One of the merits of living in Goa is that it’s very easy to disconnect: we have a Monopoly board’s-worth of nature breaks to choose from. Whether you’re after bungee-jumping, kayaking or the bar scene in a hipster neighborhood, there are enough options to keep you entertained here in Goa.
I’ve been enjoying my DND weekends taking naps and reading at the beach. But the traveller in me has been aching for a good break now (yes, living in Goa isn’t a holiday) and I’m making use of my proximity to the coast to plan out a year filled with sun, sea and palm trees. It’s in this quest to explore the Western coast that I came across Galgibaga, a petite seaside village in Cancona, South Goa.
Galgibaga Beach is one of South Goa’s most beautiful and cleanest beaches, and has recently undergone a revival to attract the tourist crowd. This beach used to be popular with the locals, and the foreigners who enjoyed time away from the bustle of tourist-infested Goa. It’s due to the pandemic that the focus has now shifted to the Indian tourist, thanks to international travel being restricted.
Everything from the palm-lined natural promenade to the seafront shacks and working boats make this traditional fishing village a perfect beach break for those who’re looking to do nothing.
What To Do
If I were to be honest, I’d say you’re up for disappointment if you’re chasing a list. This getaway is all about letting go. Drive down, take a walk on the beach, enjoy a nap in the shade, meditate if you’re into that sorta thing, swim a little (don’t go too deep in!) read, enjoy meals with a view, witness a beautiful sunset, that sorta thing. If you’re craving for a little action, the dolphin boat trips (should cost you around 2500INR) seem to be quite popular with those who visit.
Where To Stay
Galgibaga Beach offers you a few beach shacks to stay at, but I’ve not heard the best reviews about most of them. Surya’ Beach Cafe on the other hand seems to be quite a popular spot for both food and stay. At Surya’s you can choose between 2 AC rooms (each at 1500INR per night) and 2 cottages (each at 1000INR per night)
If you’re not comfortable with a basic accommodation setting (I mean, you MAY come across a few geckos and bugs) you can also choose to stay in Agonda/Palolem. These areas are usually buzzing with tourists, and have a whole range of options to choose from. The drive to Galgibaga from here takes around 30minutes.
Where To Eat
Surya’s Beach Cafe comes highly recommended, and so does Santosh’s Beach Shack. We (and a bunch of of friends) enjoyed our experience at Surya’s Beach Café so I will most definitely recommend it to you. Surya is a jovial restaurant owner who is always looking for a fun chat- we spent a huge chunk of our breakfast hour chatting with him about fishing, tourism in Goa, and breeding oysters. Which reminds me…
Surya’s is synonymous with one thing above all others: oysters. The shack’s famed oysters can be sampled year round at his shack, and he also claimed to be the only oyster supplier in all of Goa! We enjoyed a couple of them for breakfast, and can confirm that a visit to this café is totally worth the hype. We’ve also been recommended the dishes cooked in butter garlic sauce (the calamari in butter garlic sauce is what people called THE BEST IN GOA)
Those with an aversion to seafood can still enjoy the shack’s charms; dive into the food menu, settle in for a beachside pint, or a comfortable cuppa Joe & a book.
Perfect For
Fishing, doing nothing, eating!
Getting There
It is easily approachable by road. Follow the directions on Google Maps and you should be good to go.