Rest in Goa is not only a warm sea, a bright burning sun, luxurious beaches and colorful tropics. Goa embodies the best features of Indian and European culture. Life is slow here. You will be able to feel relaxation and serenity. This is an ideal place for those who need a full and comfortable rest. For everyone who has been to goa, this place is something personal and special. After all, everything you need is here: from calm, cozy deserted beaches to noisy entertainment areas. Goa has organized a large number of interesting and eventful excursions that will tell you a lot about the culture and life of the country.

Rest here is possible throughout the year due to the mild climate. But from June to September it rains, brought by tropical monsoons. Both in winter and in summer the temperature varies from +23°С to +33°С.

Those who gravitate towards active "party" recreation should choose the northern regions of the island, in central recreation belongs to the mixed type - ideal for those who do not know exactly what they want from the upcoming vacation. In the southern part, life is more solid and measured, there are a large number of luxury hotels, well-maintained comfortable beaches. Everything here embodies comfort and sophistication.

The length of the beaches of Goa exceeds 100 kilometers. On the coast organized centers for water sports. Diving will give you unusual sensations and impressions. This is an opportunity to see real sharks, rays, sea ​​turtles, exotic fish, stroll through the underwater coral cities. In addition to a juicy tan, beaches and the sea on the island, vacationers are engaged in self-improvement, rejuvenation and weight loss. For this, Ayurveda centers have been created, where qualified specialists will give a lot of useful tips about the basics of a healthy lifestyle, talk about proper nutrition, learn how to relieve stress and tension. All dishes served in cafes and restaurants are made from natural products.

Another type of recreation is sightseeing. As a rule, tourists visit Panaji, enjoy the picturesque view of the mysterious Dudhsagar waterfall with a lake containing crystal clear water. They go to see spice plantations, ride elephants, hunt crocodiles in the mangroves of Kumbarhua and Mandovi. Goa, like other regions of India, has a rich cultural heritage, a large number of architectural monuments.

Markets are regularly arranged on the island, where you can buy souvenirs for friends and relatives, arrange cheap shopping. Prices here are much lower than those set by street vendors. Remember that it is forbidden to export spices, tea and local port wine abroad. Many come here to enjoy the culinary delights local cuisine. Perhaps the main distinguishing feature is the abundance of spices. In local restaurants, you can order a huge freshly caught fish, which will be cooked before your eyes. Wash it down with local fenny alcohol and you will get an indescribable feeling. It is impossible to accurately indicate the prices for holidays in Goa. They may vary depending on the area of ​​the island, hotel, resort and additional services which you will use during your trip.

The quality of your holiday depends on its organization. Without knowledge of the matter, you can lose a lot of effort, money and time and not get what the island could give you. Therefore, it is very important that professionals are engaged in the formation of the route. Contact the specialists of our company. We will arrange for you best holiday in Goa.

We compare the resorts of South and North Goa: where is it better to relax? We describe the most famous beaches. We choose the best for different categories of vacationers.

Decided to relax in Goa? Surely you are faced with the question of which resort to choose. It is difficult to say where it is better - in the north or south of Goa, this is subjective. Let's see how parts of the state differ, which ones have features and who are more suitable. Based on this, you can make your choice.

Cheap tours in Goa search on services and - they compare offers from more than 120 leading tour operators. So you can find the best tour. The ticket is issued online.

North or South Goa: which is better?

north goa suitable for those who do not seek to emphasize their importance and social status. The north of the state became popular thanks to the hippie movement. Now its beaches have been chosen by supporters of other informal movements, young people leading a hectic nocturnal lifestyle, and downshifters. There are few expensive hotels here, more budget housing - guesthouses and the private sector.

The north is famous for its trance parties and outdoor youth festivals. Most beaches are noisy and crowded, so their cleanliness suffers. In addition, you will have to get used to the sight of sacred cows on the beaches, which are forbidden to touch here.

Are you accustomed to measuring the quality of your vacation with hotel stars? Then you better go to resorts South Goa. There are expensive and respectable hotels, clean and mostly sparsely populated beaches. The main drawback is the lack of leisure. In addition to beach activities, there will be practically nothing to occupy yourself with.

For holidays with children, choose a hotel with a large territory and a private beach, special meals, babysitting and animation. All this can be found in some hotels in the south of the state. According to tourists, in the noisy and not too decent North Goa is better rest for youth.

