These are the Perfect Things to Do in Palolem (2025)

Palolem in Goa is known for having one of the most serene beaches in India. This crescent-shaped paradise in South Goa has become a haven for backpackers, yoga enthusiasts, and travelers seeking tranquility away from the party scene of North Goa. While it’s mainly a place to relax, there are plenty of fun things to do in Palolem. Read on for the perfect Palolem guide for solo female travellers and anyone looking to experience the best of South Goa.

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Quick overview of Palolem

• Palolem Beach in South Goa is one of India’s most peaceful beaches
• It’s perfect for relaxation and wellness activities
• The best time to visit is from November to mid-March
• Top activities include yoga classes at renowned retreats, unique silent disco parties, Ayurvedic massages, and exploring neighboring beaches
• Day trips from Palolem include Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, Agonda Beach and Patnem Beach
• Excellent accommodation options for all budgets, from backpacker hostels to eco-resorts
• Safe and welcoming destination for solo female travelers seeking a laid-back beach experience

What makes Palolem Beach special?

Unlike the busier beaches of North Goa, Palolem maintains a peaceful, bohemian atmosphere. The beach has strict noise regulations, with amplified music banned after 11pm, which preserves its tranquil character. The government enforces seasonal construction rules, meaning the beach huts and restaurants that line the shore are dismantled during monsoon season and rebuilt each November. This keeps development in check and maintains the beach’s natural beauty.

The local fishing community still operates from the northern end of the beach, adding authentic charm as you watch colourful fishing boats bob in the bay at sunrise. You’ll find cows lazily wandering the sand, adding to Palolem’s distinctly Indian character that somehow blends perfectly with its international backpacker vibe.

When to visit Palolem Beach

The best time to visit Palolem is between November and mid-March, when the weather is perfect for beach activities. During these months, you’ll enjoy clear blue skies, comfortable temperatures ranging from 25-32°C and minimal rainfall. The sea remains calm and safe for swimming throughout this peak season.

November marks the beginning of the tourist season when beach shacks and accommodation reopen after monsoon. December to February sees the highest number of visitors, particularly around Christmas and New Year.

Where to stay in Palolem

If you are looking for Palolem backpackers hostels, check out the superb Bibhitaki Hostels Palolem Beach. Guests like its welcoming hosts, delicious vegan breakfast and comfortable female-only and mixed dorms.

Alternatively, the fabulous and lively BunkNBrew hostel offers table tennis, darts and bike hire. It also has female-only dorm rooms.

For a private room, check out the beautiful boho huts of Palm Forest Palolem. This eco-friendly resort has a garden, a restaurant and yoga shala offering a great roster of yoga and meditation classes. A friend of mine stayed at the Bhakti Kutir yoga resort and absolutely loved it. It has a great restaurant serving Argentinian, Indian and international cuisine, which caters to dairy-free, vegan and gluten-free needs.

To find your perfect Palolem beach accommodation for your dates, explore the map below:

The perfect things to do in Palolem

Now that you know when to visit and where to stay, let me share the activities that make Palolem such a special destination. From wellness practices and unique nightlife to beach adventures and wildlife encounters, this small stretch of coastline packs in remarkable experiences. Here are my favourite things to do in Palolem, based on my time spent exploring this corner of South Goa.

Take a blissful yoga class

Palolem is the perfect place to relax and practice yoga, as there are a host of yoga retreats in Palolem.

At the north end of Palolem beach, pay a visit to the Earth Yoga Village, a tranquil oasis and supportive community, which is a great place to go if you’re looking for yoga in Palolem. Here, you will find drop-in classes, yoga teacher training, retreats and workshops.

When I spent a month solo in Goa, the place I liked to go for drop-in classes in Palolem was Bhakti Kutir. This well-being centre and eco-resort is secluded among the trees 200 metres above the south end of the beach. When I was there, a renowned Swami was visiting to teach daily drop-in yoga classes and it was a privilege to learn from him.

Read my full review of Bhakti Kutir here.

