Goa’s newly inaugurated Manohar International Airport, also known as Mopa Airport, has opened up North Goa to even more travelers than before. With its modern facilities and close proximity to some of the region’s most pristine and lesser-explored beaches, Mopa serves as an ideal entry point for tourists seeking sun, sand, and sea. While South Goa has long held the title for tranquility, North Goa’s beaches near Mopa Airport now offer a beautiful blend of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and accessibility.
1. Arambol Beach
Located around 28 kilometers from Mopa Airport, Arambol is a paradise for backpackers, yoga lovers, and free spirits. The drive takes about 40 minutes and is a scenic journey through coconut groves and winding roads. Arambol stands out for its Bohemian vibe, drum circles, flea markets, and holistic healing centers. The beach is a long stretch of soft golden sand framed by cliffs on either end, and the waters are relatively calm, perfect for swimming. Just behind the beach lies a sweet water lagoon surrounded by a forest—an excellent spot for a peaceful swim or mud bath. Live music sessions, fire shows, and sunset markets make evenings at Arambol vibrant and memorable. While it’s getting more popular, Arambol still retains its rustic charm with plenty of eco-resorts, huts, and budget accommodations.
2. Ashwem Beach
At a distance of about 30 kilometers from Mopa Airport, Ashwem is the epitome of laid-back luxury. Known for its white sands, elegant beach shacks, and European crowd, this beach is perfect for those seeking a peaceful yet upscale experience. The sea here is relatively calm, making it ideal for swimming and sunbathing. The beach is less commercialized than others, with a handful of boutique resorts and yoga retreats that blend harmoniously into the landscape. Ashwem is also a nesting ground for Olive Ridley turtles, making it an ecological hotspot. It’s a great place to unwind, sip a cocktail at sunset, or enjoy gourmet seafood with your feet in the sand.
3. Mandrem Beach
Just a short 5-minute drive north of Ashwem lies Mandrem Beach, about 29 kilometers from Mopa. This beach is a hidden gem with an ethereal vibe that attracts those looking for solitude and spiritual rejuvenation. The beach is bordered by sand dunes, casuarina trees, and a small river that flows parallel to the sea. Yoga retreats and Ayurvedic centers are dotted across the coastline, offering daily classes, treatments, and detox packages. Mandrem is also home to some charming cafes and quiet beach cottages, often frequented by wellness seekers and digital nomads. The beach never feels crowded, even during peak season, making it ideal for those who want to reconnect with nature.
4. Morjim Beach
About 27 kilometers from Mopa Airport, Morjim is famous for its large Russian expat population and the endangered Olive Ridley turtles. Often referred to as ‘Little Russia’, the beach has a distinct cosmopolitan atmosphere with Russian signboards, eateries serving borscht and vodka, and a calm, family-friendly ambiance. The sand is soft and grayish-white, and the waters are shallow, making it perfect for swimming. Morjim is also a hotspot for kite surfing and other water sports. Nature lovers enjoy spotting migratory birds and turtles here, especially during the nesting season. With a mix of boutique resorts and eco-lodges, Morjim is ideal for those who want modern comforts without the party noise.
5. Querim (Keri) Beach
One of the northernmost beaches of Goa, Querim Beach (also known as Keri Beach) is located about 35 kilometers from Mopa Airport and takes around 50 minutes to reach. This beach is rarely crowded and offers spectacular views of the Terekhol River meeting the Arabian Sea. The highlight here is the ferry ride across the river to visit the Terekhol Fort, which has been converted into a heritage hotel. Querim is ideal for long walks, quiet picnics, and soul-searching moments. It’s surrounded by dense forests and hills, and the road leading to the beach itself is a scenic treat. If you’re looking to escape the tourist rush, Querim is the perfect hideout.
6. Kalacha Beach
Accessible by a short trek from Arambol, Kalacha Beach is one of North Goa’s best-kept secrets. Though not motorable directly, it lies about 28 kilometers from Mopa Airport. The beach is best known for its untouched landscape, freshwater lake, and mud baths. The trek to reach Kalacha adds a sense of adventure, and once you arrive, the panoramic beauty makes it all worth it. With a handful of local shacks and no large hotels in sight, Kalacha offers an off-grid experience. It is particularly popular among nature lovers, artists, and those seeking spiritual experiences through meditation and silence.
7. Chapora Beach
Chapora Beach, around 36 kilometers from Mopa Airport, is most famous for the iconic Chapora Fort, made popular by the Bollywood movie “Dil Chahta Hai.” The beach itself is clean and comparatively less commercialized than neighboring Vagator. With fishing boats, black rocks, and palm-fringed landscapes, it provides a postcard-worthy setting. The view from Chapora Fort during sunset is breathtaking, and the climb is fairly easy for most people. While Chapora doesn’t have too many beach clubs, its proximity to Vagator makes it easy for visitors to enjoy the best of both worlds—tranquility and nightlife.
8. Vagator Beach
Located around 37 kilometers from Mopa, Vagator Beach is divided into Big Vagator and Little Vagator. The beach is characterized by its dramatic red cliffs that contrast beautifully against the blue sea. It’s a hotspot for photography, evening parties, and international music festivals like Sunburn. The area has seen a boom in stylish cafes, coworking spaces, and designer boutiques, attracting young entrepreneurs, artists, and global travelers. While Big Vagator is more family-oriented, Little Vagator is frequented by partygoers and alternative travelers. Sunset views here are simply stunning, especially from the clifftop Shiva statue overlooking the beach.
9. Anjuna Beach
Anjuna, about 39 kilometers from Mopa Airport, has a legendary reputation. Once a hub for the hippie movement in the 60s and 70s, Anjuna continues to draw a crowd that loves its eclectic mix of trance parties, flea markets, and beach shack culture. The beach is rocky in parts but offers excellent sunset views and is surrounded by cliffs and coconut trees. Every Wednesday, the famous Anjuna Flea Market comes alive with colorful stalls selling everything from jewelry and clothes to handmade art and food. Anjuna is also a hotspot for nightlife, with places like Curlies and Shiva Valley hosting wild beach parties well into the night.
10. Ozran Beach
Ozran Beach, also called Little Vagator, lies just a short walk down from Vagator cliffs and is roughly 37 kilometers from Mopa. It offers a more relaxed and intimate setting than its larger counterpart. The beach is flanked by rocks, and a steep staircase leads down to the sand, which adds an element of seclusion. The highlight of Ozran is the large carving of Lord Shiva on a rock by the shore, often surrounded by incense and flowers from visitors. It’s a great spot for couples and solo travelers who want to experience the beauty of Vagator without the
The proximity of Mopa Airport to North Goa’s best beaches is a game changer for tourists who want to explore beyond the mainstream. Whether you’re a solo backpacker, a couple on a romantic getaway, a family with kids, or a spiritual seeker, the beaches near Mopa offer something for everyone. From the chilled-out vibes of Arambol and Ashwem to the serene isolation of Querim and Kalacha, and from the cultural charm of Morjim to the party-centric shores of Vagator and Anjuna, these coastal gems are just a short drive from your landing point.
Each beach has its own personality, and the diversity in landscapes, experiences, and local cultures makes exploring them a rich and fulfilling journey. Whether you choose to unwind with a book under a palm tree, dance under the stars, or go dolphin watching at sunrise, North Goa’s coastline near Mopa Airport is ready to welcome you with open arms.