On the beaches you can go diving, surfing and kiting, or go on an excursion. Vacationers in the south are entertained with trips to the Kotigao nature reserve and the Cabo de Rama fort, in the north - to the abandoned city of Hampi palaces, to Panaji and Old Goa.

(Photo © Sergi Hill / flickr.com / Licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Prices traditionally higher in the south, and more accessible in the north. Would you like to buy local handicrafts as souvenirs? Visit local markets: jewelry and leather goods, glasses, bags, clothing made from natural fabrics - all this is in abundance. In the northern part of the state, the flea market in Anjuna and Panaji is very popular. In the south, a good market is only in Margao. In Colva and Cavelossim, they mainly sell food and spices.

So where is the best place to relax? south goa differs from the North not only by the beaches: there is a calm atmosphere here. The south is more often chosen by foreigners, the exception is Colva. No big shopping centers, only small shops in the villages. People come here for a relaxing beach holiday, fishing, and water sports.

North Goa has a more developed infrastructure. Active night life, crazy parties and on-air discos attract young people, locals and informals.

(Photo © karthik c / flickr.com / Licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0)

Where is the best place to relax in North Goa

The beaches of North Goa are significantly inferior to the South in their beauty, they come across even with grayish coarse sand. The most popular beaches are in Anjuna, Arambol, Morjim and Calangute.

Quiet and calm in Aguade And Mandrem, so they come here with children. Relatively clean beach with grayish-white sand in Arambole. Tourists in the reviews note that it is on this beach that it is best to relax. This place is loved by travelers who come to Goa for a long time. Guesthouses and bungalows, numerous shacks (beach cafes) stretch along the beach. There is a yoga center. The contingent here is very different, the beach is long - everyone can find a suitable place for swimming.

Young people prefer a noisy, crowded beach in Anjuna. True, swimming is slightly spoiled by pebbles and algae. Very popular beach Calangute, where there are many entertainment venues on the coast. A favorite place for fans of Goan trance and illegal parties is the beach Vagator. Nearby is the village of Chapora with a fish market and cafes.

lovers aquatic species sports - windsurfing and kiting - it is better to relax in Goa on the Russian beach Morjim, as well as on the beaches of Ashvem and Candolim. Divers prefer Baga Beach.

(Photo © Ian D. Keating / flickr.com / CC BY 2.0)

Where is the best place to relax in South Goa

The beaches in the south of the state are clean and not crowded. The sand is fine, golden or white. The most deserted beaches are Velsao, Cansaulim, Arossim and Utorda.

Well-maintained beach Bogmalo surrounded on all sides by palm trees. It is famous for its restaurants where seafood is cooked well. There is also a diving school here.

Beach Palolem with white sand is located south of all the others. There is a convenient gentle entrance to the sea and dense vegetation. People like to come here with children to watch the dolphins swimming up to the shore. There is a large beach not far from Palolem Agonda. Agonda and Palolem have the most motley contingent.

Beach Colva popular with locals, especially at weekends. If you wish, you can find solitude here, just a little away from the center.

Benaulim practically deserted. People come here not just to relax, but to live. From the shore you can often see frolicking dolphins. Mobor- a wide beach with clean yellow sand, there are many expensive hotels. A little further is the beach. Cavelossim. Both places are popular with couples, seniors and respectable travelers.

Intro Image Source: © Swami Stream / flickr.com / CC BY 2.0.

Administratively and historically, Goa is divided into northern and southern zones, the border between which runs along the mouth of the Zuari River.

This division largely determines the features of the tourism infrastructure and recreation, and also makes the difference between the districts in terms of energy and atmosphere noticeable. Until now, disputes have not subsided about where it is better to relax in Goa: in the north or south? To answer this question for yourself, it is worth understanding the distinctive features of these areas.

So it happened with movement times hippie what North Goa is chosen by adherents active rest, dancing, parties and other entertainment. People come to this part of India not in search of tranquility, but rather for new existential impressions and experiences, as the legendary Liverpool Four once did. The Beatles.

The local beaches are always full of young people, cheerful, noisy, easy-going.

And in general, the audience here is unpretentious: North Goa does not offer tourists ultra-modern hotels and elite service. Therefore, the conditions here are simpler and much lower than in the neighboring southern district.

