How is Goa different from India? North or South Goa: where is it better to go on vacation? Where is the best place to relax in North Goa?

Goa is a very small state in India, but with a well-developed infrastructure. Goa is divided into northern and southern parts; they differ in the quality of service and have a number of features.

Holidays in northern Goa

In the northern part of the state there are mainly 2 and 3 star hotels. The audience in this part is very diverse. Here you can meet poor students from various countries. Exactly budget holiday attracts tourists to the northern part. Many nightclubs attract crowds of young people here. North Goa is especially famous for its parties with trance music.

The most incendiary trance parties take place on Arambol beach. There is also a famous yoga center here, which was founded by the Russians several years ago. Fans of meditation flock here. Morjim beach is the best expensive place in North Goa. There are a lot of Russians who permanently reside in this part of the state. Restaurants with Russian cuisine are open for tourists, and cottages have been built for a comfortable stay.

Shopping lovers should visit Anjuna Beach. This is where the famous flea market is located. It unfolds every Wednesday and amazes even the most avid shopaholics with its scale.

Holidays in South Goa

The most golden sand is located in the south of Goa. There are comfortable hotels here that are rated 4 or 5 stars. Of course, the cost of living and recreation in this part differs from the north. The southern part of Goa is perfect place For romantic getaway. Nowhere else are there so many secluded and paradises, like here.

The beaches in the southern part of Goa are very wide, covered with golden or even white sand. You can take a great break from the crowds on Velsao Beach. This is a very secluded and quiet place, away from shops and shopping arcades.

Most tourists visit Colva Beach. There are a lot of different shops, restaurants and places to relax with children. The attraction of southern Goa is its numerous fishing villages. They always welcome tourists very well; here you can try a lot of seafood dishes.

Holidays in Goa will be remembered forever. Everyone will find a place of interest in this state. All entertainment: shops, restaurants and discos are open in Goa almost around the clock. Locals They welcome Russian tourists with pleasure and try to make their stay more comfortable

Goa is a state in the western part of the Indian Peninsula, washed by the waters Arabian Sea. From a tourist point of view, it can be divided into northern and southern sectors. The state is a great place for beach holiday and is suitable for different categories of travelers.

Many tourists ask a completely logical question: what to choose - Northern or South Goa? Estimates and opinions on this matter, even from experts, are purely subjective, so here you need to proceed from your personal preferences, prejudices and financial situation.

So, let's figure out which is better - North or South Goa? Let's note the advantages and disadvantages of both options, consider the opinions of vacationers and draw appropriate conclusions.

Society

First, let's look at the social component and outline the differences between North and South Goa. The upper part of the state is suitable for those who do not seek to designate their social status as such. North Goa enjoys enviable popularity thanks to the hippie movement. In addition, the state was chosen by adherents of other informal movements.

Simply put, if you are satisfied with the abundance of young people, the nocturnal lifestyle and downshifting is close to you, then the choice between South or North Goa is quite obvious in favor of the latter. There are almost no premium hotels here, and almost all tourist accommodation can be called budget. Private sector has established itself as a quite tolerable and inexpensive guesthouse, where there is a place for vacationers with any budget.

South part

If you are used to measuring the quality of your vacation by the stars of hotels and inns, then the south of the state is at your service. Almost all travel agencies answer the question of where is better - North or South Goa - in favor of the latter. Respectable and far from cheap hotels prevail here, as well as clean and uncrowded beaches. For many tourists, this is a critical factor when choosing a holiday destination. Almost all southern hotels have own beaches, organize special meals and offer babysitting services for children.

One of the obvious disadvantages of the south is the lack of at least some decent leisure time. Yes, there are entertainment complexes on the beaches where both children and adults can have a lot of fun, but all of them are somehow connected with water and sand (diving, surfing, kiting, attractions). When it starts to get dark, there is practically nothing to occupy yourself with, except perhaps a free bar.

When choosing between South or North Goa, you need to keep in mind that the first is more suitable for established married couples with children and respectable businessmen, and the second is a haven for unburdened youth.

