Map of Calangute in Russian. Calangute Beach: a complete guide Detailed map of Calangute in Russian
Goa State received more than a hundred kilometers of coastline stretching from the borders with the state of Maharashtra in the north to the borders with the state of Karnataka in the south. For many years, sections of this vast coastline have been popular places among locals and travelers. Since the influx of foreign tourists to Goa began in the 70s, some beaches have become more popular than others due to their distinctive natural features and the various attractions that are available near them.
Perhaps the most famous among all the beaches in Goa is Calangute. This is the largest beach in North Goa with an uninterrupted coastline stretching for several kilometers. Calangute Beach is actually part of the city of the same name, located 15 km north of Goa's capital, Panaji. Also known as the "King of Beaches" due to its immense popularity and long coastline, Calangute is a very popular and therefore crowded beach during the high season, which is in stark contrast to the beaches in South Goa.
On this page:
1. Video
2. Location on the map of Goa
3. How to get there
4. When is the best time to go?
5. Attractions
5.1. St. Alex's Church
5.2. Healing springs
5.3. Kerkar Art Complex
5.4. Fort Aguada
5.5. Holiday Street
6. Beaches nearby
6.1. Sinquerim Beach
6.2. Coco Beach
6.3. Baga Beach
7. Nightlife
8. Shopping in
9. Tibetan market
10. What to do for tourists
11. Where to eat
11.1. Lazy Days
11.2. Chef Soumyen's Kitchen
11.3. Zuperb
11.4. Chelsea
12. Hotels
12.1. Horizon Hotel
12.2. Lambana Resort Hotel
12.3. Ocean Palms Goa
12.4. Osbourne Resort Hotel
12.5. Palmarinha Resort
12.6. Santa Monica Hotel
12.7. Somy Resort
13. Questions from tourists
13.1. Distance to Candolim
13.2. Distance to Baga
13.3. How long to walk to Anjuna
13.4. How much does drinking water cost?
13.5. Are there large supermarkets
13.6. How much does it cost to rent a scooter
13.7. Massage
13.8. Pharmacy
13.9. What to buy
Video
Calangute on the map of Goa
If you look at the map, you will notice that Calangute is located in North Goa, about 15 km from Panaji, and is surrounded by areas such as Saligao, Candolim and Epora Nagpoa.
This is one of the most crowded beaches in India during the high season. Best time The best time to visit it is from November to February, when a pleasant atmosphere reigns here. However, it should be noted that Calangute is one of the few beaches in Goa where you can relax throughout the year. Although it is hot, rainy and stuffy here in summer, the beach is not dying out like others tourist areas Goa.
How to get to Calangute
Due to its immense popularity, Calangute Beach is one of the most available places in Goa. This town has a bus station, so many other parts of North and South Goa can be reached through regular bus services. Buses to Panaji run from here with enviable regularity, and from the state capital you can take another bus to any place.
Apart from buses, you can always use a taxi or a rickshaw. For trips within the resort area, a rickshaw is better, and for trips to other resort areas, a taxi is a more comfortable option. Although the cost of riding it is about 2 times higher than that of a rickshaw, a long rickshaw ride can make you very tired. Besides, I don't see the rickshaw safe transport for traveling between areas of Goa.
The drive to Calangute from Panaji takes about 30 minutes. It should be noted that taxi fares tend to rise rapidly during peak season.
If you need to get to Calangute from the airport, then the best option There will be a taxi, although you can also take a bus to Panaji and then change buses to Calangute. Another option is to rent a car.
To travel inexpensively in Goa, you can rent a bike in Calangute. On a bike you can not only get to various attractions for pennies, but also go to the nearest beaches, such as Candolim, Baga, Anjuna, etc.
Weather in Calangute: when is the best time to go?
To make the most of your holiday in this resort area, it is best to visit before the start of the monsoon season, which lasts from June to September. During May, temperatures regularly reach 34°C. For this reason, May, although a relatively dry month, is not very suitable for holidays here. The best time for a holiday, as we have already said, is from November to February, but October, March and April can also be safely considered for a trip to this area of North Goa.