The best beaches in North Goa

1. Arambol

Arambol is considered the hallmark of North Goa - it is the most famous local beach and therefore the busiest. There are many bars, cafes (sheks), cheap hotels, shops and street vendors. And Arambol is also known to tourists for its beach market and the so-called "drum circle", which every day is going to spend the sun at sunset.

2. Mandrem

It is difficult to see a noisy, dashing company on Mandrem, it is more often chosen by couples. It belongs to the beaches of North Goa, where it is better to relax with children. The conditional boundaries of its territory are two small rivers, one of which is spanned by simple bamboo bridges. On the sandy strip along the sea there are many shallow natural pools with sea water - children especially like to splash in them.

3. Morjim

This gently sloping sandy beach is an attraction in itself: the locals jokingly call it "Moscow Beach". The vast majority of tourists here are Russian-speaking, and this trend is noticeable in everything: the names of dishes on the menu of cafes, the lexicon of merchants, sounding music from everywhere ...

Compared to other North Goa beaches, Morjim is not a cheap place. But here it is very cool to go in for kiting and windsurfing: hot, sunny and moderately windy weather is the best conducive to these types of recreation.

Last minute tours best beaches Goa

4. Calangute

In the eyes of tourists, Calangute is a whole town with a well-developed beach infrastructure: these are hotels, cafes, restaurants, massages, sunbeds on the coast, and much more. It is quite noisy and crowded here almost at any time of the year, but various types of recreation are always available and guests of North Goa have no problems with accommodation and food.

5. Candolim

If it is difficult to decide where it is better to go on vacation in Goa, Candolim can serve as a "golden mean". Perhaps this is the most respectable and "secular" beach of the district, in spirit closer to South Goa than North.

The prices here are higher, but the conditions justify the expectations.: peaceful atmosphere, comfortable accommodation, developed infrastructure. The descent to the sea is quite steep, but this drawback is redeemed by the beauty and spaciousness of the water surface, where you can see the figures of kiters and windsurfers.

Holidays in South Goa

South Goa is considered in India a place of respectable rest, full of dignity and leisurely contemplation. A selective audience comes here: wealthy or even very wealthy tourists who apply for the service high level and accommodation with maximum comfort.

In South Goa, it is better to relax for those who are looking for an opportunity to visit gorgeous beaches with light clean sand and stay in a 5-star hotel.

Here you can be sure of an additional service for the child (animator, children's room, etc.), so South Goa is often chosen for. In general, a mature and sedate audience gathers at local resorts, so night parties and noisy parties are rare here.

The best beaches in South Goa

1 Colva Beach

The cleanest and most beautiful beach with a length of more than 24 km proudly bears the title of the best in everything Goa. Smooth sandy bottom, gentle slope to the water, weak current make it safe especially for children.

The conditions for recreation in this part of South Goa are different: from luxury hotels with spacious rooms to very small guest houses. Another feature of the place is an active nightlife: in addition to entertainment facilities open after sunset, there is even a night market.

2. Cavelossim

white beach framed by palm groves with luxurious villas and a huge selection of entertainment: from catamaran riding and diving to fire shows and fireworks. Various excursions and trips around India are organized from here, including Boat trip with dolphins. And lovers of night discos will delight Party Zone, disco club number 1 in South Goa.

3. Majorda

For those who have ever been to India in Goa, there is no question where it is better to go on vacation - of course, to the resort of Majorda! According to the reviews of tourists, this is where the truly gorgeous beach with snow-white fine and gentle sand, not to mention the stunning landscapes.

Local cafes serve national dishes, there is a menu in Russian, entertainment events are held with dancing and music. Of the undoubted advantages - the opportunity to visit SPA, go on an excursion and do almost any sport: from volleyball to surfing.

4. Palolem

A relatively small beach of South Goa (only about 2 km) with atmospheric bungalows and boats on the shore. It is located in the bay, so it does not happen here big waves and water activities are simple and quite traditional. The sand is fine and soft, cleanliness and order reign around, many cafes and shacks are open, and the choice of accommodation for recreation is practically unlimited: hotels, guest houses, bungalow.

