Where to catch the best of both in Goa!
With a balmy beach setting and cocktail-skies, Goa is well-known for some of the best sundowners. Each one is special and I love them so much that I wish I could experience all of them regularly. With a plethora of venues for a perfect evening, Goa is the top choice for a vacation of sandy beaches and a tasty pina-coladas. I have been lucky enough to have experienced some of the most heart-warming sunsets here in Goa. We all love a good sunset and each time the experience will be different. And of course, every time, it’s special!
Here’s a quick bible for the perfect spots to spend an evening for coral-hued sunsets and the ideal meal with a cold one:
Zeebop, Utorda
Set on one of the most pristine beaches of Goa, Zeebop is your top choice for delectable seafood and a view to die for! It’s a sea-facing restaurant, so glorious sunsets are compulsory here. With an impressive cocktail and wine list, this restaurant ticks all the right boxes and does not disappoint in any manner!
Address: Pereira Waddo, Utorda, Goa 403713
Joet’s Bar, Bogmalo Beach
Known locally as a shack, this haunt has now grown into a fairly large space with the convenience of being close to the airport. A beautiful and not very crowded beach where the shack is located, make this the ultimate choice for your departure evening meal. Whether its seafood or the perfect lip-smacking pork chops – have a meal and wash it down with a cold one before you head towards your flight out of Goa! This place is open throughout the year.
Address: Bogmalo Beach, Vasco da Gama, Goa 403806
Silver Sand Beach Shack, Morjim
A prime spot on Morjim Beach and the standard Indian fare (lip-smacking tasty) this is a good budget option on the beach with a perfect vibe for an evening hangout! The beach is safe and not so crowded. You can spend an entire day here and still come back for more. The best way to enjoy the sunset here is by taking a nice long walk and enjoying the salty breeze and soft sand.
Address: Lotto Beach, Gawde Vaddo, Morjim, Goa 403512
Burger Factory, Morjim
A real burger experience in this cosy place with a canopy of baskets over the bar and lights hanging from trees, along with stunning sunsets are what you can find at Burger Factory. Also be prepared to go to the awesome ocean as and when you want to whilst waiting for your burgers. Some say they have the best burgers in town and I would agree too! It has a lovely bar and cocktails to stun your senses – do not miss the Gin Basil Pineapple Crush or the Morjim’s New York Sour!
Address: 800, Morjim Beach Road, Vithaldas Vaddo, Morjim, Goa 403512
Purple Martini, Vagator
Perched on a cliff and full of hip music, hip crowd, live music and the possibly some of the best prawn sizzlers you can find, the Purple Martini is the hideout for your evenings – cliffs obviously give you sunsets to live for! Get some grilled meat, a cold one and gape at the vast Anjuna Beach and a delightful sunset for a top experience. Don’t forget to get some unforgettable pictures here.
Address: St. Anthony, Gumal Vaddo, Anjuna, Goa
Leda Seashells, Siridao
One of Goa’s gastronomic offerings, Leda SeaShells is primarily located on the banks of the Zuari in Siridao. With the interiors decorated with sea shells and the palm trees outside with lovely cool breeze wafting through the venue, Leda SeaShells has become a local favourite with menus spanning continental & Goan food to Indian fare with plenty of seafood numbers for a tasty palate.
Address: Siridao, Goa, 403108
Bobby’s Shack, Candolim
Soft sandy Candolim beach and Bobby’s Shack is just what your afternoon needs! Spend a day sun-bathing and drop into Bobby’s for a superb experience with delectable seafood and perfect location! Drop in on a Sunday for an elaborate Sunday Roast supper!
Pro-tip: it is well known in Goa for excellent Christmas and NYE parties!
Address: Candolim Beach Rd, Candolim Beach, Candolim, Goa 403515
La Plage Beach Shack, Ashvem
This is a winner if you are looking for some French cuisine. Secluded beach, authentic fare and a mesmerizing sunset everyday makes La Plage a great addition to your must-try list! Drop in here to enjoy some warm hospitality and a lovely ambience!
Address: Ashvem Beach, Goa 403512 (Near Papa Jolly Hotel)
Pousada by The Beach, Calangute
Splendid front views and a sandy beach just a few steps away, Pousada by the Beach is the ultimate addition to your beach day. Grab some sun, wade in crashing waves and hit up the shack for some goan delicacies while you continue sun-bathing!
Address: Holiday St. Calangute, Goa 403515
O Pescador, Dona Paula
Boasting of unforgettable view and a refreshing set of juice concoctions, O Pescador is your joint for a wonderful afternoon (or evening!) for some scrumptious food! Surrounded by greenery on all sides and the perfect view, this is the perfect spot to head to after a sunny beach day!
Address: Near Dona Paula Jetty, Dona Paula, Goa 403 004
Photo by Mohit GuptaFor those that prefer more exclusive venues, the Taj Aguada’s SFX Bar is a delightful evening spot for those looking for a slightly more upmarket experience. For all the places in North Goa might I suggest making Casa Philomena in Calangute your base as it makes it easy to get around and soak in all the experiences. And for the South look for a cozy homestay in the Cansaulim area and you will find it easy to get about.
All in all I would say that, even though I am from Goa, where ever I go in Goa, I have had the most memorable sunsets here and most of all I have captured them on my camera so I have them forever. In the kind words of Kristen Butler ‘Sunsets are proof that no matter what happens, every day can end beautifully’ – and we trust every word of it!
Written by Taryn Rodrigues
Week 7, February 2021
