We compare the resorts of South and North Goa: where is the best place to relax? We describe the most famous beaches. Choosing the best one for different categories of vacationers.
Have you decided to relax in Goa? Surely you are faced with the question of which resort to choose. It is difficult to say where is better - in the north or south of Goa, this is subjective. Let's take a look at how the parts of the state differ, which features and who are best suited. Based on this, you can make your choice.
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North or South Goa: where is better
North Goa suitable for those who do not seek to emphasize their importance and social status. The north of the state has become popular thanks to the hippie movement. Now its beaches have been chosen by supporters of other informal movements, young people leading a stormy nightlife, and downshifters. There are few expensive hotels, more budget accommodation - guesthouses and the private sector.
The north is famous for trance parties and outdoor youth festivals. Most of the 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 used to measuring the quality of your vacation with the stars of the hotel? Then you better go to the resorts South Goa... There are expensive and respectable hotels, clean and mostly uncrowded beaches. The main disadvantage is the lack of leisure. In addition to beach activities, there will be practically nothing to occupy yourself with.
For a vacation with children, choose a hotel with a large territory and a private beach, special meals, babysitting services and animation. All this can be found in some hotels in the south of the state. According to tourists, it is better for young people to relax in the noisy and not too decent North Goa.
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 Cotigao reserve and to the Cabo de Rama fort, in the north - to the abandoned city of Hampi palaces, to Panaji and Old Goa.
Find out about the 10 best hotels in Goa.
When is it worth going to India for vacation? According to reviews of tourists, it is best to rest in Goa from November to April. Read more about the holiday seasons in Goa.
Prices traditionally higher in the south, and in the north everything is more accessible. Looking to buy local handicrafts as souvenirs? Visit local markets: jewelry and leather goods, glasses, bags, clothes 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, there is only a good market in Margao. In Colva and Cavelossim, food and spices are mainly traded. Find out how much money to take in Goa.
So where is the best place to rest? South Goa differs from North Goa not only in its beaches: it has a calm atmosphere. The South is more often chosen by foreigners, with the exception of Kolva. There are no large shopping centers, only small shops in the villages. People come here for a relaxing beach holiday, fishing, and water sports.
North Goa has more developed infrastructure. The vibrant nightlife, crazy parties and on-air discos attract young people, locals and informals alike.
Where to relax in North Goa
The beaches of North Goa are significantly inferior to the South in their beauty, they even come across 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. A relatively clean beach with grayish white sand in Arambole... Tourists in their 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 the bustling, crowded beach in Anjuna... However, bathing slightly spoils the pebbles and algae. The beach is very popular Calangute, where there are many entertainment options on the coast. Favorite place for fans of Goan trance and illegal parties - the beach Vagator... Nearby is the village of Chapora with a fish market and a cafe.
Fans of water 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.
Where to relax in South Goa
The beaches in the south of the state are clean and uncrowded. The sand is fine, golden or white. The most deserted beaches are Velsao, Kansaulim, Arossim and Utorda.
Comfortable beach Bogmalo surrounded on all sides by palm trees. It is famous for its seafood restaurants. A diving school is also open here.
Beach Palolem with white sand located to the 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 dolphins swim 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 during the weekend. If you wish, you can find solitude here, just move a little from the center.
Benaulim practically deserted. People come here not just to relax, but to live. You can often see dolphins frolicking from the shore. 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.
Food in India is very tasty, we advise you not to limit yourself to hotel meals.