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Aguada Fort
The fort was constructed in 1612 to guard against the Dutch and the Marathas. It was a reference point for the vessels coming from Europe at that time. This old Portuguese fort stands on the beach south of Candolim, at the shore of the Mandovi river. It was initially tasked with defense of shipping and the nearby Bardez District. A spring within the fort provided water supply to the ships that called there, giving it the name “Aguada” (meaning ‘water’ in Portuguese). On the northern side, it provides a harbour for local shipping. The fort, at present, houses the central jail. A 19th century built lighthouse is situated inside the fortress.

Chapora Fort
Chapora fort was built by the Adil Shah of Bijapur on the southern headland of the Chapora River. It was also known as “Shahpur” and is now mostly ruined. It has a commanding view of the Vagator beach and is near to Anjuna beach.

The red laterite bastion, crowning the rocky bluff, was built by the Portuguese in 1617 on the site of an earlier Muslim structure. Deserted in the 19th century, it lies in ruins today, although the views up and down the coast from the weed-infested ramparts are still superb.

Cabo De Rama Fort
Unlike many other forts in the state, the Cabo da Rama fort predates the Portuguese invasion of Goa. Possession of the fort changed hands many a time as dynasties fell and rose during the ages. In 1763 the Portuguese claimed the Cabo de Rama fort after defeating the Raja of Soonda and renovated it subsequently. The present ramshackle structure with turrets and rusty cannons is a remnant of the Portuguese. Apart from scattered ruins here and there, the Cabo da Rama fort does not hold any attractions. Within its ramparts, the moated fort houses the church of Santo Antonio which is in excellent condition and is still in use. The western side of the fortress, where the cliffs drop sharply to the sea, provides a panoramic view of the surrounding areas.

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