Varca is a coastal haven blessed with about 10 kilometres of golden beaches on the Arabian Sea, along with a welcoming fishing community and numerous waterfront restaurants. The census town is also surrounded by Goa museums, Bollywood theatres, historic landmarks and wildlife sanctuaries.

Things to do

If you’re visiting Varca during summer, spend a day at Varca Beach. This picturesque stretch of sand and calm Arabian Sea is renowned for its sunsets and lush greenery. The beach is dotted with local fishing boats and wooden beach shacks serving freshly-caught seafood. You’ll also find the serene Benaulim Beach slightly north and the soft-sand Fatrade Beach to the south.

Are you interested in learning more about India’s history? Visit the San Thome Museum to explore the country’s past technology revolution while admiring vintage musical instruments, typewriters and lamps. Afterwards, drive a little further to the Goa Chitra Museum, which houses ancient agrarian tools and artefacts on an organic farm.

Take a day trip to the nearby Pandava Caves, a rock-cut cave that dates back to the 6th-century. It’s a short walk from the Pipal Vruksha temple and Vishant Talkies, a theatre showing Bollywood movies. Don’t forget to snap a photo of the Christ The King landmark just south of Varca.

You’ll find an excellent selection of restaurants and bars within and around Varca, including Garden Court Restaurant, known for its late-night eats. Visit Pinto Bar for a drink and light bites or head to The Farmhouse Restaurant for atmospheric dining on fresh seafood and local produce.

Getting around

Varca is about seven kilometres from the Madgaon Railway Station, which connects it to numerous cities and towns in the state of Goa. The beach town is serviced by local taxis and auto-rickshaws, but is also easily explored on foot.