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 as on the geographic location of a particular beach. Young people who prefer trance parties and nightclubs to everything else will be frankly bored in Candolim. Couples will not like Baga.

We will tell you about the best resorts of the South and North Goa, we will try to find the most beautiful beach and select places that are optimal for small children. Swam!

We are looking for a place for swimming in Goa

The villages of Goa are so densely populated the coast that sometimes they are an extension of each other. There are many beaches in the vicinity of the resort villages - all of them are free, so use it to your health.

If you come across sun loungers, then they most likely belong to a nearby restaurant or hotel complex... At the resorts of Candolim and Baga, you will have to pay for the use of sun loungers, in other places "freebies" dominate. Most often, it is considered good form to order food in a restaurant - this action turns you into a full-fledged owner of a sunbed.

Goa's beaches are conventionally divided into northern and southern. Here are some popular options:

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

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

The three most popular resorts in North Goa

The center of the most "cheeky" youth parties is North Goa. The beaches in the area are vast areas dotted with a myriad of three-star hotels. Holidays in the north are budgetary, noisy and fun. This is the kingdom of "package" tourists from Germany, England and Russia.

Let's list the top three beaches in North Goa:

Cola beach on video

To get a better idea of ​​what a beach holiday in Goa is, watch this short video filmed by our compatriots. This is Cola Beach - they like it, do you?

Best beaches in South Goa

Welcome to the respectable world of luxury hotels. Privacy and quality of service are paramount here. Visiting tourists are not particularly familiar with the terrain - 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, Varca, Majorda, Utorda and Colva. This is a strip of pure white sand, restaurants with quiet music and well-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 three best resorts in the South:

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

In search of the most beautiful beach

Most travelers agree: the best Goa beaches localized 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 are close to Palolem.

To reach Palolem, you need to take a plane or train to Margao. If you prefer the plane, then you will have to fly to the Vasca da Gama airport. Taxis run from there, the fare of which is fixed. Railroad station localized 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 to travel.

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

• With the onset high season all apartments and hotels are overcrowded. Please worry about booking in advance.
• Columbus Bay is a cozy and environmentally friendly place where you can stay. Option for those who do not like vanity.
• Shopping can be done on the waterfront. There is a kingdom of souvenir and music shops, as well as tiny shops with spices.
• For 250-300 rubles, you can have a great snack in the restaurant.

South Goa- it real paradise for those who travel with children. Here you will not meet informal hippies, hear loud electronic music and feel the round-the-clock bustle that reigns in North Goa. In this part of the Indian resort, you can take a break from the bored noise of the metropolis for a year and enjoy a pleasant seclusion on the shores of the warm Arabian Sea.

Holidays with children in this part of the peninsula are not only interesting, but also safe. All local beaches are covered with light, soft-touch sand, which is pleasant to walk on. Specialized workers are tirelessly monitoring the cleanliness of tourist areas, so the risk of stepping on a shard of a bottle or an unextinguished cigarette butt is zero.

Location

The territory of South Goa is located in the central part west coast India. Today, the resort covers an area of ​​1,966 km². The coastline is washed by the calm waters of the Arabian Sea, smoothly turning into the endless expanses of the warm Indian Ocean... North of Goa is the state of Maharashtra. In the southeast, the resort is bordered by Karnataka and a picturesque plateau, behind which stretches Mountain chain Sahyadri.

Beach

The resort has more than ten kilometers of sandy beaches, the most popular of which is Palolem. For its natural beauty, silence and solitude locals they call this place a little paradise.

Another comfortable beach of the same name is located under the impregnable walls of the medieval Fort Aguada. Elite five-star hotels rise not far from the coastline, and the tourist village of Taj is located.

The Dona Paula beach was recognized as one of the most prestigious tourist areas of the peninsula. In its western part is the official residence of the current governor of Goa.

Climate

The resort has a comfortable subtropical climate. Warm weather is constant here, so you can enjoy a beach holiday in South Goa all year round. Nevertheless, tourists prefer to travel in the months when the dry season begins on the peninsula. Optimal time to visit this amazing place the period from October to May is considered. The air temperature these days is + 30 ... + 32 ° С, and the water warms up to +26 ° С. Thanks to this, you can swim in the Arabian Sea at any time of the day.

Souvenirs and shopping

Foreign tourists bring many interesting and unusual things from India, among which graceful sarees and practical harem pants are especially popular. Local shops sell colorful beach towels and bedspreads with traditional Indian motifs for an inexpensive price. As a gift to family and friends, you can bring airy beach pareos and cotton T-shirts dyed with natural holi dyes.

