Guide to Sinquerim

"Relax in true Goan style on this superb rose-pink beach, dropping in on some of the region's lively resorts close by."

Can you imagine a better beach holiday? You awake to birdsong and the drum of soft waves. Outside the window, coconut palms and sand dunes, their outlines sharpened by a dazzling sun and blue sky, greet your gaze. You slip on flip-flops and arrive at a beach of feather-light pink sand. Then you simply drop on a waiting sunbed, smear on that suncream and disappear into your daydreams.
You're in Sinquerim, north Goa, and quite possibly heaven, too. After all, everything about this place smacks of a picture postcard from paradise, from the swaying coconut groves and pale sands to palm-roofed beach restaurants ready to hand you a chilled cocktail on demand.
There are a few other things you can do here of course. This is one of the oldest beaches in Goa, and as such, features its own nugget of history – Fort Aguada. Built on a green headland, this atmospheric 17th century edifice was built by the Portuguese to fend off marauders and is worth a potter around. Or for a slice of colourful, modern-day Goa, take a bus to the famous flea market at nearby Anjuna. Held every Wednesday, this riot of colour is actually a hypnotic blend of Tibetan, hippie and local stalls, plying everything from luminously coloured hammocks and henna tattoos to handicrafts.
If you want to souvenir hunt closer to home, check out the Kashmiri shops in Sinquerim or head for next-door Candolim for a bigger choice. Here, the livelier vibe may entice into you staying longer. First, for a supper of sizzling garlic prawns at one of the dozens of beach restaurants, then to an open-air disco to party till late.

One of northern Goa's first beach resorts, this upmarket and tranquil town let's you escape the crowds for a first-class tropical getaway. Tucked into exotic countryside, Sinquerim is around 40km from Dabolim airport and 12 miles from Panaji, the capital of Goa, and those in the know flock here for the spotlessly-white sands, superb swimming and an abundance of water sports from parasailing and jet skiing to waterskiing and windsurfing. Sift the sand beneath your toes as you take a long stroll along the coast to nearby Baga with its bustling selection of bars. Browse the brightly coloured stalls selling a range of souvenirs and chat with the friendly locals. Or simply sit with a refreshing fruit drink on the shores and soak up the intoxicating ambience of this enticing resort.

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