Because the most of Since the locals are Christians, the New Year period is a great time to visit Calangute, as there is... a large number of events including fireworks on the beach at Christmas and New Year. Temperatures at this time of year are usually the most comfortable, with an average of 25°C. In addition, the amount of precipitation at this time is minimal.
Attractions of Calangute
Known for its large stretch of coastline along Arabian Sea Calangute offers many attractions and activities. If you want to understand the history and culture of India, then this resort will be an excellent base for excursions and exploring interesting places on your own.What to see in Calangute? There are not many interesting places in the resort itself, but in its surroundings you will find attractions for every taste. Only one Old city, located about 35 minutes away, has a lot to offer. Many other North Goa attractions are just a short drive from Calangute.
St. Alex's Church
The church founded by Francis is popular among tourists due to its architectural beauty. The church has two towers, altars and a white dome. This church was originally founded in 1595, making it one of the oldest functioning churches in Goa. The church you can see today was built by local residents in 1741. The towers of this church were built in 1765.
Healing springs
These sources are believed to have medicinal properties. They are located in Mottant and are ideal place for a picnic and swimming in healing water. The road to the springs begins at the Bom Vijam Temple.
Kerkar Art Complex
Kerkar Gallery is a popular art gallery that displays images and paintings created by Subodh Kerkar. The exhibition also features works by contemporary artists from across India.
Fort Aguada
Relatively close to Calangute is the largest and best preserved fort in Goa. It was built in 1612 to guard the entrance to the Mandovi River and takes its name from several freshwater springs that existed in its place. For ships that sailed from Portugal, this was the first stop after long journey. Today it houses a state prison. In the center of the fort there is a lighthouse built in 1864. It once housed the Great Bell of St. Augustine's Church Old Goa, before it was moved to Our Lady of Immaculate Church in Panaji.
Holiday Street
This is the first place in Calangute to find quality Indian products. If you're looking for a souvenir for yourself or your friends, or jewelry to complement your wardrobe, you'll enjoy strolling through the many stalls that line both sides of this street. If you get hungry while walking, there are plenty of restaurants in the area where you can grab lunch or a snack.
Beaches near Calangute
You can walk or take a rickshaw to other resorts nearby. Why do this? Well, at least because it's more quiet places, where you can take a break from the crowds. In addition, he always wants variety, to see something new and interesting.
Sinquerim Beach
If you're looking for a beach adventure, then Sinquerim might be the place for you. There is an endless abundance of activities on offer, from water skiing and sailing to diving. No matter your skill level, the friendly staff will help you with everything.The soft golden sands of Sinquerim Beach, dotted with palm trees, are also great place to relax on a towel with a cocktail in hand.
Coco Beach
This is one of the most poorly developed areas of the Goa coast. Due to its modest size, it has a private character. This is an ideal choice for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the popular beaches of North Goa for a while and enjoy a holiday in this piece of paradise. Just relax and enjoy the soft sea breeze.Baga Beach
Located a 20-minute walk north of Calangute, Baga Beach also has a lot to offer. But still, the atmosphere here is not as noisy as in Calangute. In addition, this beach is better for swimming, especially the part located near the river.Nightlife in Calangute
After sunset, Calangute continues to be quite a noisy and crowded place as hippies and travelers party throughout the evening and night. Beach cafes turn into bars in the evening, where alcohol flows like a river.
Despite its size, Calangute does not have such stormy nightlife, like Anjuna. The parties here are not so noisy, although you will always find a place where you can have a blast. Tito's club has the only dance floor in the entire resort area, but this does not mean that you cannot dance somewhere else. Dancing on the beach on the sand has not been canceled. In my opinion, the atmosphere at the party depends not so much on the establishment, as much as from the people who are present at it.I have often seen examples of how an ordinary beach shack turned into a central place on the entire beach.
Among the places where it is almost always fun, one can highlight only Tito's and the Bob's Inn bar, located near Candolim.