Incense sticks have become an unusual and at the same time widespread souvenir, the delicate aroma of which will remind you of a wonderful trip to this amazing country.

Transport

Public transport in South Goa is represented by several routes of regular buses. The fare is 5 INR. In most cases, the interior of buses is divided into two halves: male and female.

Foreign tourists prefer to travel by regular taxis or rickshaws. In the first case, the fare for 1 km starts from 17 INR, in the second - from 9 INR. Bicycles can be rented if you would like to explore the resort's attractions on your own. Daily rent of a two-wheeled vehicle will cost you 70-100 INR.

sights

The main attraction of the resort is the legendary Old Goa - one of the ancient capitals of India, which became administrative center states during the Portuguese colonization. A large number of architectural and religious monuments are concentrated on its territory. Including the Orthodox Cathedral of St. Catherine, the famous Church of St. Francis of Assisi in India and the majestic Basilica of Bom Jesus.

Not far from the resort is the Dudhsagar waterfall with a height of 3120 meters. From all sides, this miracle of nature is surrounded by green thickets of centuries-old forests, against which truly spectacular photographs are obtained.

Wildlife enthusiasts will enjoy the aesthetic pleasure of visiting the Cotigao Nature Reserve. If you are lucky, you will be able to see with your own eyes exotic birds, agile monkeys and wild boars. Hunting in this area is strictly prohibited, so the animals are not afraid of the presence of people. The most daring of them make contact with a person.

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

This division largely determines the characteristics of the tourist infrastructure and organization of recreation, and also makes the difference between the districts in terms of energy and atmosphere noticeable. Until now, the debate about where is the best place to relax in Goa: in the north or south? To answer this question for yourself, it is worth understanding distinctive features these areas.

It has been so since the days of the hippie movement that 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.

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

And in general, the public gathers here 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 business card North Goa is the most famous local beach and therefore the busiest. There are many bars, cafes (sheks), inexpensive hotels, shops and street vendors. Arambol is also known to tourists for its beach market and the so-called "drum circle", which is going to send the sun into the sunset every day.

2. Mandrem

It is difficult to see a noisy, dashing company on Mandrem; it is more often chosen by married couples. It belongs to the number of beaches in North Goa, where it is better to relax with children. The conditional boundaries of its territory are two small rivers, through one of which there are 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: locals jokingly call it "Moscow Beach". The vast majority of tourists here are Russian-speaking, and this tendency is noticeable in everything: the names of dishes on the cafe menu, the lexicon of merchants, music sounds everywhere ...

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

Last minute tours on the best beaches Goa

4. Calangute

In the eyes of tourists, Calangute is a whole town with a well-developed beach infrastructure: hotels, cafes, restaurants, massage, sun loungers on the coast, and much more. Here, almost at any time of the year, it is quite noisy and crowded, 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 to rest in Goa, Candolim can serve as a "golden mean". Perhaps this is the most respectable and "secular" beach in the district, closer in spirit to South Goa than North.

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

Holidays in South Goa

South Goa is considered in India to be a place of respectable relaxation, full of dignity and leisurely contemplation. The electoral public comes here: wealthy or even very wealthy tourists applying for the service high level and accommodation with maximum comfort.

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

Here you can be sure of additional service for a child (animator, children's room, etc.), therefore 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.

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 the entire state of Goa. Smooth sandy bottom, gentle slope to the water, weak current make it safe, especially for bathing children.

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

2. Cavelossim

A snow-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 across India are organized from here, including boat trips with dolphins. And lovers of night discos will delight Party Zone, disco club number 1 in South Goa.

3. Majorda

Those who have ever been to India in Goa do not have the question of where it is better to go to rest - of course, to the Majorda resort! According to the reviews of tourists, it is here that there is truly gorgeous beach with white fine and gentle sand, not to mention the stunning scenery.

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

4. Palolem

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

5. Cooking

Uncrowded, well-maintained and beautiful beach with enchanting natural species... There are not so many entertainments here: you can go on 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

Travel to North Goa if you:

• for the first time you are going on vacation to India and want to get to know the way of life of its inhabitants;
• value the spirit of freedom over the comfortable shackles of civilization;
• enjoy simple human pleasures;
• are young in body and soul and want to keep this feeling for a long time.

The most lively and noisy among the quiet resorts of the southern part of Goa is Colva, the oldest and most large resort preserving the colonial style, teeming with fishing huts. The most crowded is the central beach. The highlight of Kolva is sea restaurants standing on stilts - like huts on chicken legs. The cuisine here is amazing, and there is still a little nightlife in the clubs "Ziggis" and "Splash". Among vacationers in Colva, young people and couples without children prevail, although other categories are found.

