Things to do in Colva & Benaulim

Colva is South Goa's main public beach, about 6 km west of Margao, with a broad sweep of sand, a busy beachfront of restaurants and stalls, and the Church of Our Lady of Mercy, whose Fama of the Menino Jesus each October is one of the big feasts of Salcete. Benaulim, the next village south, is slower: a fishing beach, shacks, guesthouses and the Goa Chitra museum of farming and household implements (confirm opening hours before you go). Nightlife is low-key, mostly live bands and karaoke at restaurants. Local buses run from Margao to both beaches until early evening.