Shopping in Calangute
If you take into account the neighboring Baga Beach and the nearby village of Arpora, which can be reached on foot if desired, it is fashionable to say that Calangute is the best shopping destination in Goa among the beach areas. Only Panaji and perhaps Margao offer better shopping conditions.
In the neighboring village of Arpora it opens on Saturday evening swap meet. It's a great alternative to the Wednesday day market at nearby Anjuna. The Saturday market in Arpora offers the opportunity not only to buy quality goods, but also to watch impressive shows and listen to live music.
There is also a good Tibetan market in the center of Calangute that offers all kinds of precious stones and silver items, wooden statues of Buddhist and Hindu gods. In addition, Calangute and Baga are inundated with Kashmiri traders who offer Kashmiri carpets, embroidery and papier-mâché for sale.
There are other shops in the area, including supermarkets and numerous gift shops.
Tibetan market in Calangute
Get ready to haggle because it's kind of a must in the Tibetan market. Here you will find a series of stocked stalls with an array of Tibetan jewelry and trinkets, scarves and ornate teapots with Indian and Tibetan themes.
The listed prices for products are usually much higher than expected, so they may seem overpriced. However, you can bargain to lower the price. However, some merchants will not change their prices for you. If the seller does not want to bargain, then simply go to another seller. As a rule, products here are repeated in different stores. I advise you to first quickly go through the market and compare prices, and then start thinking about what and where to buy.
Is it worth buying something from the Tibetan market? I think it's worth it if it's not a typical souvenir that you can buy elsewhere. Still, you are unlikely to be able to buy Tibetan goods at any other market in Goa. The Tibetan market in Calangute is not just a name - most of the traders here are actually Tibetan refugees.
Entertainment in Calangute: what to do for tourists
What to do in the most popular area of North Goa? If you choose this resort for your holiday, you can be sure that the choice of entertainment here will be maximum. It is unlikely that any other beach in Goa will offer as much entertainment as Calangute, where you can find so many beach activities, including a variety of water sports. This beach is enough safe place for swimming and one of best places for watching sunsets.
Calangute is one of the few beaches in Goa that offers all water sports. There are more than a dozen centers on the beach aquatic species sports You can go parasailing, surfing, jet skiing or banana boat. There are also several companies here that offer dolphin watching boat trips as well as fishing trips. These adventures are unforgettable.
This is one of the most favorite pastimes for adventure seekers. The parachute takes you high into the sky and gives you the opportunity to enjoy enchanting bird's eye views.
On the coast you can always play volleyball or beach soccer. Foreign tourists also often play other games and are happy to welcome anyone who wants to join them.
Where to eat in Calangute
Since this resort area is the largest and most popular in Goa, there is nothing surprising in the huge abundance of restaurants and cafes here. Seafood restaurants can be found on every corner in this area. There are numerous cafes and outlets everywhere fast food, where you can have a snack without harming your wallet or time. If you want to come to Goa for no more than two weeks, you are unlikely to be able to visit even half of all the establishments in Calangute. Therefore, we decided to introduce you to several establishments that have a good price-quality ratio.
Lazy Days
Less than 10 minutes' walk from the coast is the excellent Lazy Days Cafe. The big advantage of this place is the lack of crowds. In addition, the cafe delights many with its high level service and delicious food. Here you can treat yourself to a glass of Indian wine or beer while playing billiards.Chef Soumyen's Kitchen
If quality food is your top priority, then Chef Soumyen's Kitchen is sure to please with its carefully prepared dishes using fresh ingredients. Drawing on his experience of cooking on British cruise ships and in Indian hotels, the chef at this restaurant offers some of the best European dishes that can be found in Goa.Zuperb
Here you can taste some of the most exquisite Indian delicacies in all of Goa. I especially liked the dhansak and salli boti dishes, which go well with cold beer. On some evenings you can enjoy live music performed by local singers.Chelsea
One of the best beach cafes in the area is Chelsea. Along with European and Asian dishes, this restaurant also offers a huge range of Indian seafood dishes. Chelsea is open from 08:30 to 23:00 seven days a week and is ideal for a lunch break on a sunny day. If you're an early riser, you can enjoy a delicious English breakfast here, complete with strong black coffee. In the evening, this place is one of the best to relax with a cocktail and watch the sun set over the Arabian Sea.Hotels on Calangute Beach in Goa
You will not find hotels on the first line in Calangute, which you are used to seeing in Turkey, Egypt or even Thailand. In Goa there are practically no such hotels at all, since according to local laws the beach cannot belong to a hotel. However, this does not mean that you will always have to walk far to the beach and back. Many hotels here are a stone's throw from the sand strip. If you definitely want to live near the coast, then you should look for housing locally, as the owners of some shakes can rent out rooms. This is a common practice throughout Goa.
