Goa is a small Indian state that is famous for its relaxed lifestyle and 101 kilometers of tropical beaches. Having visited Goa several times, I am often asked, what are the best beaches in Goa, and what to choose: North or South Goa?
This question cannot be answered because in fact, each beach in Goa has its own atmosphere and attracts different types of travelers. Therefore, you need to find the best beach in Goa just for you, based on your needs.
North and South Goa differences
One of the first things you need to decide when planning a trip to Goa is whether to choose North Goa or South Goa, which is better and what are the differences between these two tourism destinations. Generally speaking, South Goa is quieter and less developed, while North Goa is bustling and youthful. IN North Goa there are better nightclubs, restaurants, markets, shopping and a greater range of entertainment to suit any budget.
South Goa better, cleaner and calmer. There are also beaches and mostly luxury hotels. Here and there in South Goa you can find parties, but, as a rule, retirees relax there. It is quite easy to visit the nearby beaches and towns between North Goa and South Goa. If you have a scooter, then getting around is quite simple. Traveling from North Goa to South Goa and vice versa every day is tiring. But you can, for example, spend one week in North Goa and one week in South Goa.
Therefore, the answer to the question: “What is the best beach in Goa, and also which Goa is better: North or South?” depends on what you are looking for. Here's my opinion.
The most beautiful beach in Goa
Best beaches in Goa for family holidays
Ashvem, Mandrem are the best beaches of North Goa, where there are few Indians, wide expanses of sand and inflated prices. These places have been chosen by Russian winterers and tourists, and this is no coincidence. It is beautiful, luxurious, there are many good restaurants, Russian shops, and Indians have completely forgotten how to bargain, spoiled by the broad soul of Russian tourists.
And - noisy, crowded beaches with shallow entry into the water are always popular both among local residents and among foreign families. These most popular beaches in Goa offer a wide range of services, accommodation options and restaurants to suit every taste and budget, as well as the widest range of shopping, water sports, excursions, entertainment and nightlife.
– a beach close to other beaches – Baga and Calangute. It's just as good as its neighbors, with a good selection of hotels but a more relaxed atmosphere, with easy access to everywhere.
Utorda – good beaches, clean and quiet. Majorda is cleaner and nicer, but more crowded beach. There are also several luxury hotels as well as affordable beachfront accommodations.
– probably the busiest beach in South Goa, there are many Indian families and a wide range of hotels, water sports, cafes and restaurants, but there is no nightlife like in Baga and Calangute, and the mesmerizing atmosphere of Palolem.
So these were best beaches in goa for different categories of tourists. We have looked at North and South Goa, it’s up to you to choose which one suits you best. If you have never been to Goa, then I advise you to visit North Goa first. And you can go to Yuzhny in old age.
This beach, whose second name is “Harmal,” is a kind of cradle of the birth of the hippie movement in Goa, which began in the 60s of the last century. Young people, renouncing the benefits of civilization, came to Arambol to build their own paradise here. Despite the fact that the fashion for this trend is a thing of the past, the beach is still hippy; former hippies and creative individuals come here. The coast is built up with cottages, the path to the sea is dotted with souvenir sellers. There is a freshwater pond nearby, and the beach is bordered by Tiracol, a local river.
Calangute
Also in the past, a beach that gathers hippies, “living” in North Goa. Seven kilometers of sea paradise with excellent infrastructure (a large number of restaurants, shops, stores), many courses (yoga, meditation, karate, reiki, massage), an art gallery and other entertainment places unusual for beaches await lovers of spiritual growth in Calangute. There are discos on the beach, and an Indian dance evening takes place in the gallery every week. Clubs are also plentiful, some open until dawn.
Baga
Calangute's "neighbor" is a modest-sized but amazingly beautiful beach, surrounded by several hotels. The sand on Baga is also amazing - bright, brown. The area is clean, the sea is like fresh milk. In addition, Baga has its own secret - the river of the same name, which the little ones adore. The most beautiful place on the river is the confluence with the sea: on the border “live” many black beautiful stones, “stepping over” which the river becomes like a huge seething fountain. And, of course, the market on Saturdays: shopping - yes!
Majorda
A kind of “exposition” of a series of beaches stretching in one line along 30 km of coastline. The area is so picturesque that some tourists claim that these regions are the most beautiful on the planet. Of course, the abundance of exotic vegetation, the clearest sea, snow-white sand and the rich underwater world of Majorda, which appears on the shore after low tides, make travelers return here again and again. Check it out, maybe you will not be an exception.