Dance the night away at Palolem’s silent discos

One of my favourite things about Palolem is its silent discos. These parties were devised as a way to get around a post-11pm noise curfew that was imposed by the local government. At these popular events there are two or three DJs spinning the decks but no speakers. The ticket price for entry includes headphones which you wear and select your preferred DJ – the music could be anything from house to indie rock or Bollywood. Then it’s time to dance and figure out who is listening to the same tunes as you.

Unfortunately some silent disco venues like the Alpha Bar have recently closed down, but the main one you need to know about is the Neptune Point Headphone Party. This takes place on a Saturday night at Neptune’s Point, a cliff top resort and venue overlooking the bay.

It’s fun to watch people bobbing around with no music playing. Even better, put on your headphones, select your favourite tunes and join in the silent party.

Indulge in a Ayurvedic massage – or learn how to do it

There are plenty of places in Palolem where you can treat yourself to an Ayurvedic massage or a manicure.

For massage and spa treatments, try the Swaastha Spa towards the north end of the beach or the Kalpaka Spa inside the nearby Palolem Beach Resort. At the south end of Palolem Beach, check out the Bhakti Kutir wellness centre (see above).

At the Himalayan therapeutic studio (Mogu School) close to Palolem beach you can even take courses to learn how to practice massage, as well as reiki and energy healing.

If you are after a beauty treatment, try the Amore Beauty spa on the main road.

My nails were constantly dirty from all the dust and sand, so I opted for a manicure. The manicurist also painted a beautiful henna tattoo onto my hand, which I absolutely loved.

Discover the beautiful neighbouring beaches

The surrounding beaches and villages are fun to explore, either on foot or by taxi or scooter. The adventure is really in the journey, as you wind through coconut groves, past local villages, and along coastal roads with stunning sea views.

Patnem Beach

On foot, through the coconut groves to the south of Palolem, you can reach the neighbouring Patnem beach in about 20 minutes. This stretch is even quieter than Palolem and has some peaceful yoga resorts and long-stay accommodations favoured by digital nomads. The beach attracts a slightly older, wellness-focused crowd and maintains an even more laid-back atmosphere than its famous neighbour.

The walk between the two beaches is pleasant, though the path can be muddy after rain. Alternatively, you can take an auto-rickshaw for around 100 rupees or rent a scooter to explore the area more freely.

Agonda Beach

If you take a motorbike or taxi, you can explore further afield, such as the stunning Agonda beach, located about 20 minutes north of Palolem. Agonda is a wonderful place to visit because it remains tranquil and undeveloped compared to other South Goa beaches. From here you can watch incredible sunsets and feel you have the beach almost entirely to yourself.

The beach stretches for about 3 kilometres, backed by forested hills rather than the usual beach shack development. It’s popular with nesting Olive Ridley sea turtles between November and March, and conservation efforts mean development remains minimal.

Discover the fantastic accommodation at Agonda beach here.

Cola Beach

Another hidden gem worth discovering is Cola Beach (also spelled Khola), reached by taking a right turn off the road between Palolem and Agonda. This secluded beach features a unique freshwater lagoon right behind the sandy shore, creating a stunning natural swimming pool. The beach remains largely undiscovered by mass tourism, with just a handful of beach huts and one resort.

The lagoon is perfect for a refreshing swim, though the sea here can be rougher than Palolem bay. It’s an ideal spot for a peaceful afternoon away from crowds. The journey takes about 30 minutes from Palolem by scooter, including a short walk down a steep path to reach the beach.

Meet the local wildlife at Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary

Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary is close to Palolem by taxi or motorbike, located about 10 kilometres inland. This second-largest wildlife sanctuary in Goa covers 86 square kilometres of protected forest and biodiversity.

The sanctuary has two tree-top watchtowers that give you elevated views over the forest canopy and watering holes where animals come to drink. The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon when wildlife is most active. Entry costs around 50 rupees for Indian nationals and 300 rupees for foreign visitors.