There are many 2 and 3 star hotels in Calangute, but there are also many guesthouses and a large selection of accommodation for rent. Below we will present only the most popular and more or less comfortable hotels, in which you can buy a tour. Of course, you can also book only stays at these hotels.
Horizon Hotel
If you want to be right in the middle of the fun, the Horizon Hotel is about a 7-minute walk from the coast. With thatched umbrellas around the pool and lush greenery throughout, the hotel is a small oasis of calm in the bustling resort area. Horizon Hotel features a restaurant serving Goan and Chinese cuisine, a pool bar and evening entertainment activities, including live music.
Lambana Resort Hotel
This small hotel is great for relaxing by the pool and sipping a cocktail. The rooms at Lambana Resort Hotel are clean and comfortable. Lambana Resort Hotel has a fairly convenient location, as it is just a five-minute walk from the sea coast.
Ocean Palms Goa
Elegant Hotel Ocean With a hint of luxury, Palms Goa is a place where you can relax and forget that you are in Goa's busiest resort. The tranquil atmosphere here is created by the lush trees that surround it. But don't be fooled - the resort center is just a few minutes' walk from Ocean Palms Goa.
In any case, Ocean Palms Goa guarantees you relaxing conditions around the pool and offers the opportunity to taste Indian and international cuisine in a cozy restaurant.
Osbourne Resort Hotel
Located just off the resort's main road and about an eight-minute walk from the coast, the Osbourne Resort Hotel is divided into three colorfully painted blocks, which include a swimming pool and sun terrace. The restaurant here serves a variety of dishes, and there is also a barbecue near the pool. Each room at Osbourne Resort Hotel has a balcony or terrace.
Palmarinha Resort
This hotel's name means "swaying palm trees" in Spanish, and it suits it perfectly. Palmarinha Resort has two swimming pools, as well as a fitness room and a small games area. It also offers beauty treatments and massages. Although Palmarinha Resort is located relatively far from the beach, the hotel offers transfers to and from the coast for its guests.
Santa Monica Hotel
Small and cozy hotel with 36 numbers is considered one of paradises in Calangute. Santa Monica Hotel's restaurant serves Chinese and Indian cuisine. The distance to the coast and the resort center is approximately the same. It will take you about 6 minutes to overcome it.
Somy Resort
The hotel is located among trees in the central part of the resort, and is surrounded by restaurants and bars. It takes about 5 minutes to walk to the beach from Somy Resort. On the territory of Somy Resort you will find a swimming pool and a bar next to it, a buffet restaurant and a beauty salon. There is a bus stop near Somy Resort from where buses go to Panaji.
Questions from tourists
Since Calangute is the most popular among Russian tourists resort area of Goa, travelers ask many questions regarding this area. We decided to publish the most popular questions and answers to them.
Distance from Calangute to Candolim
There is no definite answer to this question, since in fact the distance between these beaches is different. It is necessary to take into account the fact that Candolim is, as it were, a continuation of Calangute, so the distance between them is actually zero. It would be correct to ask this question indicating the location on the first and second beaches. The distance between the centers is resort areas is almost 4 km, but the distance from the farthest point of Calangute to the farthest point of Candolim is about 8 km.Distance from Calangute to Baga
The situation is similar to that described above, so the distance in this case is from 0 to 6 km. It all depends on where you are from and where you need to go.How long does it take to walk from Calangute to Anjuna?