Cansaulim
The superb beach in south Goa is a favorite destination for families. The coast is replete with cafes and restaurants that provide the opportunity to use sunbeds and other beach “devices” for free. The highlight of Cansaulim is the crabs scurrying along the beach in the evenings: “arm yourself” with flashlights, take the kids and go hunt them down.
"Resident" of South Goa - Galjibaga beach- a gathering place for ecotourism fans. The untouched nature, the almost complete absence of traces of civilization, and wild vegetation have been like a magnet for many years now, attracting those travelers who want to relax in puritanical conditions at sea. However, the local hospitable Indians will not let you die of hunger, don’t worry.
The beach with the most romantic history of the origin of its name. A legend about the unhappy love of the daughter of a Portuguese rich man, who, having fallen in love with a fisherman, but not receiving her father's blessing, threw herself into the sea. A stunning view of the pier of the same name, good infrastructure, delicious cuisine and hospitable residents will make your holiday on Dona Paula cozy but bright.
Sinquerim
This place is a paradise for fans of windsurfing and water skiing. Fishermen will also have something to do. And if your significant other is not into extreme entertainment, then you can take up photo hunting, because Sinquerim is located near Fort Aguada, which is an irresistibly beautiful bay nestled between sandy coves, which means that photos taken at Sinquerim can become favorites in your vacation album.
Candolim
A very popular beach in the vast expanse of cheerful North Goa. Good infrastructure and reasonable prices attract many tourists to Candolim. Even during the high season, when it is difficult to find available accommodation in Goa, there is most likely a cozy corner for you in Candolim. The coast abounds with hotels and guesthouses. Locals respect travelers very much, so the number of boarding houses and restaurants is growing every year. Moreover, even during the peak season, it is quite possible to invest a moderate amount in terms of costs. So take note: Candolim is a beach for those who like to spend money, as they say, wisely.
Cola
A secluded, almost wild beach, to which there is not even an access road, you will have to walk. The abundance of palm trees, the clearest sea, silence and the proximity of a charming lake will serve as compensation for your forced walk. There is a cute cafe near the beach with romantic music. In general, do you want to retire, enjoy your honeymoon or be alone? So, go for Coke.
Aguada
An excellent beach near the fort of the same name is the first in a series of its “brothers” belonging to South Goa. Luxurious hotels, cleanliness, soft sand, availability of beach devices and an abundance of exotic vegetation - what else does a tourist need for a seaside holiday?
Miramar
Also having a second name - “Gaspar Diaz”, it is located in the shadow of a casuarina forest. The beauty is incredible, but the entrance to the sea here is rocky, vacationers should be careful, because the skin on the feet is so delicate.
Tiny (only 200 meters long) Vainiginim is said to be the most heavenly place in Goa. Previously, there was a settlement of Jesuits here, but the beauty of past centuries has not been washed away by civilization, and the connection of the sea with the Zauri River only adds color to Vainiginim - so desired and adored by romantic tourists. They say that the water here is so clean that the bottom in these parts can be seen even from satellites. The beach is located in a picturesque bay, which seems serene in appearance, but keep an eye on children, as there are sometimes strong currents at some distance from the shore. Vainiginim’s “trick” is a sea of turquoise. The beach is lined with several restaurants; they say the fish here is cooked to perfection.
Photos of the beaches in Goa are stunning with their amazing scenery. Almost the entire coast is covered with fine sand, ranging from white to bright yellow. The beaches are well equipped and have developed infrastructure - cafes, restaurants, sun loungers with umbrellas. Depending on your preferences, you can choose not too crowded places and relax calmly and serenely, or, on the contrary, settle close to entertainment, participate in discos and parties that local residents organize right on the shore.
Agonda
Agonda Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches on the coast. It stretches along the ocean for 3 km. Near the beach there is a village of the same name. On the shore there are houses on stilts and bungalows, in which you can live for a while to relax peacefully without losing comfort.
The entire coast is covered with fine golden sand, and the beach area is protected by environmental services. The territory of Agonda Beach is inhabited by olive turtles, which have chosen this quiet place to lay eggs. At the entrance to the beach there is a sign on which the rules of conduct on the shore are written. There is no noisy entertainment here, and in the evening you cannot use flashlights on the beach.