Prices

As for prices, there is a difference, and a significant one. Despite the fact that both South and North Goa belong to the same state, the pricing policy local stores and markets vary greatly. So, in the south you can buy some kind of souvenir for one sum, but you can find exactly the same one in the north for several times cheaper.

In general, the abundance of goods in markets and shops is amazing. You can find almost everything there: clothes made from natural fabrics, jewelry, bags, hats and much more. The flea markets in Anjuna and Panaji are especially popular among tourists. The assortment of goods is so diverse that your eyes simply run wild. In the southern part of the state, only Margao has a more or less tolerable market. But there they will rip you off, offering exorbitant prices for a completely mundane product. If you are looking for some exotic products or spices, then you should definitely visit the markets in Colva and Cavelossim.

Infrastructure

When choosing between South or North Goa, it is also useful to know that they differ from each other not only in beaches, hotels and prices. The south of the state has a calmer atmosphere. There are no big ones here shopping centers and other hypermarkets.

In the villages you can find only small shops that sell only essential products. For something serious you will have to go to local markets or, again, to the north of Goa. They go to the south of the state for relaxing holiday on the beach, quietly fishing and aquatic species sports There are no nightclubs, noisy parties or discos until the morning - only silence and tranquility.

The northern part of Goa has a more developed infrastructure. Life here manifests itself both day and night: crazy parties, an abundance of 24-hour clubs, all kinds of discos. All this attracts young tourists, local teenagers and informals.

Holidays in North Goa

The beaches of the northern part of Goa are inferior to the southern ones in their beauty and content. Here you can even find gray or coarse sand. Well-maintained and decent beaches are located in Calangute, Arambol and Anjuna.

There is a more or less calm atmosphere in Manderem and Aguada: you can come here with children without fear of noise and eternally idle youth. The beach in Arambol, where grayish-white sand predominates, is especially popular among holidaymakers. Judging by the numerous reviews on travel forums, this is where you can get the best quality vacation.

There are numerous bungalows, cafes and guesthouses along the entire beach in Arambol, and there are several serious centers for yoga lovers. The crowd here is diverse, but the length of the beach allows you to find both a suitable place and company.

Features of northern Goa

Young tourists prefer the noisier beach on Anjuna, which is always full of people. Swimming is a little spoiled by the presence of pebbles and algae, but this does not stop young people. Calangute Beach is enviably popular, where you can get lost in the abundance of entertainment options. If you are interested in something exotic and informal, then you can visit Vagator, where fans of illegal and trans parties gather.

Those who prefer leisure on the water, you will certainly be delighted with Morjimi Beach. Here you can not only go windsurfing and kiting, but also meet compatriots, and in large quantities. For several years now, this beach has been considered a haven for Russian-speaking tourists.

Holidays in south Goa

All beaches in the south of the state are clean and uncrowded. Fine sand from golden to white is poured throughout. The most “selfish” beaches are Velsao, Utorda and Cansaulim.

Do you want palm trees like those on tourist posters? Then you need to go to Bogmalo. The beach is surrounded on all sides by beautiful and well-groomed palm trees. Small restaurants are neatly located between them, where you can always be offered quality dishes, including seafood. There is also good schools in diving, where almost anyone can master this interesting area.

Features of southern Goa

Very beautiful beach Palolem, with crystal clear white sand, is further south than all the others. The place is distinguished by dense vegetation and a very convenient gentle slope into the sea. Children are simply delighted with the attractions of this beach: here you can watch dolphins splashing near the shore, and if you are lucky, even touch them.

One of the most expensive beaches in the state is Mobor. The strip by the sea is dotted exclusively clean sand bright yellow color. On the shore of the beach there is a network of very expensive hotels premium and VIP class. Here you will not need anything. You just have to wave your hand, and the helpful staff will tell, show and bring everything you need. So the choice between South or North Goa largely depends on how much you are willing to spend on your vacation.

In life there is always room for choice. And sometimes it’s really difficult to decide, especially on the eve of a vacation. What to choose this time? Mountains or sea? Deserted coast or bustling city? North or South Goa?

Vacation is actually a wonderful time. Agree, sometimes when it comes, you don’t even think about where exactly you will go on a trip, the main thing is away from work and everyday bustle, well, and in most cases, closer to the sea and warm sand.