The distance in this case is approximately 3.5 km in a straight line and 8.5 km by road. Is it possible to walk? Theoretically it is possible, but you will have to follow the road. The fact is that you won’t get to Anjuna along the coast. And the point is not only that at the northern end of Baga a river flows into the sea, but also that after this river there is a rocky coast. So all that remains is to walk along the road, and this is a dubious pleasure. So it's better to pay about 200 rupees and take a rickshaw.How much does drinking water cost in Calangute?
Drinking tap water in Goa is not recommended. It is very dangerous. Drinking water It's inexpensive here and a 1.5 liter bottle costs around 20 rupees. You can also buy a 5 liter bottle for 45-50 rupees.Are there large supermarkets in Calangute
Since we are talking about the most popular resort, there is no doubt that there are supermarkets here. I can’t judge how large they are, but by local standards they are quite large. Here is Newton, the largest supermarket in North Goa. There are other smaller supermarkets.How much does it cost to rent a scooter in Calangute?
Scooter rental prices here are the same as in all other places in Goa. The standard price is around 200 rupees per day, but for rentals of more than 10 days you can expect a day's rental to cost around 150 rupees. There are quite a few places where you can rent a scooter.Massage in Calangute
Massage here is best done in special Ayurvedic centers. Do not be fooled by the offers of massage “masters” who may approach you on the beach. In a more or less good salon, the cost of an Ayurvedic massage will be approximately 1000 rupees per hour. There are other types of massage, but they usually cost more.Pharmacy in Calangute
There are quite a few pharmacies here, and almost all of them are located far from the beach. You will find many pharmacies in the fish market area. Of those pharmacies that are close to the beach, only Calangute Medical Stores can be named.What to buy in Calangute
Most of the goods here are typical things and trinkets typical of the popular tourist resort. We advise you to visit the Tibetan market, where there are many unique goods. Most tourists buy T-shirts and other clothes, towels, trinkets such as magnets and key chains, tea, local sweets and products, spices, saris and other Indian clothes in Calangute. When you get here, you will be pleasantly surprised by the selection of goods and their prices. Clothing and many other goods are made in India, so their cost here is relatively low.Here is a detailed map of Calangute with street names in Russian and house numbers. You can easily get directions by moving the map in all directions with the mouse or clicking on the arrows in the upper left corner. You can change the scale using the scale with the “+” and “-” icons located on the map on the right. The easiest way to adjust the image size is by rotating the mouse wheel.
In which country is the city of Calangute located?
Calangute is located in India. This is wonderful beautiful city, with its own history and traditions. Calangute coordinates: north latitude and east longitude (show on large map).
Virtual walk
Interactive map Calangute with attractions and others tourist sites- an indispensable assistant in independent travel. For example, in the “Map” mode, the icon of which is in the upper left corner, you can see a city plan, as well as a detailed map of roads with route numbers. You can also see the city's railway stations and airports marked on the map. Nearby you see the “Satellite” button. By turning on satellite mode, you will examine the terrain, and by enlarging the image, you will be able to study the city in great detail (thanks to satellite maps from Google Maps).
Move the “little man” from the lower right corner of the map to any street in the city, and you can take a virtual walk around Calangute. Adjust the direction of movement using the arrows that appear in the center of the screen. By turning the mouse wheel, you can zoom in or out of the image.
Calangute in North Goa is a real center of tourist attraction for foreign and local holidaymakers. If we can use this word, then Calangute can be called central, since it is literally in the center of everything that happens. If you walk to the right from the Calangute beach, you will find yourself on the more proletarian Baga beach; if you go to the left, you will come to respectable Candolim. As you can see, this resort village is really located in the center. :)
All the most interesting places and the sights of Goa are located at an equal distance from Calangute, and there are regular buses to the capital of Goa - Panaji Shuttle Buses, they walk along a direct route, i.e. there is no need to travel with several transfers through Mapsa.
