Colva Beach is one of the finest beaches in Goa, India with a 25km stretch of powdery white sand, backed by coconut trees and strewn with countless shells. The crystal-clear waters of the Arabian Sea provide safe swimming conditions and a good choice of amenities. Colva is popular with international tourists and Goans alike, with weekends being especially busy and Sundays’ Beach Bonzana having a carnival atmosphere with music and dancing. There are plenty of hotels and tourist facilities and the beach is lined with many shacks and stands selling refreshments and souvenirs. Several restaurants along the seafront serve fish and seafood, and the resort offers a huge choice of reasonably priced Goan and Portuguese restaurants along with a lively nightlife. Shopping is only a minute walk away from the beach with bargains to be negotiated. The church in the village square, Our Lady of Mercy, holds one of the most popular annual religious festivals in Goa that has been going since the 17th century.