But in order to spend your vacation with dignity and not regret the wasted time, it is better to think through the route in advance.

Nowadays, resorts on the island of Goa are very popular among Russians. But even here everything is not clear, because, as you know, there are two main directions:

• North Goa
• South Goa

How are they different, and which option should you choose? Let's figure it out.

South Goa - a paradise holiday destination

But that's not all. The water in the ocean seems perfectly clean and transparent. The beaches can boast of their cleanliness and comfort. All this is observed in the territory of Velsao-Mobor and in Palolem-Patnem. The only exception is the town of Agonda.

In addition, in the southern part of Goa the beaches are less crowded than in the North. As experienced tourists say:

Here you can enjoy solitude to the fullest or have a pleasant time in a small company, avoiding unnecessary noise and turmoil.

But this rule applies exactly until you cross a certain border. For noisy tourists, other destinations are offered. For example, the beaches of Palolem and Colva are very popular with local Indian tourists and entire families vacation here. Those. you can imagine what could happen there.

Although it should be noted that crowds of people are observed only near the main entrances to the beach, if you are not lazy and go away just three hundred meters, then it will not be so crowded and noisy here either. It will be like this here, everywhere, i.e. like on any beach on the strip between Velsao and Mobor.

Of course, the territory of South Goa has large area compared with Northern part, exceeding it by almost two and a half times. Length coastline is more than sixty kilometers, and by land even more - 85 km. Exactly like this geographical location and explains the fact that South Goa boasts more diversity when compared to North Goa, flora and the richness of the landscapes. After all, the area here is swampy, there is enough moisture for plants.

But South Goa is also home to amazingly beautiful mountains. The height of some of them reaches 600 meters above sea level. A breathtaking sight!

If we summarize everything written above, it follows that South Goa is a beach paradise. There is a huge amount here beautiful places, where you can soak up the sand and plunge into the gentle waters of the ocean, but there are no other entertainments here. Therefore, active and especially for curious tourists it may still be better to go somewhere else.

And we will go to the North

Generally, the northern part of Goa attracts a lot of travelers every year. The beaches here are covered with coarse yellow sand, sometimes with a gray tint. If you climb to the northernmost areas near Vagator and Arambol, you can easily come across beach areas with dark gray sand. Of course, this in no way means that the sand is dirty, it just has a volcanic origin. Agree, such a phenomenon is not so common in Europe.

It is believed that all the beaches in North Goa are crowded, and it is impossible to find a more or less quiet place here. This is not true, the beaches of Ashvem, Kerim, Mandrem, Morjim and sometimes Arambol are sometimes more deserted than in South Goa.

The most favorite places for tourists are Anjuna and Vagatora. A huge number of vacationers traditionally gather on the shores of Baga-Calangute-Candolim.

Of course, the northern part of Goa is modest in size, with a coastline of less than thirty kilometers. The North cannot boast of a variety of flora; it is mainly arid mountainous terrain. But there is something to see here too. First of all, it should be noted that North Goa is more comfortable and civilized than South Goa. No wonder thousands of Europeans, Indians and Russians come here every year. Sometimes it quite deservedly seems that more than half of the vacationers in North Goa are visitors from Russia.

After all, this is where you can feel the spirit of Goa, learn local customs, and make acquaintances with many interesting people. If South Goa offers only a beach holiday, then in the North the main life is in full swing. This is a place where noisy parties take place every day, excursions are held and numerous entertainments are available.

The difference between South and North in Goa

This expression is perfect when it comes to choosing a vacation spot.

Those. Let's sum it up.

South Goa should choose:

• If your soul asks for peace and quiet and you want to take a break from civilization and enjoy natural beauty.
• Those who want to visit beautiful beaches, where there are a minimum of people, there is only sun, golden sand and clear waters ocean.
• If necessary, spend time calmly and serenely.

You can safely go to North Goa if:

• I want a holiday, boiling emotions and fun;
• There's definitely never a dull moment here.
• Beach holidays are not that important. - Of course, there are many beaches here, some crowded and some not so crowded.
• In addition to the traditional beach holiday, you want other entertainment. After all, as you know, the music does not stop until late at night and you can dance at parties in the company of new friends even until the morning.

