Patnem beach, south of Palolem beach (just over the rocks) is a beautiful palm fringed bay with another continuation south over a little headland. It’s essentially a little Palolem, with fewer people, fewer beach huts and restaurants, fewer palms and fewer hawkers and gawkers. It’s a great alternative to Palolem if you are looking for somewhere a little more laid-back and cheaper. It’s definitely not a second-best to Palolem though, with good accommodation and restaurants.
Facilities at Patnem beach
The beach has a good selection of restaurants and stalls. The beach road has travel agents who can change money (the nearest ATM is at Canacona), Internet access, motorbike and bicycle rental, convenience stores, kayak rental and small sailing catamarans can also be rented.
Surfing at Patnem beach
On most days in winter there is a tiny wave that could be surfed with a longboard or fat fish. Occasionally the swell is a little bigger, and you’re looking at 3ft on the face at best. But, the water is warm and there is rarely another surfing in sight. Only cheap boardboards can be rented, so you’ll need to bring your own equipment. The surf at Palolem is much the same.
Accommodation on Patnem beach
Patnem accommodation prices are cheaper that in Palolem. Most accommodation at Patnem is beach huts on the beach (INR700 at Christmas). There are some guesthouses on the beach road (INR500 at Christmas) and some just of the beach north towards Palolem. There are several houses and rooms with bathrooms and kitchens for rent, which can be good for larger groups and long stays, but all are a little away from the beach.
Beach huts
There a many little beach hut communities down the beach. Just ask and look around.
Mountain Palms
t: 9823491734
Nice sturdy beach huts at the southern end of the beach. The huts have solid wood walls, concrete floors, attached bathrooms, table and chairs, ceiling fans, power, mosquito nets, good mattresses and bedding. A few are beach facing. The restaurant serves great food, provides bike rental and arranges taxis and dolphin trips. Run by Ramnath and his great team, always willing to do anything they can to help, without selling you anything. INR1,000 at Christmas.
Home
t: 2643916
e: [email protected]
The best place to stay on Patnem Beach. Home offers real rooms, rather than beach huts, with each room being spotlessly clean and of different sizes, all with private bathrooms and a good European style restaurant. INR500 – INR 1,000.
Parvai Huts
www.parvatihuts.in
E-mail: [email protected]
Mobile: +91/9822189913
Round bamboo huts, all with traditional Kerala style tiled roof. All with private bathroom en suite (with western style toilet and shower) Each bamboo hut has safe locker, mosquito net and are well furnitured with fan and all of them are on the seafront. WI-FI connection in the hut and restaurant as well.