A few meters from Agonda Beach there are several restaurants and huts serving seafood dishes. To get to the beach from Goa airport, it is best to rent a motorbike or car. Public transport does not enter the village of Agonda, so you will have to walk several kilometers.
“Despite the fact that there are many tourists relaxing on the beach, it is very calm here, no one shouts or speaks too loudly. You can often see foreigners meditating or doing yoga. A beautiful place, an amazing ocean, there is a restaurant, and shops with food and drinks.”
Anjuna
Anjuna Beach is a fun place to relax near the ocean. As a rule, it is chosen by European youth to combine swimming and sunbathing with incendiary open-air parties. The narrow coastline is densely packed with sun loungers and umbrellas. The beach is crowded, and its infrastructure allows you to spend time carefree and enjoy your stay on the coast.
Throughout the high season, resort life on the beach does not subside. It is located here, there are bars, restaurants, and in the northern part of the coast those who want to make new acquaintances, chat and sing songs traditionally gather. Noisy, fun parties with discos are organized every day on the beach.
The most convenient way to get from Anjuna Beach is from the town of Mapusa, which is 8 km from the beach. Buses depart from the local bus station towards Anjuna Beach every half hour. This beach is more suitable for those who like active rather than relaxing pastimes.
“It’s a very busy place, always full of people. We vacationed in a villa near the beach and already in the first days we realized that we needed to come here early to reserve sun loungers. At the end of the beach you can see cows lying peacefully on the sand - a strange phenomenon for a city beach.”
Arambol
This beach is located on the same coastal strip as another famous holiday destination - Mandrem Beach. Arambol has a wide coastal strip of snow-white sand. On the main street, which leads from the village to the sea, there are a variety of hotels, villas, huts, and restaurants. There are several bars on the beach itself.
Arambol Beach comes alive in the early morning hours when tourists come to soak up the gentle southern sun and swim in the ocean. Noisy life continues until late at night. In the evening, parties with discos are held here, and songs performed by local hippies and representatives of other informal movements are played.
The beach is equipped with several rows of sun loungers and umbrellas. The flat, well-groomed area is perfect for children's recreation. The tides create large “puddles” here in which children can safely splash around. There is no public transport into the village. Most tourists get here by renting a bike or car from Mapusa or Pananji, which takes about 40-50 minutes.
“Great place to spend a few days by the ocean. Accommodation near the beach is relatively inexpensive, the sand is snow-white, and there is plenty to do to have fun. In the evenings there are a lot of people dancing here, it’s interesting to watch the drummer show and fire show.”
Benaulim
The village next to which Benaulim Beach is located is located 5 km from the city of Margao, and the beach itself occupies part of the 30 km coastal strip between Colva Beach and Varka Beach. The entire coast is covered with snow-white sand, and is surrounded on all sides by luxurious palm trees.
Benaulim Beach is a great place for a beach holiday. For a small fee you can rent a couple of sun loungers with a straw parasol. Here tourists can take advantage of the services of restaurants that serve traditional Indian dishes.
On the coast, vacationers can enjoy a variety of entertainment, from karaoke and water skiing to sea cruises and fishing. In the evening there is music on the beach and discos are held. The wide shore allows a huge number of tourists to rest peacefully and feel quite comfortable. When you go out into the village, you can use the currency exchange office, buy souvenirs and necessary things in the shopping center, and visit cafes and restaurants.
Morjim
A coastal treasure, Morjim Beach is located in a tranquil location. The wide coastal strip, in some places reaching 100 meters, is covered with snow-white sand. Once upon a time, this place on the ocean coast was a protected area - rare turtles laid their eggs here, but the development of Morjim Beach by tourists led to the disappearance of turtles.
Most vacationers gather in the southern part of the beach, and the northern part often becomes a haven for nudists. Swimming and sunbathing on this beach is very comfortable. The entrance to the sea is quite flat, and to start swimming, you need to walk at least 50 meters in shallow water. There are no large stones when entering the water, which also attracts vacationers.
The infrastructure of Morjim Beach is perfectly suited for a wonderful and eventful holiday. Along the coast there are a variety of hotels and villas. You can dine at an affordable price both in restaurants on the shore and in the village, where there is a wide variety of cafes, vegetable shops, and grocery stores. Here, local residents offer Indian jewelry and souvenirs to tourists.