When going to Goa, many are not even aware of the existing differences between the northern and southern regions. Despite the fact that the impressions from them can be diametrically opposite. When choosing where to holiday in Goa, you need to weigh the pros and cons. Carefully study how the south differs from the north, what is special about holidays in India in general. It’s unlikely that this will happen without immersing yourself in the atmosphere of the East, but it’s worth a try.

Features and differences between southern Goa and northern Goa

Deciding where to stay in Goa must be based on your preferences, usual lifestyle and wishes for your vacation.

The choice: north or south Goa depends on the basic parameters.

The characteristic features of the south are

1. Tourist infrastructure, service and accommodation mainly in hotels. There are many well-known international operators who promise fashionable holiday. It may not fit into the classic all-inclusive framework, but historically it has the most respectable audience. Favorite place Europeans and wealthy Indian holidaymakers.
2. Relatively clean, quiet beaches, calm and measured rest.

North Goa will be different in this regard:

1. Here you have the opportunity to stay not only in hotels. We have a large selection of houses, guest houses, bungalows and rooms for rent. Hotels are more varied in terms of star rating.
2. Maximum entertainment, party places and a life full of communication. The special spirit of free Goa.

There are exceptions to the rules. In the south, the constantly noisy Kolva stands apart, looking like an anthill. In the north, there are calm and respectable beaches with very few people, for example, Morjim.

The trends are that creative people and young people are coming to the north to hang out and be guaranteed not to get bored. The opposite is expected from the southern direction: this a good option to relax with children, family, and simply to renounce the worldly.

Distance between North and South Goa

If you have decided where to stay in Goa, but still haven’t decided where to spend your time, the following information will be useful to you:

1. Goa is the smallest state in India. It stretches along the coast for 100 km. This can hardly be called a significant distance for searching for adventure.
2. Busy highways run parallel to the coastline and, if desired, you can get from the city of southern Goa to any village in the north and vice versa.
3. There are no problems with the means of transportation: you can rent a bike or scooter in the nearest shek or hotel. Taxis are available to vacationers in every city on the coast.

Don't get hung up on one place. Good vacation– a lot of impressions. Therefore, after taking a break after a difficult flight and fully enjoying the sea, you can explore the nearby (and not so close) shores. Provided that you are without children.

Distance between towns and cities in North Goa

Distance between towns and cities in South Goa

Goa with children: much better

Understanding the features and what differences exist between northern and southern Goa, which one to choose for a relaxing time with children will not be difficult. Almost all villages are suitable for this purpose south coast. The exception is Colva. It can be noisy here. It is better to stay with kids in:

• Paloleme;
• Cavelossime;
• Benaulim.

The hotels provide animator and nanny services. In addition, the areas are often equipped with children's playgrounds and private swimming pools.

The northern part of the state cannot boast of such a service for children, but a nanny can be found from the locals. The most suitable villages where it is better to go with children:

• Mandrem;
• Ashvem.

At the same time, Calangute and Candolim, despite the noise and the general feeling of party places, are also suitable for traveling with kids due to excellent access to the sea and well-established infrastructure. Just choose housing away from crowded places.

Which village in Goa is the most party-oriented?

By definition, the noisiest and party places in the northern direction are the villages on the Candolim-Baga line. Alco-pop culture predominates here. There are a lot of party people, but entertainment does not go beyond the boundaries of ordinary ideas about relaxation from everyday work. The same goes for Colva in the south.

When choosing where to stay in Goa, you shouldn’t think that parties go on here around the clock. Municipal authorities limit loud music: only until 22.00. Afterwards, life calms down or moves away from public places.

The notorious spirit of free Goa can be felt in Vagator and Arambol: in the villages there are communities of extraordinary people, and from time to time trance music flows along the coastline. You can join the parties, but you shouldn’t expect the usual impressions from them. These are not classic discos, these are places to find the meaning of life.