There are always a lot of package tourists at the resort; probably 90% of all package tourists end up in this area of Goa. It’s noisy here like in Sochi, crowds of foreign vacationers and local tourists merge into one single seething mass. You quickly get tired of Calangute, but it doesn’t drain you of energy, but rather gives you the strength and desire to explore this unique place better.
Calangute on the map of Goa
The local beach is considered the most popular beach in north Goa, the village is located next to equally densely populated villages. It is bordered to the north by Baga, and to the south by the less populated Candolim. Even the locals don’t know where the border between these villages is, so everything is very arbitrary.
As I wrote earlier, the beach and resort village are located in a strategically advantageous place for tourists; Dabolim International Airport can be reached in an hour and a half by regular buses; the capital of Goa, Panaji, can be reached in about forty minutes.
All attractions are located at an equal distance; they can be explored either independently or as part of an excursion group.
Calangute on a paper, tourist map
As can be seen on the paper map, the tourist infrastructure at the resort is more than developed, and this is true. The main tourist movement is located on the street leading to the beach, and the beach itself is also very noisy and crowded.
Hotels and guesthouses in Calangute
Housing in Calangute is the most expensive in all of northern Goa, despite the huge selection of hotels, motels, guesthouses and other residential buildings, prices for accommodation here are high and remain so throughout tourist season. Decent accommodation in Calangute is especially appreciated in the high season, when all local hotels (from 1 star and above) are filled to capacity with packages, it is very difficult to find something decent.
Searching for accommodation on your own during high season can be frustrating, so book your hotel in advance or be prepared to pay a little extra. My search for a room in numerous guesthouses in Calangute was a fiasco, the average cost of rooms did not fall below 700 rupees per day (trading was sluggish), and it was the end of the tourist season (end of March).
The general condition of the room stock can be rated as a solid C, but in northern Goa you quickly get used to the squalor of hotels, and if you don’t get used to it, then you move to more comfortable hotels in south Goa.
There is a large selection of hotels in Calangute, from star and prestigious ones to unknown guesthouses, the latter can only be booked on the spot, since they are not in any booking system.
A small survey of tourists vacationing in Calangute revealed several hotels that are worthy of your attention, more short description these hotels.
The sea in Calangute may not be the best in the world, but it is certainly the most memorable, friendly waves and numerous local tourists will be in your memory for a long time.
The beach in Calangute is considered one of the best in north Goa, here it is the widest and flattest; in some places the sandy strip of the beach reaches 100 meters. The entrance to the sea is gentle and there is a pleasant depth for those who want to swim, but the waves can make it difficult for the youngest tourists to enter the water.
The abundance of local tourists on Calangute beach cannot be counted; there are an indecent number of them here, so get ready to be in the role of a movie star. If you are a pronounced European, then there will be more than enough requests for a joint photo. If your vacation falls at the end of the tourist season, then there will be even more local tourists on Calangute beach.
You should also know that ordinary Indian people are pouring into this resort place at the end of their work week, so no matter the season, Calangute is full of Indians on Saturday.
Sunset on Calangute Beach
Seeing off the sun is a universal theme that is practiced on any beach along the coast and Calangute is no exception. The sun in Calangute sets directly into the sea, and hundreds of tourists, thousands of local residents, many dogs, cows and other Calangute residents come to this show.
For the paying public, Sheki set up tables and bring juices and soda, those who don’t go to Sheki meet the sunset right on the warm sand and there is enough space and warmth for everyone. An amazing natural show, I recommend it to everyone.
Tourist service on Calangute beach
The beach in Goa is a place to make money, the locals have learned this well and certainly use this golden rule. There are police on the beach who chase away illegal traders and other “beach workers,” but they do this in true Goan fashion, sluggishly and casually, so that three minutes after the cops’ raid, all the characters are back at their jobs.
Beach clothing and souvenir vendors
Everything is clear here: buy cheaper, sell more expensive, lure tourists with the sweet word “Good price, believe the chip” (Very cheap), or put pressure on pity “I Make Little Business” (This is my small business). If the tourist even looked in the direction of the seller, then that’s it, the job is done and no amount of sticks can drive the merchant away. The excuse “no money” doesn’t work either, they will give you the thing you like without paying, and they will come for the money the next day.
