Fort Tiracol and Querim beach
Querim, about 12 km north of Mandrem, is Goa's northernmost beach, a long curve of sand backed by casuarina trees and closed at its northern end by the Tiracol river. It is quieter even than Mandrem, and in winter you may share it only with fishermen and a few walkers.
Across the river stands Fort Tiracol, captured by the Portuguese in the mid-18th century from the Bhonsle rulers of Sawantwadi and rebuilt in its present form. Inside its walls is a small whitewashed chapel, and the ramparts look south over the whole Pernem coast. The fort has housed a small heritage hotel, and access arrangements have changed over the years, so check current status before you travel.
We spend the afternoon on Querim, with a picnic or lunch at a simple beach café, then visit the fort and its chapel if open, and watch the sunset from the headland before the 40-minute drive back.
Questions travellers ask
Good to know
How do you get to Fort Tiracol?
Fort Tiracol lies across the Tiracol river from Querim beach at Goa's northern tip. It has been reached by a short ferry from Querim and by road via a bridge through Maharashtra. Ferry and access rules have changed, so check current status before you travel.
Can you visit Fort Tiracol if you are not staying there?
Visitors have generally been allowed to see the chapel and the ramparts during the day, but the fort has also operated as a private hotel with restricted access. We confirm before planning the trip. Check current status before you travel.
Is Querim beach good for swimming?
Querim is quiet and pretty, but there are no lifeguards along much of it and currents are strong near the river mouth. We suggest paddling and walking rather than swimming, and returning to Mandrem or Ashvem, where lifeguards are stationed in season.
Also in Morjim, Ashvem and Mandrem
More hours to plan around