“A magnificent place - indescribable beauty. There are a lot of people, but this does not prevent you from having a peaceful rest. There is always something to have fun here, so your vacation is fun and relaxed. The locals are very friendly, sing songs and let you take pictures with them.”
Colva
Colva Beach is one of the most famous beaches among tourists. Here you can have a great rest, have fun or just sunbathe on a sun lounger. This coast is also famous for a large number of restaurants serving the freshest seafood. Colva Beach is located 8 km from Margao town.
Just a few years ago there was a fishing village on the ocean shore, and the coastline itself did not attract tourists. But in a couple of years, hotels and villas “grew up” on the coast, restaurants, bars, shops and numerous vacationers appeared. The beach is surrounded by palm trees and other exotic plants.
Tourists with children prefer holidays to this part of the coast. The sea here is calm, there are no strong waves, and the depth of the water near the shore is so shallow that children who cannot swim can safely splash in it. Several times a season, fairs are held right on the beach with the sale of food and souvenirs, fiery dancing and national music.
“An unforgettable place! So cozy, calm, not too crowded. There is always something to have fun if you want. We watched bullfights - an amazing spectacle! Many hotels, shops, shops with all sorts of things were built near the main entrance. If you want to relax in relative silence, it is better to move away from this place.”
Palolem
The southernmost point of the Goa coast is Palolem Beach. Tourists most often arrive from Vasco da Gama airport and the train station to this beach by taxi. You can get there from Margao in an hour and a half by regular bus. Palolem Beach is not too crowded, but also not as comfortable as other, more equipped coastlines.
In the central part, next to the main entrance, there is a wide variety of cafes and restaurants. Along the coast you can rent a hotel room or stay in the houses of local residents quite inexpensively. This beach is suitable for those who are not looking for a high level of comfort and want to relax peacefully.
Activities familiar to this part of the coast include diving and snorkeling. Locals also offer dolphin boat trips. It is best to go on this trip early in the morning. Holidays on Palolem Beach are more “wild” than organized. There are wooden boats everywhere on the beach, women in bright clothes sell fish, and enterprising young people offer souvenirs.
“The beach is so-so, I wasn’t particularly impressed. A bit dirty. There are cows walking or lying everywhere, so you should watch your step so as not to get into cow dung. The sand is pleasant, white and yellow, but there is some debris, especially if you go further away from the central part.”
Calangute
Calangute Beach is located in the city of the same name, a bustling tourist hub. It attracts vacationers with the opportunity to stay inexpensively right on the beach in a small bungalow or in a luxury hotel on the beach. This place on the coast is not suitable for a relaxing holiday, as it is always noisy and crowded.
On the shore you can have a snack in simple bars, where they do not offer any special delights. You can have a full meal in restaurants that are located within the city and near the beach. Along the coastal strip, local residents offer entertainment - boat trips, diving, and in the evenings they invite everyone to discos.
In Calangute you can see people doing yoga or meditation under the guidance of trainers. Along the beach there are massage booths where, for a nominal fee, locals are willing to give vacationers a full body massage. Those who do not like liveliness and noise can go to the nearby less crowded beaches.
“Very, very many people. There is nowhere to hide from the gaze of others. There are a lot of Russians - speech is recognizable in the general noise. On weekends and afternoons there is nowhere to even sit quietly or sunbathe. Hindus constantly walk back and forth in crowds, offering something, shouting. And yes, cows, cows, cows... I didn’t really like relaxing here.”
Candolim
Candolim Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Goa. A beautiful sandy area stretches from Baga to Sinquerim. This vacation spot on the coast is considered more respectable and expensive.
Candolim is well equipped. There are sun loungers and umbrellas along the shore, and if you go towards Sinquerim, you can take advantage of the services of local residents who offer a wide variety of entertainment - from boat trips to all kinds of water sports.
Like many other beaches, there are many cafes here, hotels rise near the embankment, and Indians invite tourists to souvenir shops. One of the attractions of Candolim is a large pond with clear water, which during the tourist season is covered with magnificent scarlet lotus flowers. The sea in Candolim is not as calm as in other coastal areas, but vacationers swim calmly. The entrance to the water sharply deepens, which allows you to swim right off the shore.
“I really didn’t want to leave this beautiful place. Some advantages and almost no disadvantages. Magnificent bright yellow sand, warm sea, very beautiful scenery. Sometimes you see trash, but vacationers themselves litter. An absolute feeling of peace, happiness and tranquility.”
