Are you on the lookout for some peace of mind? If that’s the case for you, all you need to do is pack up your bags and land in Goa!
Yes! You heard it right, Goa! This destination is famous for its beautiful landscape, pristine beaches, vibrant parties, watersport activities, delicious Goan cuisine, and, of course, golden islands.
Goa also boasts some of the most beautiful islands that are easily accessible through bridges and boats. The islands in Goa allow one to indulge in a wide range of activities and so much more that you just can’t miss out on.
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In this blog, we’ll be exploring the list of the most beautiful islands in Goa that you must visit while on your trip to this coastal paradise.
Let’s have a look!
Beautiful Islands to Visit in Goa
Here’s a list of some of the best islands in Goa that you must visit to enjoy your trip to the fullest:
Chorao Island
Charao Island is one of the most beautiful islands located in the Mandovi River. It is a must-visit place for nature lovers and history buffs. Have you ever heard of the broad walk in a sanctuary? Well, this island is exactly the same as the Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, which is home to a wide range of exotic and rare birds. Chorao Island is also famous for its Portuguese-styled homes with lots of greenery all around and stunning landscapes. For those who wish to spend some time away from hustle and bustle, this is the perfect escape!
- Where: Mandovi River, North Goa
- How to Reach: Ferry services from Ribandar, private boat hire
- Things to Enjoy: Birdwatching at Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, nature walks, cycling, exploring the serene backwaters
- Popular Attractions Nearby: Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Chapel of St. Jeronimus, Chorla Ghats
Divar Island
This is one of the stunning Goa islands that offers a sneak peek into Goan history since it still has ruins of the Kadamba dynasty. You can find several beautiful villas that you can choose from for a night stay. If you’re travelling somewhere around August, don’t forget to visit here. One of the famous festivals of Goa, that is, the Bonderam festival, takes place on the last Saturday of August. Divar Island also allows you to engage in some adventurous activities.
- Where: Mandovi River, North Goa
- How to Reach: Ferry services from Ribandar, private boat hire.
- Things to Enjoy: Exploring the quaint villages and temples, Visiting the birthplace of Madhav Borkar, Enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and beautiful landscapes
- Popular Attractions Nearby: Se Cathedral, Church of St. Cajetan, Church of St. Francis of Assisi, Chapel of St. Catherine, Church and Monastery of St. Augustine, Viceroy’s Arch, Archaeological Museum Goa, Kristu Kala Mandir Gallery
Butterfly Island
Buttery Island is one of the hidden gems in Goa that is well-known for its calmness and serenity. The wide stretch of golden sands of this island is surrounded by high rocks. If you take a wide look at the island, it looks just like the shape of the wings of a butterfly. Other than that, this island has got its name from the tonnes of butterflies that you witness buzzing all over the place. Moreover, you can enjoy several water sports activities here.
- Where: North of Palolem Beach, Goa
- How to Reach: Boat tours from Baga or Calangute
- Things to Enjoy: Snorkelling, diving, spotting colourful butterflies and marine life, relaxing on the pristine beaches.
- Popular Attractions Nearby: Colva Beach, Agonda Beach, Fort Cabo de Rama, Galgibaga Beach, Palolem Beach
Sao Jacinto Island
Sao Jacinto is one of the smallest islands in South Goa and is a lesser-known place in Goa. Similar to the Butterfly Island, this island is also located far away from the mainland. Sao Jacinto stays uncrowded throughout the year, which allows one to spend some time in peace. Thus, if you are someone who’s looking for some serenity, make sure that you visit this place at least once while on your trip. One of the festivals celebrated on this island is honouring the island’s patron saint, St. Jacinto. People from all over Goa visit this island to celebrate this festival.
- Where: Panaji Vasco Highway, Panjim
- How to Reach: Hire a motorbike or taxi
- Things to Enjoy: Exploring the historic churches and forts, Enjoying the serene beaches and backwaters, Witnessing the beautiful sunsets
- Popular Attractions Nearby: Shantadurga Temple, Naval Aviation Museum, Bambolim Beach, Bogmalo Beach, Hollant Beach
Conco Island
Conco Island is one of the stunning islands that’s located in the Canacona region. The Arabian Sea that surrounds this island gives you ample opportunities to enjoy adventurous watersports activities. This island is also popularly known as Monkey Island since there are a large number of monkeys residing in the forest that’s situated near the island. Other than that, you can also witness some of the dolphins while enjoying a boat ride from Palolem Beach.
- Where: Zuari River, South Goa
- How to Reach: Private boat hire
- Things to Enjoy: Exploring the mangrove forests, birdwatching, and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.
