crowded. In place of hippies, those on a cheap Goa holiday package tour have taken over.

This huge 7 km sweep of sand is sometimes called the 'Queen of Goa Tourism'. But Calangute isn't a beautiful beach of Goa; there're hardly any palms, and the sand isn't very clean. But it's rock-free and offers good swimming  (though beware of the sudden drop and seaward current in some parts). And there's always plenty going on, with backpacking sun-tanners from across the world holding sway. Licensed shacks line the beach and offer excellent food from across the world, Goa and India. Travel to them for good food and attractive ambiance, especially in the evenings.

So for a busy beach of Goa, and a Goa holiday experience in the company of Sun- worshippers United, Calangute is the place to be.

Immediately to the north Baga is one of the fishing village beaches of Goa, offering interesting sights of the lifestyle of the fishing community. Water-sports can be enjoyed at the Goan Bananas Water Sports here and at the adjoining beaches.  

A large variety of showrooms filled with handicrafts from across India line up the main road running towards Anjuna. As in most other such shops in Goa and India, bargaining is essential.

A number of midrange and good value restaurants and cafes near the beach offer delicious options from the cuisine of Goa, India and the west. Italian is a particular specialty here. Club Cabana at Arpora is a huge club ideally located on a hilltop overlooking one of the most exciting beaches of Goa and India. Spread over different floors and an outdoor area that includes a pool & barbecue it can accommodate 1500 people! Private parties are also organized. The theme nites here with costumes and decor are particularly popular.

Calangute town does not have much of interest for those seeking to spice up their Goa travel, except a very busy fish market. But in terms of Goa travel essentials, there're plenty of facilities here. These include postal and foreign exchange services, banks, medical facilities, and most importantly, variety of eateries and bars. Infact, the number of Internet Cafes in Calangute rivals those in the entire city of Panaji. All the major Goa package tour operators and Goa travel agencies have offices here.

For those looking for a midrange or a budget / cheap Goa hotel, there's plenty of excellent choices on, and close to the busiest beach for Goa tourism. Ondas Do Mar is a popular deluxe Goa hotel, with beachfront location and excellent facilities. Paradise Village is one of the leading midrange hotels of Goa, which along with many others in the same range offer excellent facilities that include restaurant, pool and Internet. Golden Eye is a highly recommended beachfront cheap Goa hotel, Coco Banana is another. Infact, cheap Goa hotels / guesthouses offering good value stretch uninterrupted from Calangute to Baga.