Arossim
The beautiful Arossim beach is a wide strip of snow-white sand, which is “licked” by calm waves. This place is often chosen by tourists for whom tranquility and the absence of large crowds are important. On the shore you can see starfish everywhere, thrown up by the sea in the surf.
In the center of Arossim Beach you can sunbathe on sun loungers. Despite the fact that there are not very many of them here, there is always a free place. The main feature of this beach is the annual festival of the Three Kings, which locals celebrate on January 6th.
As for entertainment, Arossim Beach has all the water attractions familiar to tourists. If you get bored of lying in the sun, you can go to local attractions - Buddhist caves and the Church of St. Thomas.
Local fishermen supply the beach restaurants with fresh seafood daily, so you can try traditional Goan delicacies here. The nearest town of Margao is 12 km away, and helpful taxi drivers transport holidaymakers from Dabolim Airport.
“Very calm and beautiful place. There are 3 sheks on the beach where the food is quite tasty and inexpensive. There are not many people, which allows you to relax in comfort. But Indians constantly come up and offer to buy something from them. The general landscape is also spoiled by the tall chimney of the local factory, from which black smoke pours out.”
The best time for a holiday in Goa is the months from November to March, when the sea attracts with the gentle foam of the waves, and the sun's rays allow you to get a beautiful tan. But even during the low season, which begins in May, vacationers do not stop visiting the picturesque coast. During this period, the monsoons begin here and most often you cannot swim, but you can visit the sights, get acquainted with the culture of the local residents and save on discounts.
Choosing a beach for relaxation is one of the most important stages of independent trip planning. Holidays in Goa are very diverse and can satisfy a wide variety of tourists’ preferences, so the choice of resort and beach depends largely on the purpose for which you are planning a trip to Goa. Some tourists come here for the famous noisy parties, others for a beach holiday, others are looking for a resort for a relaxing holiday with children, and still others want to get it all in one place. In this article we will tell you which beaches in northern and southern Goa are most popular among tourists.
All Goa beaches are divided into two main groups: the beaches of the north coast and the beaches of the south coast. Tourists who come to India to enjoy a relaxing beach and family holiday prefer to relax in South Goa, while young people prefer to relax in North Goa, who come here from all over the world to enjoy the vibrant nightlife here with many parties and trance parties.
There are no private beaches in Goa, they all belong to the state and anyone can relax on them, so nothing prevents you from choosing any beach for relaxation, regardless of which hotel in Goa you are staying at.
Best beaches in South Goa
The beaches of South Goa are not very different from each other, so the choice of where to stay depends rather on which hotel you prefer. Most of the hotels in the southern part of the state have 4 and 5 stars and are aimed at a relaxing family vacation for wealthy tourists, many of whom come here to relax with small children.
Beaches Varca, Cavelosim, Utorda, Majorda, Colva offer tourists a developed infrastructure with many luxurious four and five-star hotels, bars and restaurants. They are not very crowded and are very popular with famous politicians and world stars.
Beaches Kola, Agonda, Palolem Perfect for a relaxing budget holiday. Their infrastructure is not as developed as on other beaches on the southern coast of Goa; there are not a large number of luxury hotels and expensive restaurants with luxurious interiors, but the picturesque landscapes of these places will not leave indifferent those who admire the beauty of nature and will give many unforgettable holiday experiences.
Dona Paula beach. Considered one of the best beaches in Goa. Many scenes from Indian films have been filmed on this beach. This beach is popular with surfers.
The best beaches in North Goa
The beaches of the northern coast of Goa are designed more for budget and youth holidays, so there are not as many luxury hotels and restaurants here as in the southern part of the state.
Arambol- one of the best beaches for party lovers. If you love Goa Trance dance music, then you should look for it in this region of Goa. The beach is suitable only for youth budget holidays. Many Russian tourists live here throughout the entire tourist season. This is the most popular beach in North Goa.
Beaches Calangute, Baga, Candolim - These are the most popular beaches in the northern part of Goa among package tourists from Russia and Europe, as well as one of the favorite vacation spots among local tourists who come here from the central regions of India. On the territory of these beaches there are many inexpensive three-star hotels, but sometimes there are also hotels with 4 and 5 stars that can offer their guests luxurious rooms and a wide range of services and entertainment. These areas of North Goa have a well-developed infrastructure with many bars, restaurants, nightclubs, yoga and meditation centers. Prices for accommodation and tourist services here are lower than on the south coast of Goa, but higher than on other beaches on the north coast.