5. Cooking

Not crowded, well-maintained and beautiful beach with enchanting natural views. There is not so much entertainment here: you can go for a bike ride or watch dolphins. Prices for accommodation in local hotels are quite high, but the level of service corresponds to them.

North or South Goa, which is better

Go to North Goa if you:

• you are going on vacation to India for the first time and want to get to know the lifestyle of its inhabitants better;
• value the spirit of freedom above the comfortable fetters of civilization;
• enjoy simple human joys;
• young in body and soul and want to keep this feeling for a long time.

Going to Goa, it is worth considering the specifics of this resort area. The quality of rest here depends not so much on the chosen hotel, but on geographic reference to a particular beach. Young people who prefer trance parties and nightclubs to everything else will be frankly bored in Candolim. Couples won't like Baga.

We will talk about the best resorts in South and North Goa, try to find the most beautiful beach and highlight the places that are best suited for young children. Let's go!

Looking for a place to swim in Goa

The villages of Goa filled the coast so densely that sometimes they are a continuation of each other. In the vicinity of the resort villages there are many beaches - they are all free, so use it to your health.

If you come across sunbeds, then they most likely belong to a nearby restaurant or hotel complex. In the resorts of Candolim and Baga, you will have to pay for the use of sunbeds, in other places the “freebie” dominates. Most often, ordering food in a restaurant is considered good form - this action turns you into a full owner of a sunbed.

The beaches of Goa are conditionally divided into northern and southern. Here are a few popular options:

• Ashvem;
• Arambol;
• Baga;
• Anjuna;
• Utorda;
• Candolim;
• Vagator;
• Cola.

The center of the most "outrageous" youth parties is North Goa.

The three most popular resorts in North Goa

The center of the most "outrageous" youth parties is North Goa. The beaches in this area are vast areas dotted with a huge number of three-star hotels. Holidays in the north are budget, noisy and fun. This is the realm of "package" tourists who arrived from Germany, England and Russia.

We list the top three beaches in North Goa:

Cola beach on video

For a better idea of ​​what a beach holiday in Goa is like, check out this short video taken by our compatriots. This is Cola Beach - they love it, don't you?

The best beaches in South Goa

Welcome to the respectable world of expensive hotels. Privacy and quality of service are at the forefront here. Visiting tourists are not particularly oriented in the area - the whole south is ideal for respectable couples with children.

The most comfortable hotels in India are located in the vicinity of the beaches of Cavelosim, Varka, Majorda, Utorda and Colva. This is a strip of pure white sand, restaurants with quiet music and developed infrastructure.

The triad "Palolem - Agonda - Cola" deserves attention. These places are perfect for romantics, newlyweds and connoisseurs of beauty. You can stay in a four-star hotel or a luxurious bungalow.

Let's designate the top three resorts in the South:

The triad "Palolem - Agonda - Cola" deserves attention.

In search of the most beautiful beach

Most travelers agree that the best beaches in Goa are located in the southern part of the region. One of these resorts is Palolem. The beach stretches along the coast of a picturesque crescent-shaped bay. The hills, overgrown with coconut palms, come close to Palolem.

To reach Palolem, you need to take a plane or train to Margao. If you chose a plane, then you will have to fly to the Vasca da Gama airport terminal. There are taxis from there, the fare for which is fixed. The railway station is located near Palolem and is called Canacona. Buses run between Margao, the beach and the station, which will take you about an hour and a half.

If your choice is Palolem, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• With the onset of the high season, all apartments and hotels are overcrowded. Make sure to book in advance.
• Columbus Bay is a cozy and environmentally friendly place to stay. An option for those who do not like the fuss.
• Shopping can be done on the waterfront. There is a realm of souvenir and music shops, as well as tiny shops with spices.
• For 250-300 rubles in a restaurant you can have a great meal.

In nominations " Best Resort indian ocean" for 2004 and 2005 and "Discovery of the Year" for 2003.

State Goa located in the southeast of India. This small piece of land consists almost entirely of unspoiled beaches. 40 beaches stretch for more than 100 km along the coast of the Arabian Sea. Not everyone is equipped for swimming.

Goa is divided into North and South parts. Fort Aguada is considered the border. The southern beaches are sandy, clean, designed (like hotels) for wealthy vacationers. The sea is warm and calm.

In the north, poor tourists prefer to stay - students, hippies, musicians. On the beaches there are round-the-clock discos, a lot of shops, eateries, noisy bazaars.