Sometimes you can spot creatures including vipers, antelope, flying lizards, wild boar, Indian bison and the adorable slender loris, a small nocturnal primate with enormous eyes. We were not so lucky in our wildlife spotting, but we were chased down the road by a bull during our visit, which certainly added excitement to our day!

If you prefer sea-life, there are boat operators at the north end of the beach who will take you on dolphin-spotting trips. Otherwise, if you’re not feeling adventurous, you can sit and watch the cows lazing on Palolem beach.

More perfect things to do in Palolem and beyond

There are plenty more things to do in Palolem, including kayak rental and cooking courses. Palolem is a lovely laid-back place to hang out.

Cooking classes

Several restaurants and homestays around Palolem offer Indian cooking classes where you can learn to prepare authentic Goan cuisine. You’ll typically visit the local market to select fresh ingredients before learning to cook dishes like fish curry, prawn balchao, and vegetarian specialties. These classes usually run for 3-4 hours and cost around 1,500-2,500 rupees per person.

Watersports and beach activities

Beyond kayaking, you can try stand-up paddleboarding, which several operators rent for around 300-500 rupees per hour. The calm bay conditions make Palolem ideal for beginners. Some vendors also offer boogie boards and beach volleyball equipment.

Beyond Palolem

If you feel like going further afield, why not take a trip up to North Goa. Find out why people are raving about Arambol, the sunset beach parties, workshops and hippie markets. Read my guide to the best things to do in Arambol.

What to pack for Palolem

Pack lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for hot weather, plus a light cover-up for visiting local villages and temples. Bring sunscreen and a sarong for protecting your skin from the sun. You’ll also need insect repellent. A small headlamp or torch comes in handy as beach paths can be dark at night. Bring cash, as many smaller businesses don’t accept cards. If you plan to rent a scooter, wearing trousers and closed-toe shoes are advisable for safety. Don’t forget any yoga gear if you’re planning to take classes, though most studios provide mats.

Prepare for your Palolem trip

For the full lowdown on Palolem and lots more about Goa, check out The Insider’s Guide to Goa eBook by Rachel Jones, an American who lived in Goa for five years. This comprehensive guide covers everything from accommodation recommendations to restaurant reviews, transport tips, and cultural insights you won’t find in standard guidebooks.

Click here to buy it now and prepare for your Palolem trip

Frequently Asked Questions About Palolem

Is Palolem better than other Goa beaches?

Palolem suits travellers seeking peace, wellness activities and natural beauty over nightlife and noise. It’s better than North Goa beaches like Baga or Calangute if you want to avoid the crowds. Compared to other South Goa beaches, Palolem has better infrastructure and more accommodation options than Agonda and Patnem but is busier.

How many days should I spend in Palolem?

Most travellers find three to five days ideal for Palolem. This gives you time to relax on the beach, take a yoga class, experience a silent disco and explore neighbouring beaches like Agonda and Patnem. If you’re particularly drawn to yoga or want to take courses in massage or healing practices, consider staying one to two weeks. The laid-back atmosphere makes it easy to extend your stay longer than planned.

Is Palolem safe for solo female travellers?

Yes, Palolem is considered one of the safest places in Goa for solo female travellers. I spent several days here alone and always felt comfortable. As anywhere, take standard precautions like not leaving valuables unattended on the beach and being aware of your surroundings at night. The beach’s peaceful vibe and noise regulations contribute to its safe atmosphere.

Final thoughts on things to do in Palolem

Palolem is one of those rare places that manages to be both deeply relaxing and genuinely interesting. During my month solo in Goa, the week I spent in Palolem was magical – I met the most amazing people here, both international and Indian visitors.

While North Goa has its party beaches and Old Goa has its Portuguese heritage, Palolem captures Goa at its most peaceful, natural and perhaps most authentic. The enforced quiet after 11pm means you’ll actually hear the waves at night. The seasonal construction rules mean the beach never becomes overdeveloped. The strong yoga community means there’s often someone to share post-class chai with.

The hardest part about visiting Palolem is leaving it behind.

Now, read my comprehensive guide to staying safe and getting around on a solo trip in Goa.