Palolem beach, Goa was discovered by those lost souls searching for an idyllic beach of Goa, unspoiled from the vagaries of the typical whoop-de-do activities of Goa tourism found in the more popular beaches of Goa. What they found was beach utopia; sensual curves of crescent shaped palm fringed golden sands, gently caressed by the waves between two unusual rocky headlands. Laid-back, in front of a blue bay, Palolem is one of the most beautiful beaches of Goa. Chased by the lovers of the tranquil Goa holiday experience, it's obviously no longer lonely. But it still is a place for quite contemplation, long walks paddling in the shallows and for soaking in the sun with a good book.

But, the otherwise tranquil beach can get somewhat crowded on weekends when it attracts local picnickers. The southern end is more relaxed than the north.

The small Canacona Island on the north can be reached by a swim or via a boat ride with a fisherman, or by simply walking across at low tide. An added attraction at this end is a freshwater stream.

The local fishermen offer dolphin watching and fishing boat trips. The closeby Agonda beach is one of the best spots for sea angling in Goa or India. Soormai, salmon and mullet are amongst the catches.

Shacks line the northern end of the shore and serve reasonably good food and drinks. The shacks at the southern end offer better ambiance. 

A walk south along the shore over rocky outcrops brings you to the sandy coves of Colomb beach, with huts of the fishing community nearby (some take in paying guests). Parking is also available for campers and travelers.

Further south across a stream you reach the unspoiled Rajbag beach that offers excellent swimming in front of dunes and casuarina trees. An up-market Goa resort, Bharat-Hilton Resort is coming up here.

North of Palolem, near Cabo de Rama Fort is one of the most desolate beaches of Goa; you might not even find it on a Goa map. This picture-perfect beach of Goa is stretched over a 3 km cove of white sand fringed by palms and casuarina trees, overlooked by a large hill to the south

Mobike is the best way to get here, and as there're no facilities, carry your own essentials. Consider camping overnight to make for a memorable Goa holiday experience.

As with its northern counterpart, Arambol, typical beach Goa accommodation here often means seaside huts beneath palms, a rather enjoyable experience. The rest offer a cheap Goa holiday, both financially and figuratively. You can get to rent rooms in villagers' houses by asking politely at the beach restaurants.