Majorda

The most exotic resort in South Goa, local beaches are surrounded by coconut palms and other outlandish plants. Holidays in Majorda are calm, but not devoid of activity. Here you can ride on water devices, play tennis, volleyball, and also taste the fish of your choice. Be sure to try the pastries, they are made here according to old recipes - with coconut milk.

The narrowest resort in South Goa, but also the most respectable. Stars, politicians and oligarchs like Bill Clinton and Paul McCartney love to rest here. Still, the location of the resort is a spit with white beaches, surrounded by water on three sides. Most of the establishments in Mobor can be safely ranked as "luxury".

In a sense - "brother" of Mobor, where mostly respectable audience rests. It is quiet, cozy, dolphins come to visit, you can go on a boat to the sea and taste the freshest seafood that fishermen will catch before your eyes. Tourists also have the opportunity to fish themselves, and then order a dinner prepared from their own catch.

Palolem

This resort is called the "pearl" of the state. Fluffy sand, calm sea - warm like fresh milk, an abundance of palm trees framing the beaches, pleasant people from all over the world - all this makes you come back here again and again. Due to the popularity of Palolem, it can hardly be called secluded, but it is still quieter here than in the north of Goa. In addition, there is a chance to go trekking, diving, canyoning and snorkeling, as well as chat with dolphins (however, you will have to ask local sailors to take you to the dolphins on a boat, but the inhabitants of Palolem willingly agree, because such a "trick" is their pride).

This part of Goa is the most developed in terms of entertainment, dating, leisure and excursions. In the 70s, the area was called a Mecca for hippies. Although those times have passed, the resort area has taken on a different look, it has become more comfortable, but the majority of tourists arriving in North Goa are young people who love drive, fun, intense rest and nightlife. Tourists vary in income levels, but agree on the main thing - preferences. There are vacationers and older ones - former hippies, artists and other lovers of life on the move. Join, it will be interesting and fun.

The most Russian resort in India, jokingly referred to as the "Russian village". And this, in fact, is true - almost 80% of vacationers in Morjim are Russians, and some of them live here on a permanent basis, subsisting on rented housing in their homeland. Why is the resort so demanded by compatriots? Why not? Large and still moderately crowded sandy (no stones) beaches, a gentle entrance to the sea suitable for children, a warm atmosphere (there are many married couples with crumbs), no fuss, excellent and inexpensive cuisine, as well as the opportunity to go windsurfing - what else is needed, to make life a permanent holiday ?!

If you love a party, then you need to head to Arambol, which is the "epicenter" of entertainment for hippies, freaks, junkies and other shocking youth. Here you can watch and show, and, right on the street, various performances, arrange thematic gatherings, do yoga (the famous local yoga center, by the way, belongs to one of our compatriots). Local beach long, you can find very secluded corners. Accommodation is budgetary, mostly bungalows. In Arambol there is a 24-hour party, but you will have to look for drinks and dancing, and suites in neighboring resorts. However, what is happening here is much more interesting.

Mandrem

"Neighbor" Arambol is a quiet "oasis" where mostly married couples with crumbs and parents rest. This is facilitated by the gentle entrance, the absence of rocks and stones on the beaches, perfect cleanliness and spacious coastline... The infrastructure is good here: there is a market, an exchange office, a pharmacy, and cozy restaurants. Many tourists who come to Tandem are addicted to meditation. If you want a dance party, head to the neighboring Anjuna or Vagator (the road along the sea will take no more than 20 minutes one way).

Closes the top three of the leaders of the hippie resorts Calangute, who was once (in the 60s) a leader among their own kind. You will not find tranquility here, but there are more than enough extraordinary acquaintances, meditation, yoga, massage. There are also karate courses. However, Calangute is famous not only for relaxation sessions, here you can also "come off" at a disco, buy souvenirs (merchants at every step), and also enjoy amazing Indian cuisine. Do not expect much comfort - there are few hotels, the beach is not pristine, but accommodation in a bungalow or guesthouse will cost moderately, and you will have a lot of money for entertainment and shopping. For young people - the very thing!

This resort is located in the center of North Goa and is famous primarily for its dance orientation. Despite the imperfection of the local coast (stones, steep descent into the sea, dark sand), Vagator is loved by many, because it is especially beautiful here, the nature seems to be frozen in a wild state and there are few people. Accommodation at the resort is comfortable, the restaurants are wonderful cooking, you can dance until you drop - why not, if you are energetic, love everything unusual and want to recharge with vivid impressions ?!

