Calangute was the first hippie beach resort at the height of the Flower Children era. The successors to these dropouts have moved on as domestic tourist moved in and converted Calangute into a paddling, snacking, shopping, picnicking, vacationing beach.

The long and beautiful Calangute in North Goa is a frequently visited beach. It is located 12 km from Panaji. It is generally crowded and the small resorts and pensions do a thriving business during the holiday season. It is broad, got a good cover of casuarinas and, though it is not what everyone expects of a beach, it is certainly the most popular beach in Goa.

Around Christmas season a lot of visitors come here. If you plan to visit it is advisable to make sure your bookings are done well in advance.

Calangute is full of activity. This long beach has a host of facilities to cater to visitors, including beach and water sports. Though well known, its long stretch means you'll find privacy for yourself on a shelf that isn't crowded by tourists with cameras and an attitude. Besides water sports, that are offered at various beaches in Goa, Calangute also has places that offer short courses in meditation, yoga, reiki and even karate. One also finds a great number of massage parlours in this area. The active nightlife of Calangute is popular all over. There are a few nightclubs that are open till the wee hours of the morning.

Kerkar Art Gallery is closely located. This gallery displays the paintings and sculptures of various talented, upcoming artists of Goa. Interestingly, this place hosts a night of Indian music and dance, once every week. It is worth spending an evening enjoying the essence of Indian culture.