All beaches are municipal, but those sections of the beach that are assigned to specific hotels are protected. The use of the beaches and equipment is free.

north goa

Tiracol

Above the deserted beach rises a regal building - Fort Tiracol, now - the Heritage Hotel. Tiracol- the northernmost beach of Goa and, most likely, the wildest and most untouched by civilization.

Arambol

Beach Arambol also called Harmal. The sand here is soft and white, on the red lateral soil, among rare stones, there are cottages and a freshwater pond. The road to the beach is surrounded by huts of local residents who sell souvenirs and clothes to tourists. The beach is limited by the river Tirakol.

Vagator

Tour operators have long mastered Vagator, so it is quite difficult for "wild" tourists to find a place in a hotel here. Like Anjuna, Vagator is having trouble getting water.

The steep slope of the hill descending to Vagator Beach adorns Chapora Fort, built in 1617 by the Portuguese on the ruins of an older Islamic structure. The fort offers a fantastic view of the surroundings. Particularly impressive is the place where the river Juari flows into the sea. In this part of the beach there are high cliffs, popular among honeymooners and those who seek solitude.

Anjuna

The beach is located 8 km from the city of Mapusa. In the 10th-12th centuries, the city was an Arab trading port and was called the "Chamber of Commerce". Now, every Wednesday, a "flea market" is organized here, the most famous and "rich" in the state. Here you can find anything - from products of Tibetan weavers to porcelain cups from the time of British colonization.

Anjuna- the most photographed beach in Goa. This means that you will not find privacy here. Exotic lovers come here from everywhere. Night raves are also held here on the full moon. Beware of petty thieves and drug dealers.

Baga

Small picturesque beach with few hotels. It is difficult to say where Baga ends and Calangute begins. The territory is clean, the sand is brown, there are many local residents - hawkers and fishermen. The main plus is the Baga River, in the waters of which children love to swim. At the place where the river flows into the sea, there are beautiful black stones, around which the water is constantly "boiling". Not so long ago, a Saturday (evening) market began to be held here. The market is not bad, but it is far from the flea market in Anjuna.

Calangute

In past Calangute was the main gathering place for hippies. Today, the 7-kilometer crescent of the beach is chosen by organized tourists. A large number of beachgoers, perhaps, negatively affects the quality of recreation for those who dream of solitude, but the infrastructure here is excellently developed. In Calangute you will always find where to eat and sleep. Some nightclubs are open until morning. For Christmas, it is better to book well in advance.

In addition to traditional water and beach sports, Calangute offers short courses in meditation, yoga, reiki and even karate, as well as a variety of massages.

Not far from the beach is the Kerkar Gallery, which exhibits artists visiting Goa. Once a week, the gallery hosts an evening of Indian music and dance.

Candolim

Candolim looks more like southern beaches- there are fewer careless tourists, less fuss and fun. On the way from Calangute to Candolim, travelers admire scarlet water lilies in a picturesque pond and typical Spanish buildings. The coastal wave in Candolim reaches a meter, the slopes to the water are quite steep.

Sinquerim

The Sinquerim is popular with foreigners because it is spacious and doesn't have too many people on it. The local population does not favor Sinquerim, because it has the same steep slopes to the water as in Candolim.

South Goa

Aguada

A chic sandy beach, lying under the walls of the ancient Portuguese fort Aguada, opens up a strip of beaches in South Goa. At the service of vacationers - luxury hotels and the tourist village of Taj. The beach is clean, well maintained and well equipped.

Miramar

Miramar is also called Gaspar Diaz. Located 3 km from the center of Panaji, behind a small casuarina forest. Children love to play in the sand on the beach, and these places are also good for sunbathing and walking. Swimming in local waters is not entirely safe.

Dona Paula

Where two famous Indian rivers meet the Arabian Sea, there is a bay Dona Paula With great view on the harbor of Mormugao. A cozy nest hidden on the south side of a rocky plateau separating full-flowing rivers. In the western part of the beach is the official residence of the Governor of Goa. On the way to it - the remains of a small British military cemetery.

The beach is considered a paradise for lovers and takes its name from Dona Paula de Menezes, daughter of the lieutenant governor, who, according to legend, threw herself off a cliff when she was separated from her beloved fisherman. Her rebellious spirit still wanders the neighborhood. It is said that on moonlit nights she can be seen rocking on the waves in one pearl necklace.

