Alan and I have spent our lives working in travel, and we both share a deep love for exploring the world. While we wouldn’t call ourselves “beach people,” we certainly appreciate a beautiful stretch of sand. However, finding the perfectbeach is a real challenge.

Many are too windy, too crowded, too dirty, or too expensive. Some are breathtaking but lack accommodations or restaurants, while others are dominated by high-rise hotels. Striking the right balance is rare—but a few years ago, we found a gem: Patnem Beach in South Goa.

Discovering Patnem Beach

We first heard about Patnem from a friend who had been staying there for months – Thank you Vanessa!!!. During our travels in India, we decided to check it out for a few nights. Initially, I naively assumed Goa had just one or two main beaches—but I quickly realized there are countless options, catering to different tastes and budgets.

For us, Patnem was paradise. Here’s why it ticks all the right boxes:

Why We Love Patnem Beach

1. A Beach Made for Walking

Patnem isn’t just a sunbathing spot—it’s a walker’s paradise. The shoreline extends for miles, connecting to nearby beaches, offering long strolls with breathtaking views of coconut trees and rolling hills in the background.

2. Affordable & Comfortable Beachfront Stays

We stayed at Nirvana Cafe, a simple yet comfortable beach shack with en-suite bathrooms, a fan or AC, mosquito nets, electricity, WiFi, and a small balcony—all for just £6 per person per night. If you’re planning a longer stay, you can likely negotiate an even better rate.

3. Laid-Back Beach Cafés & Great Food

The beachfront is lined with casual cafés offering free sun loungers, chill-out booths, and tables where you can dig your toes into the sand. The menu options are diverse—besides delicious Indian food, you’ll find Chinese, Italian, burgers, and more.

Prices are budget-friendly:

• Large fruit bowl: £2
• Indian main dishes: From £2.20
• Large Kingfisher beer: £1.80

You can also enjoy cocktails, fresh juices, and smoothies—all at great prices.

4. Yoga, Massages & Relaxation

Patnem has plenty of wellness options. Yoga classes overlooking the sea cost around £5 for a 90-minute session, with discounts if you book multiple classes. Massages are also widely available at reasonable prices.

5. A Friendly, Peaceful Atmosphere

Patnem attracts a mix of travelers from all over the world, spanning various age groups. It’s not a party beach, so there are no loud, competing music beats from bars or all-night raves. Instead, the atmosphere is relaxed, making it easy to strike up conversations with like-minded travelers. If you’re in the mood for a party, nearby beaches offer more nightlife options.

6. A Clean & Pristine Beach

One of the things we stopped taking for granted during our travels is a clean beach. Sadly, many beautiful beaches we’ve visited were spoiled by plastic bottles, nappies, and other litter. Patnem, however, remains impressively clean.

7. No Annoying Water Sports

Unlike many tourist-heavy beaches, Patnem doesn’t have jet skis, paragliders, or motorized boats disturbing the peace. Instead, you can swim, rent kayaks, or take a ride on a traditional local boat.

8. Surprisingly Few Mosquitoes

Another unexpected perk—fewer mosquitoes, flies, and ants than we’ve experienced on many other tropical beaches.

9. Easy to Get To

Patnem is well-connected:

• By Train & Bus: The nearest transport hub is Canacona, just a short ride away.
• By Air: There are two airports nearby—New Goa Airport (Mopa), which opened in January 2023, and Goa International Airport.

10. The Perfect Climate

Patnem faces west, meaning it enjoys sunshine all day long. Shade is available when needed, and when we visited in January, the weather was ideal—warm but not too hot, with a gentle breeze.

Final Thoughts: Our Happy Place

For us, Patnem Beach is a rare find—a place that offers tranquility, natural beauty, affordability, and a welcoming atmosphere without the crowds and chaos of many tourist-heavy destinations.

If you’re looking for a peaceful Goan escape with stunning scenery, friendly people, and a laid-back vibe, Patnem might just be your perfect beach, too.