Don’t be surprised if you find that you overpaid for the purchase from 10 to 100 times, as they say “beach service and nothing personal.”
Beach massage therapists and epilators
If you need to get rid of excess hair or experience Ayurveda on own skin, then similar procedures can be provided to you right on the beach. And hair removal will also take place right on the sun lounger, in full view of everyone.
Of course, this massage has nothing to do with Ayurveda, but for the sake of experiment you can try it. I took a course of Ayurvedic massage in one of the massage shops, I’ll be honest - it’s bullshit, bullshit, and it’s also expensive, and after the course of sessions there was a mandatory extortion of tips.
Beach excursion vendors
There are always a lot of tourists on the beaches of Calangute, most of whom are Russian speakers. All sorts of excursion sellers know this fact; many speak Russian or are our compatriots.
You can buy excursions on the beach, but you cannot pay money for excursions on the beach. I think you understand what I'm talking about. There are no prepayments or other fees. If you like the price of the excursion, you can pay at the time of the excursion or after it. This rule does not apply to stationary tourist shops; as a rule, they have been operating for a long time and do not fool tourists.
Calangute Beach reviews from tourists
Calanute Beach can shock any unprepared tourist and I’m not joking. If you are accustomed to a European type of holiday, or an Egyptian-Turkish one, then Calangute will definitely shock you. If you arrive at a “good time”, then there won’t be many European tourists here; there are probably some, but they are simply impossible to see in the black “sea of Indians”.
Many Indians will show close attention to any white body, especially if it is a female body. Indian men can stroll past the sun loungers and enjoy admiring the pale butts of tourists; the bravest ones can secretly or not so secretly take pictures of your butts and take selfies against your background in every possible way. The more advanced ones will ask you to pose with them.
Many tourists are not against such attention, but there are those who flatly refuse to be an exhibit in this human zoo. This is perhaps the biggest pain of tourists (especially girls), about which they write their negative reviews about Calangute beach on the Internet.
If you search, you will find many negative reviews on the Internet about Calangute beach and about the village of Calangute in general, which can be summarized as follows: it is very dirty and noisy here. This is also true, but that’s how India is, you either love it or hate it.
Positive reviews about Calangute are as follows: beautiful beach with wide coastlines, crystal clear water and sand in some places, friendly Indians, tasty food in Sheki, on the streets of Calangute you can see elephants with their drivers, a large market street, etc.
Cafes, beach shacks, restaurants and other entertainment in Calangute
For those who love good food, Calangute has prepared a real gift; literally the entire beach is strewn with beach cafes, which in Goa are called shek. In Calangute, I noticed some minor scams with prices, so be sure to compare prices in the Russian and English menus (especially the alcoholic menu).
Sheki looks especially colorful in the evening, when tables are placed right at the edge of the surf and bright candles are lit on them; the entire beach to the horizon turns into the Milky Way. Very beautiful and romantic, even if you just came to drink beer in splendid isolation.
On the streets adjacent to the beach there are also numerous cafes and restaurants, they have a higher price tag, there is no sea, but the food is just as tasty as on the shore. My favorite place in Calangute - this is the Redonda restaurant, table for two, on the second floor (in the very corner).
Every evening, in almost any cafe and restaurant, loud music is played, but the fun lasts only until 23:00. There is a law on silence in Goa, but there is also a loophole here; some establishments hold so-called Silent parties. The essence of the Silent party is the following: everyone is given wireless headphones that play music, and there is also interactivity.
The interaction between Silent party and wireless headphones is that several DJs are working at the disco at the same time, and the headphones allow you to choose the most suitable one.
If you need more serious club entertainment, then in neighboring Baga there is a whole club street - Titos line, and in neighboring Candolim you can play in a real casino.
Calangute prices for food and accommodation
All types of transport that can be found in a small resort town are present in full in Calangute, and some are even in abundance, so tourists do not experience problems with moving.
Rent a moped
Basic tourist transport in Calangute it’s a rented moped; almost all tourists in Goa ride mopeds, and even those who in their homeland had no idea that a moped is cool.