Don Paula is home to one of the best sports clubs in Goa. Here you can do all sorts of things. water sports, from rides on water scooters, to rides on motor boats.

Weiniginim

The beach is located in the Gulf of Kurlavangni (or Kullavainkim). Name Weiniginim comes from the word "Wingon". So the locals called rice, which was sown in the fields. In the 16th century, the Jesuits settled here, who turned the coast of the bay into a paradise, planting it with exotic plants brought from everywhere. So today tourists can admire the remnants of the former luxury.

Mormugao

Mormugao is, in fact, not a beach, but a natural harbor. But lovers of beauty simply cannot pass by this big trading port. In addition to the original landscapes, the ruins of the Portuguese fort and several beautiful Catholic churches have been preserved here.

Bogmalo

small bay with sandy beach surrounded by palm trees. The beach is equipped with sun loungers and umbrellas. From here it is only 4 km to Dabolim Airport and 8 km to port city Vasco da Gama. The waters are safe for swimmers, there are many cafes and souvenir shops on the shore. On the way to the beach is the Naval Aviation Museum. In the depths of the coast - luxurious coconut groves.

Majorda

Majorda is a strip of beaches that combines sections of the coast near the villages from Velsao to Mobor (Velsao, Arossim, Utorda, Majorda, Betalbatim, Colva, Benaulim, Varga, Cavellosim, Betul, Mobor). The sands of Majorda are not very white. Everywhere groves of palms and fruit trees descend to the sea, among the sand and at low tide you can see many marine inhabitants: crabs, starfish and urchins, sea snakes, trepangs and so on. Snow-white gulls circle over charming streams murmuring among coconut trees.

Colva

Colva is the main tourist center South Goa, although there are noticeably fewer tourists here than in the same Calangute. The fact is that this part of the coast is a little less developed, so Colva is avoided by those who are afraid to face possible difficulties. But the lack of visitors is more than made up for by locals, who are attracted by excellent restaurants on the coast and many hotels designed for any budget. All these numerous and bright buildings slightly spoil the original splendor of the beach. However, lovers of solitude can walk along the coast to more secluded corners.

In September, near the local church (built in 1630), a fair is held to coincide with "Fama" - a holiday dedicated to the baby Jesus.

Benaulim

There are even fewer tourists in Benaulim than in Colva. Meanwhile, there is more than enough local color here. Those who prefer noisy bars to small ones come here. cozy cafe, and the hot sun - shady country roads. On weekends and often in the evenings, the beach is full local residents who come here by bus. In September, the wave height reaches half a meter. Large groups dolphins are frequent guests of local waters. They swim almost to the very shore. The village of Benaulim is famous for its furniture and rosewood products.

Varga and Cavelossim

The most prestigious and respectable place on the coast. The most comfortable hotels are located here. Actually Varga over time, it can turn into a beach unlike the others. Now it is a long, clean, rather deserted strip of sand, enlivened by succulent plantings of casuarina.

Mobor

Long sandbar, formed at the confluence of the Sal River into the lagoon, is surrounded on three sides by water. Tons of charming islands sand dunes, white lilies in the ponds - does it all Mobor unlike other parts of Goa. Luxurious white sands, like all beaches in India, are municipal property, so do not pay too much attention to the announcements of local hotels that some part of the coast is intended only for their guests.

Betul

A hard-to-reach (compared to the rest) beach, which you need to get to by motor boat. Only a few swim here, but the brave ones will be rewarded - the largest and most delicious mussels in Goa are served in local restaurants.

Palolem

One of the farthest beaches Palolem until recently, was not included in the sphere of interests of the tourist industry. Therefore, the atmosphere of calmness and naturalness is still preserved here. White sands, blue sea, green palm trees. Several tiny wooded islands diversify the seascape. They can be reached by paying local fishermen. So far there are not too many stalls with souvenirs. At the northern end of the beach, there is a fresh spring, large enough to form another island in the middle of it. The most popular activities are fishing and trips to the place where dolphins play.

There are several currency exchange offices in Palolem, but no banks. The nearest railway station is three kilometers, between the beach and settlements Buses and taxis run constantly.