Where not to go

The state's coastline is well suited for recreation. Having set your priorities, it’s easy to decide and choose the right direction. Keep in mind: some beaches are not suitable for living. In the north, Bambolim, Coco, Miramar and Vainguinim are characterized by muddy water, garbage, and poor infrastructure.

In addition, there are villages where it is better to go for a while, and stay in places more suitable for life - these are Kerim in the very north and Talpona, Galdzhibaga and Polem in the south. Although for fans wildlife, it is possible that there is nothing better than these villages. For some, this will be the best recommendation for a trip.

Where is the best place to live in Goa?

It is impossible to give definite advice on where to go to Goa. Otherwise, tourists would live en masse in one city and not look for anything more suitable. The beauty of Goa is that everyone will find their place here: from a free downshifter considering options for a budget winter stay to a respectable bourgeois who is ready to pay money for peace and comfort for a couple of weeks near the Indian Ocean.

The atmosphere of the state ensures peaceful coexistence of completely different people in the tiny state in the foothills of the Western Ghats.

Indian Goa state stretched across west coast countries near Indian Ocean. Geographically and historically it is divided into northern and southern parts. Where is the best place to relax in Goa? Let's try to figure it out.

The Zauri River separates North and South Goa. The state's infrastructure is also divided along this geographic line. Indeed, completely different categories of tourists prefer to relax in the north and south.

North Goa and South Goa differ from each other in energy and atmospheric charge, because young people prefer to relax in the north, and wealthy couples with children prefer to relax in the south.

Discussions about where is the best place to relax in Goa continue to this day. It all depends on your temperament and what you want to get from your holiday in this blessed place. In the end, only you decide where it is better to go to Goa.

This place was opened for recreation in the 60s of the last century by representatives of the hippie movement. And today North Goa is preferred by amateurs hiking trips, wild parties and discos until the morning.

Those who are looking for new, unusual experiences and discoveries come here. Previously, it was a real Mecca for students, moneyless people, fans of Hinduism, students of the Vedas, etc. The Beatles visited here in the 60s.

Where is the best place to relax in North Goa? First of all, this part of the state is famous for its beaches, where there are always a lot of young people and other easy-going people.

It should be remembered that in North Goa there are no very expensive and modern hotels with the highest level of service. Here everything is much simpler and more democratic, closer to an ordinary student. This is how North Goa differs from South Goa.

If you are wondering where to go to Goa, then from the point of view of the cost of a vacation, the best place, of course, is in this part of the state. Here you can find the most low prices and completely merge with the magnificent Indian nature.

Beaches of North Goa

1.Arambol

This is the calling card of the northern part of the state. Arambol is the most famous among tourists, so it is always full of people. Tourists can enjoy cafes, bars, cheap hotels, shops and shops.

Arambol has a magnificent market called the Drum Circle. Every evening a local youth crowd gathers here and watches the sunset. One of best places, where you can have an inexpensive holiday in Goa.

2.Mandrem

And this beach is most often chosen by newlyweds or families with children. There are many small lagoons - natural seawater pools - where children can bathe, and they absolutely love it.

Mandrem is one of the best holiday destinations in Goa. In addition to inexpensive infrastructure, it offers tourists magnificent sand, a gently sloping seabed with virtually no rocks and an extraordinary sunset in the evenings.

3. Morjim

This beach is also called Moscow-beach, because... Most vacationers here speak Russian. Authentic Russian cuisine predominates in the food and drinks served in local cafes and bars. And the music sounds purely domestic.

On this beach Goa is better This is a Russian holiday, but you should remember that it is considered quite expensive. But here you can go windsurfing or kiting – the weather is favorable.

4.Calangute

This North Goa beach has the most developed tourist infrastructure: cafes, bars, restaurants, hotels, sun loungers, umbrellas, etc. The beach completely meets all modern requirements.

Calangute is always full of vacationers; here you can enjoy water sports or just soak up the sun. Tourists will be pleased with the fine and clean sand, flat bottom and transparent sea ​​water off the coast.

5.Candolim

This beach is a wonderful “golden mean” for those who cannot decide where to go to Goa. In its spirit, Candolim is closer to South Goa. It is comfortable, sophisticated and secular, and has a tourist infrastructure.