Palolem is widely considered to be the most beautiful beach in Goa. With its graceful sweeping bay and gently sloping beach, framed with coconut trees and rocky outcrops - most people that come here fall in love with it instantly.

Unlike the beaches in the North, which tend to be long stretches of coast - here the intimacy of the bay creates a more cosy, friendly ambience. And luckily, because Palolem is not the victim of over-development and wall-to-wall concrete - it still embodies the essence of pure Goan beach life.

Next to Palolem are the beaches of Patnem, Agonda, Rajbag, Talpona and Galgibag. This last beach, also known as Turtle Beach, is famous for its turtle conservation programme which has attracted international attention. All development is banned here - save for two small shacks set back off the beach - so this really is Goa at its wildest and best. Plus for the price of just a few rupees, one can dine on freshly caught fish and seafood for next to nothing.

Because Palolem is set in the Western Ghats, it is a place of outstanding natural beauty, which cannot be paralleled anywhere in the State. It is truly a Nature-Lover’s paradise. It is surrounded by the Cotigao National Park thereby ensuring the greenery.

However, for those looking for a spot of nightlife action, Palolem does not disappoint either. It is home to two fantastic venues which host the world-famous twice-weekly headphone parties - as well as a couple of all night bars, which serve music, drinks and food right through to dawn. This makes Palolem quite an exciting and fun place to be ! Perfect for people who want to party all night and crash out on the beach all day long !

For those wanting to just enjoy a nice family holiday, Palolem and Patnem both offer some wonderful beachfront restaurants serving the very best in Tandoori and Indian cuisine, as well as Italian, Mexican, Chinese and Thai dishes. And eating on the beach makes the food taste just so much better...

All in all, Palolem has it all - from nightlife to wildlife to seriously good food. The only thing that’s missing - is the over-crowded and hectic nature of the North - making it Goa’s best kept secret.