Alibaug Beaches

The closest escape from the main beach and noticeably cleaner. A long, straight stretch backed by casuarina trees, with a naval station at one end. Popular with early-morning walkers and joggers rather than day-trippers.

Go for: Sunrise walks, a swim close to town, quiet evenings.

One of the emptiest beaches in the area — wide, flat and often deserted on weekdays. Wading birds are common in the shallows. There is very little infrastructure, so bring what you need.

Go for: Solitude, photography, birdwatching.

A small, calm beach with shallow water and shade from casuarina groves. Its size keeps crowds away even in season, and it works well for families with young children who just want to paddle.

Go for: Families, shade, calm shallow water.

Known for the butterflies and wildflowers that ornithologist Salim Ali wrote about, best seen just after the monsoon. Shaded groves run right down to the sand, and there are more places to stay and eat here than at the quieter northern beaches.

Go for: Nature walks, post-monsoon greenery, a full day out.

Where most visitors from Mumbai first touch land — the jetty here receives the ferries. On a clear day you can see the Mumbai skyline across the water. The beach itself is pleasant but functional rather than scenic.

Go for: Skyline views, first or last stop around a ferry.

A long, quiet beach lined with suru trees, popular with people who want to walk for an hour without meeting anyone. The sand is firm enough to cycle on in places.

Go for: Long walks, cycling, quiet mornings.

The busiest beach in the area and the centre of the water sports trade. Expect parasailing, jet skis, banana boats and bumper rides, along with a line of shacks selling Konkani seafood. Lively rather than peaceful — come here for activity, not quiet.

Go for: Water sports, food, groups and families.

Backed by coconut groves, with the ruins of a 16th-century Portuguese fort at one end that you can walk through. Fewer visitors than Nagaon and a better sense of history.

Go for: Fort ruins, photography, a half-day trip.

Beneath Korlai Fort and its lighthouse, with a small fishing village nearby where a Portuguese-influenced creole is still spoken. Rocky in stretches and rarely crowded.

Go for: Fort and lighthouse, local history, seclusion.

The most scenic beach in the region and worth the drive — white sand and noticeably bluer water than the beaches nearer town, framed by hills. Weekends get genuinely crowded; weekdays are far better. Water sports operate here in season.

Go for: A full day trip, the best swimming water, water sports.