Among the vacationing tourists riding mopeds in Goa, you can meet all walks of life and tourists of all ages, but you should ride with extreme caution, since Calangute traffic is gloom and horror.
Local buses
Buses run along the main streets of the village, and in the very center of Calangute there is bus station, where you can find out more about the bus service.
Taxi rides
If buses and mopeds are not for you, then you can travel around Goa by taxi, it will be much more expensive, but more convenient, faster and more comfortable. Taxi drivers have their own parking spots; as a rule, such parking lots are located in the most crowded places. You can agree with a taxi driver to rent a car for the whole day, for the whole vacation, etc.
You can get around Calangute by taxi, but you have to bargain for every rupee; the local taxi driver is very roguish and can carry you at a fantastically high price.
Auto rickshaw rides
In Calangute, you can also try a more exotic type of transport - an auto rickshaw. Indian exotica can be quite fun, but riding such a cart across big route I wouldn't recommend it. There is no convenience for passengers when traveling in an auto-rickshaw, the rickshaw shakes from every bump, all the smoke and soot from the street ends up on the passengers, and the fare is almost the same as in a regular taxi.
You can ride once, but no more, and besides everything else, this is a very environmentally polluting form of transport.
Markets in Calangute and other places of trade
Trade in India is centuries-old culture, there are no dull, dissatisfied with life and the surrounding faces of the sellers behind the counter, here you are welcome and always smiling, even if you haven’t bought anything. In India, trading is a holiday and an attraction rolled into one. As a rule, there are no fixed prices in markets, and the purchase of goods turns into a verbal duel between the seller and the buyers, a kind of theater, in the end both win. Be sure to visit the main market of Goa, which is located in Mapsa.
In fact, the whole of Calangute is one large tourist market (especially its central street, which goes to the sea), but there are several places specially designated for this type of activity.
Tibetan market in Calangute
A little away from the main Calangute street, you can find a small Tibetan market. In the Tibetan market you can buy a limited type of goods, many of which are handmade, and there are also ordinary factory products, but there are not many of them.
The assortment is approximately as follows: jewelry made of stones and knives, coins, figurines (wooden, stone, copper, etc.), talismans, dishes, masks, clothes and blankets made of Tibetan yak wool, etc.
The traders here are either refugees from Tibet with whom you can enter into a heated discussion about the aggression of communist and bloodthirsty China against Tibet, or immigrants from Nepal with whom you can also enter into a discussion about the annexation of Tibet by bloodthirsty communist China.
The market is open every day, so come and buy some trinkets to help support the Free Tibet movement, which is trying to fight China and its imperialist policies in Tibet and around the world.
Saturday market in Calangute
On Saturday, a real market day comes to Calangute; all the surrounding traders and traders come here. The goods are sold directly from the land, this type of trade does not offend anyone (the local inspectorate doesn’t care), and trade is brisk and lively.
Traders of all sorts of things set up along the road (not far from the main city intersection and bus stop) and bargain until the winner. Along with European and our tourists, local residents also wander around the ruins, asking prices, bargaining and buying something.
The assortment is approximately as follows: fruits, vegetables, live chickens, dishes, all kinds of household appliances made from environmentally friendly materials (coconut ropes, bags made of coconut fibers, etc.), freshly caught fish, dried shrimp, fresh shrimp, clothes (skirts, saris, children's clothing), jewelry, etc.
I didn’t find any particularly exclusive items at this market, but if you bargain wisely, you can buy all sorts of unnecessary nonsense for half the price.
Attractions of Calangute
If you carefully read the article about the sights of Goa, it will become clear that there are no special attractions in Calangute. An exception can be considered a few sand figures, right at the entrance to the beach, and watching the fishermen unload the caught fish and that’s it.
If you think that I’m wrong, then tell me about it in the comments.
One of the Calangute attractions that you can walk to right along the beach is the old Fort Aguada, but it is located on a nearby beach. For other attractions you need to go, but in Calangute there is only the beach.
