A Charming Combination Of Land And Sea Baga, 10 kms. west of Mapusa, is basically an extension of Calangute beach with clean white sand. Baga is a small but perfect beach located between its two famous cousins, Colva and Calangute. It is a far better place to enjoy some restful moments. It is a fishing beach with international tourists marinating in the sun and domestic visitors paddling. There is the grove of palms coming fairly close to the water’s edge. The Baga River flows down one side of it offering a pleasant diversion for children. Its scenic beauty, with the creek, the Retreat House perched on the hill and the lack of local tourist buses all have contributed to its unique beauty. Western tourists use it as a base for water sports and fishing. To counter the importance of the Wednesday flea market at Anjuna, Baga has begun a Saturday night market, which is quite impressive but somehow lacks the charm of the Anjuna market.

PLACES TO STAY
The rough-and-ready places dotted around the fishing village usually have space for accommodation. Reasonable budget houses and rooms for rent are also available on the quieter north side of the river.

EATING OUT
Baga has arguably the best range of restaurants in Goa, from standard beach shacks to swish pizzerias and terrace cafes serving real espresso coffee. Because of the stiff competition, prices are generally reasonable and the quality of cooking high. For a splurge, splash out on a candlelit dinner at J & A's Riverside Trattoria, or a traditional Goan meal at the eccentric Casa Portuguesa.

NIGHTLIFE
Thanks to the droves of predominantly British package tourists who stay here, Baga's nightlife is the liveliest in the area. Most of the revellers end up at Tito's, which has the only dance floor and hefty sound system outside a big hotel for miles. Women are allowed in for free; "unaccompanied" men and couples have to pay.