About Grandmother's Hole Beach, Goa
Prime Day & Hours: weekends, sunrise and sunset
Suggested Duration: 2-3 hours
Tickets: Free entry
Nearest Railway Station: Vasco Da Gama Railway Station, about 4 km away
Nearest Airport: Dabolim Airport (GOI), about 8 km away
Nearest Bus Stop: Goa University Bus Stop, about 3 km away
Discover Grandmother's Hole Beach, a secret Goa treasure that has beautiful scenery, local legends, and peace and quiet. This secluded crescent-shaped beach is 3 km from Vasco da Gama and is located beneath the Japanese Garden on the ruins of Fortaleza Santa Catarina. A zigzag staircase with about 220 steps leads down from the garden and through a small fort doorway, or "hole," that gives the beach its evocative name.
The stretch is about 290 meters long and has soft sand and clear water. The water gets deeper slowly, so you don't need water shoes. However, there are rocky outcrops along the surf that make swimming dangerous.
This beautiful beach is almost empty of people, and there are no shacks or stalls. Visitors can bring their own snacks or buy coconuts from the only vendor near the garden. Your view is framed by vegetation and rusted fort walls, and coastal birds bring life to the peaceful scene.
This secret oasis is perfect for people who want to be alone, watch the sunset, or take pictures. Even though getting there is a steep climb, the reward is a quiet, untouched place to get away from Goa's busy beaches.
Grandmother's Hole Beach, Goa Highlights
• Descend through a storied fort's ‘hole’ after climbing 200‑plus steps from the Japanese Garden to reach the remote Grandmother’s Hole Beach.
• Soak in pristine, virtually crowd‑free sands framed by jagged rocks and swaying palms, offering unmatched solitude and beauty.
• Capture the sunsets and sweeping coastal panoramas ideal for photography, without tourists spoiling the frame.
• Immerse in local legend while passing through the “hole,” named for a grandmother waiting for her sons’ return.
• Picnic within the serene Japanese Garden atop cliffs, peaceful, shaded, and perfect, before descending into the hidden beach.
How To Reach Grandmother's Hole Beach, Goa
By Road:
By car/taxi: Grandmother’s Hole Beach is about 50 km from the Goa city centre, via NH566. It will take you around 1 hour and 20 minutes to get there.
Best Time To Visit Grandmother's Hole Beach, Goa
Peak Season (November to February):
- Weather Insights: Pleasant weather, moderate temperature, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 32°C.
- Things to Do: Enjoy a picnic
Moderate Season (March to May):
- Weather Insights: Rising from ~27 °C in March up to ~36 °C in May, often accompanied by high humidity
- Things to do: Head out pre‑dawn to beachcomb and photograph tide pools
Low Season (June to September):
- Weather Insights: Monsoon season with heavy rainfall and high humidity, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C
- Things to do: Enjoy nature in full bloom, and nature photography
Grandmother's Hole Beach, Goa Other Essential Information
Must-try experiences
- Descend Through History & Nature: Start your journey at the Japanese Garden on top of Fortaleza Santa Catarina. Climb up the winding stairs (more than 200 steps) and then squeeze through the unique "hole" in the fort wall. This is a historic entrance that leads to the peaceful beach below. A unique blend of adventure and history.
- Capture Stories & Local Lore: Stop by a small cross or shrine that can be seen from the beach. There is a local legend about a grandmother who waited every night at the hole for her fisherman sons. The folklore and the ruins of the old fort make this hidden place even more magical.
- Picnic in the Verdant Cliffside Garden: The Japanese Garden is a beautiful place to have a picnic. Just bring your own mat and snacks. The trees' shade and the soft grass make for a peaceful place above the beach, away from stalls and other commercial activity.
Know Before You Go
- Help preserve the beach’s natural beauty by respecting the environment and not disturbing the ecosystem.
- Carry your water bottle and stay hydrated, as it tends to get very hot, especially in the summer.
- Keep the beach clean for everyone by collecting your trash responsibly and disposing of it in designated bins.
- Protect yourself from the harsh rays of the sun by carrying sunscreen and hats, especially in the afternoons.
- Wear loosely fitted clothes and shoes ideal for exploring the coast comfortably and navigating the summer heat.
Tourism Board Alliances
Grandmother's Hole beach FAQs
What is Grandmother’s Hole Beach and why is it named so?
There is no formal entry fee. Vainguinim Beach is open to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and is free for everyone. Guests of nearby resorts may have private rights (like chairs), but the sandy area itself is still open to the public.
What are the water and swimming conditions?
The beach is narrow and has rocks with edges on the shore and in the water, so swimming here is dangerous. There is no lifeguard on duty. The calm atmosphere hides possible dangers below the surface, so you need to be careful.
Can I find refreshments or resting areas at the Grandmother’s Hole Beach?
This peaceful crescent beach is below the Japanese Garden and on top of the ruins of Fortaleza Santa Catarina. The beach got its name from an old tale about a grandmother who waited in the small fort wall "hole" for her sons who were sailing.