Anjuna is actually Vagator's "twin". There are also not the best beaches, but fun, lots of dancing, fun, laughter and unusual emotions. This is one of the rare Indian resorts to see a goa trance party. Tourists in Anjuna are moderate, you can even find secluded spots on the fluffy sand. With the exception of Wednesday, when traders and tourists from virtually all over the state come to the village, stock up on souvenirs, outfits and other goods at the famous Flemarket, the largest in Goa.

The resort is replete with married couples with heirs, because there are comfortable living conditions and there are nannies entertaining crumbs of different ages. Meanwhile, local bungalows and villas are just as popular as large hotels. Aguada is beautiful, cozy, nice beach and you can stroll through the tropical garden, but it's a bit tough with nightlife, you will have to go to neighboring resorts.

The least populated resort in North Goa, but this does not mean that it is cheap. There is little accommodation in the resort, so even for renting a bamboo hut you will be charged a decent amount. As they say, you have to pay for the silence. Those wishing to enjoy solitude, fluffy sand of an unusual dark color, picturesque landscape and local idyll - more than enough, local authorities cannot keep up with the pace of hotel construction. Often, tourists who love Ashvem act wisely, making a knight's move - they live in neighboring villages, and they come here to relax on the beach. You can follow their example. The highlight of Ashvem beaches are white tents with comfortable sofas, where you can enjoy Ayurveda, massage during the day, and parties in the evening.

Sinquerim is famous for the oldest beach in Goa, which has been awarded the status of a nature reserve. However, the venerable age does not prevent the beach from always keeping its "brand", for example, offering water entertainment at the level of respectable European resorts. If you want to wallow like seals, and if you want to tighten up and recharge your batteries, you can go surfing, snorkeling, diving, parasailing, and also play volleyball. The service in Sinquerima is impeccable, the infrastructure is impressive, but the prices are appropriate. The beach is not very wide (because of the sand approaching the shore from under the famous sunken "River Princess"), but comfortable, quiet, uncrowded. However, experienced travelers claim that the local authorities will soon sort it out with the ship.

It is said that the beach in Candolim is the most beautiful in Goa. The resort is replete with decent hotels, shops and restaurants - more expensive than the neighboring resorts. But it's not a pity to pay more for such a service, you will see for yourself. Relaxing here is a special pleasure, because there is a chance to "get acquainted" with dolphins. They say that Candolim has a more similar atmosphere to South Goa. There are plenty of married couples with children, however, due to the steepness of the descent to the water, parents with small toddlers choose other villages. The highlight of Candolim is the crystal clear pond with huge red lotus flowers. The most beautiful vacation pictures are taken in this place. Try it yourself!

Baga

Baga is the "cradle" of local tourism, since it was here in the 1920s that the first vacationers who came from other countries appeared. True, then most of them were hippies, but now travelers of different strata and ages. Pleased with the range of offered local prices for accommodation and meals: you can find and budget options, and luxury services. Baga is famous for its fish restaurants, as well as establishments of French and Italian cuisine. One of the brightest entertainments in Baga is the night fish barbecue, moreover, fish freshly caught from the sea is used. The resort is also good in terms of shopping, at least in comparison with its "brothers". Every Saturday - in the evenings, a fair is held in Baga. It cannot be called the largest in Goa, but you can find exclusive souvenirs and replenish your wardrobe with colorful outfits. The beach in Baga can hardly be called big, but a wonderful river flows through the village, in which you can also swim. Children adore her. And experienced tourists strongly advise parents to visit one of the disco old-timers of the state - night club"Tito`s", which appeared almost 45 years ago and has not lost its popularity to this day.

Which Goa resort did you like it? Or maybe you want to go around a few or even all? Your right, you will definitely not have to regret such a decision, you will see!

Tatiana Solomatina

Which beach and resort to choose in Goa?

Good day, dear friends! I present to your attention a brief overview of the resorts in Goa. I visited some of them personally, some were told by my friends, so I allowed myself to describe all the beaches of Goa. However, this is just my point of view, draw your own conclusions, there is a lot of information.

Goa is a great choice for beach holiday... Here are gorgeous sandy beaches, warm, clean sea, comfortable sunny weather in season. However, all the beaches of Goa have their own characteristics, and if you do not know about them in advance, your vacation can be ruined thoroughly. We will talk about this in this article.

The state of Goa stretches along the sea for about 100 km. There are many beaches, some have the names of coastal villages, but it is very difficult to determine where one beach ends and another begins, especially in South Goa.

The state is nominally divided into two parts, north and south. The northern part is more lively and prices are much cheaper here. In the South, it is calmer, the beaches are cleaner, but the rest is more expensive. Although, of course, it is general characteristics, there are always exceptions.