Anjuna– “mecca” of Goa Trance lovers from all over the world. It was on this beach that large Goa Trace Open Air Parties were recently held, but today their scale has noticeably decreased. If you love modern electronic music and are looking for like-minded people, then you won’t find a better place.
Vagator- another very favorite beach of North Goa among young people. There are also several famous clubs here that play Goa Trance. This is a large beach with developed infrastructure and a wide selection of housing in different price ranges.
Morjim– the most popular beach among Russian tourists. Locals call it Moscow-Beach. It is almost impossible to meet foreigners from other countries here. Prices for accommodation and tourist services here are higher than on other beaches in North Goa.
Despite the many articles describing South Goa, in our opinion, this is the real territory of Terra incognita. Why do we think this? Yes, because the descriptions of this part of one of the most tourist states in India are for the most part nothing more than a set of cliched phrases that often do not correspond to reality. Well, it’s better not to mention the authenticity of the photographs at all.
Personally, we love Goa very much, we have visited all its beaches and we are a little offended when we read “fairy tales” and fables about it. So we decided to try to tell about him as he really is - without all this commercial and tourist fluff. 
Before starting my story, I would like to understand the main legends. What is most often written about him in general terms? That's right, they write the following:
- a quiet, uncrowded place where there are no such crowds as in northern Goa
- beaches with snow-white sand, palm trees and crystal clear water - Bounty in short, and even with umbrellas, sun loungers and beach restaurants
- very respectable, with many 4 and 5 star hotels, the main contingent of which are adults and elderly people who are not deprived of financial wealth
- it's much more expensive here than in the north
Let's try to figure out what is true and what is advertising fiction. So:
- Quiet and uncrowded! Here we can agree that there are such places here.
But it is impossible to bring all beaches under this denominator. Don't believe me? For example, here is “deserted and quiet” Palolem at the very end of the season, in May. Do you think there are as many people here in December/January?… 
By the way, Colva, Benaulim and even Cavelossim may also be far from deserted. 
Another thing is that the 25-kilometer sandy coast, which includes 13 conventional beaches, will always allow you to find a quiet corner. 
- Complete Boonty beach. Well, there is some truth in this too - there are beaches with coconut palms here and in some places they are almost deserted.
But as for the snow-white sand and crystal waters, excuse me - there is no such thing here due to the complete absence of corals. White sand is coral, but in Goa it is common, and often mixed with silt deposits, so there can be no talk of any “snow-white beaches”. Light and even very light sand can be found. 
Since the sand is ordinary, not coral, and, as already noted, with silty inclusions, there can be no talk of any super-transparency of the water. Taking into account the almost constant presence of waves (the ocean, after all) and the slow increase in depth (with the exception of a few beaches), we can generally say that the water in South Goa, and in North Goa too, is muddy. Please note - not dirty, but cloudy - these are two big differences. 
Sunbeds and umbrellas are scarce here; for these “delights” head to the central part of the state. - Full of expensive hotels and few cheap ones. Well, of course, yeah. There is quite a lot of inexpensive and mid-price accommodation here; the choice for the budget traveler is quite large, and the quality/price ratio is better. But there’s not much to say, here are Goa hotels on the map for clarity – look and compare. For greater clarity, play with the “price range” slider located in the lower right corner of the map. We think you can easily see that in the northern and central parts of the state, there are more expensive hotels.
- Food and rest in general are more expensive than in other parts of Goa. Let's put it briefly - this statement is complete bullshit. The same as everywhere else, prices vary. If you want it more expensive - please, if you want it cheaper - no problem, but if you want it for pennies - that’s also not a question. Yes, in the same Benaulim you can easily eat well for 40-60 rupees, you just need to not be lazy and go to the central intersection area, where local catering points are located. Fruits, clothes and souvenirs - here, as elsewhere in Asia, everything depends not only on your ability to bargain, but also on your ability to get along with the local population.
Information about South Goa
Now, perhaps, we can begin to talk about South Goa, give basic practical information about it that may be useful to you both at the planning stage and during the trip and vacation itself.
Where is
Surprisingly, everyone has heard about Goa, but many do not really know where it is and consider it an island. For this reason, just in case, let us clarify that it is located on the western coast of the Hindustan Peninsula and is one of the 29 Indian states of India. 