- Popular Attractions Nearby: Mormugao Fort, Japenese Garden, Bogmalo Beach
Raneache Zuem
Raneache Zuem is a hidden place in Goa that’s especially for those who are looking for peace away from hustle and bustle. Located on the Chapora River, this island provides stunning views of the surroundings. You can even find a haunted house at Raneache Zuem that looks quite scary. There’s a bridge that connects this small island to the mainland. Other than this, this island is full of coconut trees and mangroves, which makes it a stunning scene for travellers to indulge in the beauty. If you have seen Dear Zindagi, you might be reminded of the song “Love You Zindagi.” It was shot here.
- Where: Panaji Vasco Highway, Panjim
- How to Reach: Private boat hire.
- Things to Enjoy: Exploring the scenic backwaters, birdwatching, and enjoying the tranquil atmosphere
- Popular Attractions Nearby: Fort Aguada, Baga Beach, Anjuna Beach, Mapusa Market, Chapora Fort
Vanxim Island
Vanxim Island is popularly known as the Island of Fisherman. And through this, you can get an idea that this tiny-looking yet stunning island comes with a wide range of spots where you can enjoy fishing. Along with that, you can also visit the churches and cemeteries of the island, where you can have a look into Portuguese architecture. Among the other available churches on the island, the Church of Santo Cristo is also known amongst the locals of Goa, and it is a must-visit spot for religious people.
- Where:Capao, Taluka Tiswadi, Goa
- How to Reach: Ferry from Divar
- Things to Enjoy: Exploring the serene villages and temples; enjoying the beautiful landscapes and backwaters; and witnessing the traditional Goan lifestyle.
- Popular Attractions Nearby: Church of Santo Cristo, Chapel of the Miraculous Cross, Saptakoteshwar Temple, Our Lady of Piety Church
Cumbarja Island
Cumbarja Island is one of the most isolated islands in Goa. It is located far from the mainland and thus grabs a smaller footprint of locals and travellers. This island is known as one of the largest of India’s natural crocodile habitats, where you can enjoy boating. You can also witness stunning sunsets here. Besides that, this place is also famous for its breezing winds, where you can roam around in the lush green forests and enjoy some time in solitude.
- Where: Mandovi River, North Goa
- How to Reach: Take a boat from the Cumbarja Canal.
- Things to Enjoy: Exploring the historic churches and forts, Enjoying the scenic beauty of the river and backwaters, Witnessing the traditional Goan lifestyle
- Popular Attractions Nearby: Cumbarjua Canal, Palolem Beach, Se Cathedral, Church of St. Francis of Assisi, Viceroy’s Arch, Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception
Grande Island
Your trip to Goa would be incomplete if you did not pay a visit to the Grande Island. It is regarded as one of the most famous islands in Goa, especially for snorkelling and scuba diving. Grande Island is one of the places in Goa that are still untouched by humans, which generates fewer crowds. Your visit to this island shouldn’t be limited to just the island, but you must also indulge in several activities such as fishing, dolphin sighting, and more. You can enjoy lazing on the beach chair around this picturesque location.
- Where: Located off the coast of North Goa
- How to Reach: Boat tours from Baga or Calangute
- Things to Enjoy: Snorkelling and diving, exploring underwater marine life, and relaxing on the pristine beaches.
- Popular Attractions Nearby: Mormugao Fort, Naval Aviation Museum, Bogmalo Beach, Hollant Beach, Velsao Beach
Pequeno Island
Pequeno Island, also known as the Bat Island, is one of the most beautiful islands that’s located in Goa. It is known for its patches of green mangroves and rocky beaches. Earlier, this island belonged to the Indian Navy, and their officers used to stay here, but now this place is used as a tourist attraction. It is regarded as one of the most beautiful islands in Goa, where you can find a wide range of colourful shoals. Thus, it is an amazing spot for snorkelers as well as divers.
- Where: Panaji Vasco Highway, Panjim
- How to Reach: Boat tours from Baga or Calangute
- Things to Enjoy: Snorkelling and diving, exploring underwater marine life, and relaxing on the pristine beaches.
- Popular Attractions Nearby: Dudhsagar Falls, Se Cathedral Church, Palolem Beach, Colva Beach, Cabo De Rama Fort
Wrapping Up
Here’s to our list of the top islands in Goa!
It would be one of the best experiences that you can ever have while being in Goa. Keep in mind that you include the islands in your itinerary instead of just visiting common attractions to have a truly memorable experience.
After a day of island hopping, if you’re on the lookout for a luxury resort to relax, look no further than Prive by White Flower!
Our property is known as the best luxury resort in North Goa and is the ideal place to relax and rejuvenate. Also, it features world-class amenities and exceptional hospitality to ensure a comfortable stay experience.
So, make your Goa trip truly unforgettable by experiencing the best of its islands and booking a stay at Prive!
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