Bogmalo Beach holidays

Holidays to Bogmalo Beach mean swapping crowds for a crescent-shaped bay, palm-backed sands, and fresh seafood on tap.

Calm over crowds

Bogmalo is a cosy, south Goa bay that flies under the radar. Set in a natural curve, fringed by palms and backed by green hills, it’s one of the first beaches you reach after leaving the airport – it’s just over 10 minutes' away – yet it feels far removed from the usual tourist circuit. The village has a working feel, with old Portuguese-era houses, narrow lanes and plenty of greenery, and a mostly local crowd.

Water adventures

The bay’s shape keeps the water calm, making it ideal for swimming, snorkelling and beginner-friendly watersports. Parasailing, jet skiing and banana boat rides all operate from the main stretch of beach. One of the highlights is a short boat trip out to Bat Island, also known as Pequeno Island. Named for its resident fruit bats, this small rocky islet sits just offshore and is better known for what lies beneath the surface, with clear waters and plenty of marine life to spot.

Food and flavours

Food here is all about fresh fish of the day. You’ll regularly see fish curry and rice – the Goan staple – alongside recheado fish fry, spicy stuffed fish, prawn balchão – tangy, vinegar-based prawns – and calamari. Coconut, tamarind and spices do most of the heavy lifting. Portuguese touches appear, too – from pork vindaloo to the layered coconut dessert bebinca. Wash it down with fresh coconut water or a local shot of traditional feni liquor.

Further afield

You’re only a 10 to15-minute drive inland to Vasco da Gama, Goa’s largest city. Named after the Portuguese explorer, it sits at the mouth of the Zuari River and is a great place to see real Goan life in action. If you’d rather stay by the coast, Hollant Beach is a quiet, palm-lined spot, while Baina Beach offers a longer stretch. For a slightly offbeat stop, check out the Japanese Garden, built on old fortress remains. It’s packed with tropical greenery and has a viewpoint over the Arabian Sea. You can even reach a tiny, secluded beach via a winding set of steps.