The concepts of Southern, Central and Northern are relative. 
How to get there
You can get to Goa in three main directions:
There are many different sites and aggregators for purchasing inexpensive air tickets. Which one is the best, everyone decides for himself, but personally we use Aviasales and such a visual, easy-to-search calendar of cheap air tickets.
Weather in Goa. When to go
Here we will briefly talk about when exactly you should not go if your goal is a beach holiday - from mid-May to the end of September. During this period it is the rainy season, and this is the season of real tropical rains.
Money – is it better to take cash or a card?
If you want more problems, or if everything is expensive, take a card. It is necessary to avoid unnecessary “hemorrhoids” - come with cash, preferably dollars with banknotes in denominations of 50 and 100. 
Hotels and guest houses
As already mentioned, there are many hotels and guest houses, for different tastes and budgets, from rooms for 200-300 rubles per day, to luxurious rooms in 5-star hotels. For those who do not suffer from having excess banknotes in their wallet, but at the same time do not save too much, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with our recommendations - Good and inexpensive accommodation in Goa, based on the results of the last trip. Here, for example, is our house in Benaulim, 50 meters from the shore, in the resort Pele's Windsong Wood Cottage. 
We also present a small selection of popular hotels, mainly in the mid-price category, with a rating of at least 7.5
Beaches of South Goa
The beaches here are very good and are distinguished by natural diversity. The area from Velsao to Cavelosim is essentially one huge, many kilometers long beach. Its main advantage is not beauty, but namely the huge length of a good sandy coast with a smooth entry into the sea. 
This entire area is a tourist area; there are hotels everywhere, both inexpensive and, to put it mildly, not budget. In general, it is more expensive here, because... Package tourism with all the ensuing “charms” of civilization has been developed. It is likely that those who talk about the high cost of this part of Goa vacationed here and know nothing about the rest. 
And further south, the beaches differ both in appearance and in cost of recreation. Here they are not extensive, but at the same time more beautiful, there is even almost a “Bounty”. Some are almost wild and deserted, others are the opposite. 
Housing here is much cheaper, of course there are also expensive options, but the average price category predominates and there is a lot of budget accommodation, even on the seashore. 
However, if anyone needs a little more detail about each beach, then read our post about them - All the beaches of Goa. 
Well, personally, we like Agonda the most in all of Goa, even though its beach cannot be called the most beautiful. 
All Goa beaches on the map
The map is interactive, feel free to click on the points that interest you. Beaches by area are highlighted in color:
- orange – northern beaches
- pink - central
- purple - southern
- green - beaches of the neighboring state of Maharashtra
Attractions
But this Indian state, unlike others, is not rich in attractions and almost no Indian flavor is felt in it. I think this is due to the fact that it was under the rule of Portugal for a very long time (until 1961) and strongly, how to put it, more decently – “Europeanized”. By the way, a very interesting fact - Wiki says that in the 61st year of the last century, India occupied Goa. Like this. 
However, returning to the attractions - from real India there are only a few ("enlightened benefactors" tried to eliminate them) Hindu temples. 
Quite often you will read that there are forts, Catholic cathedrals, some Portuguese architecture and all this is interesting, picturesque and definitely worth a visit. In our opinion, these are very dubious statements. Although, everyone has different tastes. 
Our Goa tourist map
On this map we tried to collect all the famous places of interest in Goa. The map is interactive, click.
Bike and motorcycle rental
Within the framework of this story, we will not dwell on this issue; we will only note that the rental of this equipment is developed quite well, and renting a bike does not present any difficulties. Prices and conditions are different and a lot depends not only on the lessor, but also on you. For example, we managed to get the motorcycle in the photo below in Benaulim for 300 rupees per day. Well, if anyone is interested in details, then read – Rent a motorcycle in Goa. 
Our general reviews of South Goa
For our taste, relaxing in southern Goa is much better than northern Goa; we won’t even compare it with central Goa. The beaches here are more diverse, more beautiful and better. It's much cleaner and calmer here. The local population is less spoiled by tourism, more welcoming and sincere. The choice of housing is richer and more interesting. Prices for food and things are normal, but if you also know how to bargain and have your own transport, then accommodation and recreation can generally be budget-friendly and without sacrificing quality. If you are interested in a calm, measured vacation from the hustle and bustle, choose this area, but choose wisely, the places and beaches here are completely different. 
Have a nice holiday!
