Just to the north of the party beach of Goa is a fascinating group of small Goa beaches, more salubrious and laid-back than Anjuna. Relatively secluded, these are situated on the crescent shaped Caisua bay, along the Chapora river basin, in the shadow of the ruins of Chapora Fort.

Vagator is one of the most beautiful beaches of Goa, and India, laying on inviting sandy coves, between coconut palm shaded rocky headlands. Generally peaceful, in peak season it attracts day-trippers, and during the night typically boisterous Goa beach parties are a regular feature, especially at Disco Valley between Vagator and Little Vagator, and at Banyan Tree, east of Vagator. 

On the cliff above Little Vagator Alcove offers delicious location, ambiance and food & drinks.  Restaurants in Vagator dish up tasty seafood, continental dishes, health foods and fruity shakes.

is perched on the hilltop at the north edge of the bay; a short, though steep walk from the beach just above Sterling Resorts.

It was originally built by the Portuguese in 1617 on the site of an earlier structure by Adil Shah, the Sultan of Bijapur, as part of the series of fortifications build to guard against Hindu rulers threatening them from the east (the Marathas) and the north (the Bahamani Kings), along with the local Chieftains. The Portuguese lost the fort to the Maratha ruler, Sambhaji in 1684, but retook it in 1717. They rebuilt the fort, adding underground tunnels to ensure a safe getaway in case of an emergency, probably used when the fort again fell to the Marathas for two years in 1739. The fort was finally abandoned in 1892.

Today, the fortress lies in ruins, although you can still see the heads of the two tunnels, as well as a scattering of Muslim tombstones on the southern slopes of the hill. However, it remains extremely atmospheric, offering splendid views of nearby Anjuna and Vagator beaches. Carry your own refreshments.

At closeby Siolim the Church of St. Anthony was build in 1606 dedicated to the patron saint of Portugal, widely venerated throughout rural Goa. Of interest here are the Belgian glass chandeliers and statues of Jesus and St. Anthony.

Sterling Vagator is a partly timeshare midrange Goa hotel resort, beautifully located on the foot of the Chapora Fort. It offers excellent facilities. There are a few budget / cheap Goa hotels at a little distance from the beaches. At the nearby Siolim a superbly renovated 300 years old heritage Goa hotel, Siolim House features excellent suits, restaurant and pool. 

EXCURSIONS
* Panaji (Panjim)
* Old Goa
* Other northern beaches of Goa
* Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
* Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary
* Savoi Spice Plantation
* Temples at Ponda

BEACHES BETWEEN CHAPORA AND ARAMBOL

Morjim beach lies on the north side of the mouth of Chapora river estuary. It’s a beautiful, isolated and undeveloped northern beach of Goa. A tour of this area enhances your Goa holiday experience through a turtle nesting site protected by the Forest Department (between October and December) and bird watching opportunities. Even in peak season very few day-trippers come here. A few beach shacks provide simple food, drinks, sun-beds and palm umbrellas.  

A few simple tree houses and beach huts close to the shoreline are available for overnight stay.

The Shri Morja Devi Temple is an interesting small temple at Morjim village.

Asvem, a few km south of Arambol is another isolated northern beach of Goa with idyllic charm.

Mandrem village is a fishing and toddy (traditional beer made from coconut palm sap) tapping village. It has a deserted Goa beach with little shade. But on its northern part between the sea and the river is a beautiful small sandy “island” with coconut palms. Closeby, Sharat Arora teaches Iyengar Yoga during season.

The Shirr Purchevo Ravalnatha Temple at Mandrem village, towards Arambol beach has an interesting medieval image of Lord Vishnu’s half human, half eagle “flying vehicle”, Garuda (highly venerated in Indonesia, especially Bali) dressed as a solider, a one of its kind statue in Goa or India.