Which is Best Goa? – North vs South Goa Attraction
North and South Goa are not geographically or politically categorized as different regions. When it comes to tourism, due to the difference in the style of attractions, Goa is categorized into South and North Goa. We bring to light the different attractions that you ought to enjoy in North and South Goa. Goa is a land with more than 30 beaches and it is not possible to scale all the spots within a short time.
This article will help you choose the right locations for your vacation.
What to see in North Goa?
North Goa is full of beaches, and adventure seekers. North Goa is perfect for cute romantic couples and party lovers. Here are the some famous places to visit in North Goa.
1. Vagator beach
What: Beach famous for picnic, watching sunset and beach parties
Where: Bardez Taluka
When: At prime beauty throughout the year
This beach is famous for its crescent shape. The beach has red cliffs looking towards the ocean. You can find a couple of fresh water springs near the beach. One end of the beach has car park, stalls and others. On the other end, you have the beach allocated for tourists.
Many romantic travelers visit Vagator beach to spot sunset. You can find music and dance parties every now and then here.
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2. Anjuna Beach
What: Beach famous for church, water attractions, trance parties and flea market
Where: Bardez Taluka
When: October to April for parties and Wednesdays for shopping
This beach is famous for trance parties. You can find many parties held during the tourism season. On every Wednesday, a flea market is conducted near the beach that attracts many tourists. Top things to buy in the market are craft items, spices, clothes, beachwear, artificial jewels, trinkets and many others. You can find a lot more interesting products if you visit during the tourism season. St. Michael’s church is located near the Anjuna beach.
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3. Calangute Beach
What: Beach famous for parasailing, water skiing, boating, shopping and church
Where: Bardez Taluka
When: Summer season from March to May and during December and January
This beach is famous for its water activities other than swimming. Since the sea is rough here, swimming is prohibited. This beach is also famous for tanning. You can find a lot of people sun bathing. There are a few restaurants on the beach for enjoying Goan cuisine.
On every Saturday, a market is held near the beach. This market is famous for carpets, textiles, clay objects, metal crafts, accessories and others. You can find various objects made with seashells for souvenirs. A few stalls sell fried pawns and cool beer.
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4. Sinquerim Beach
What: Beach famous for scuba diving, wind surfing, water skiing, picnic and others
Where: Bardez Taluka
When: At prime beauty throughout the year
You can find many interesting water based activities here staring from swimming to scuba diving. There are many resorts and hotels here for a luxury vacation. This is a very important tourist attractions in Goa. You can find lifeguards here and there.
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5. Candolim Beach
What: Beach famous for picnic, watching sunset, church and scrub covered dunes
Where: Bardez Taluka
When: At prime beauty throughout the year
This beach does not have any water activities. It is a calm and serene beach, which is famous among tourists looking for romantic picnics or family outing. It is a very laid-back beach where sunset watching is an important activity. A ship that has been stuck at the shore for 17 years in Candolim beach has become a tourist attraction here. Near the beach, you can find a fort of 17th century. Near the fort, you can find church, barrack, jail and lighthouse of 17th century.
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6. Mapusa
What:Town famous for Friday market, temple, church, beach and others
Where: Bardez Taluka
When: November to April
This small town is famous for the Friday market or Mapusa market. This market is a good spot to buy local handicrafts, dried fish, baby shark meat, fresh produce, lottery ticket, mats, spices and others. There are a few pubs for fun nightlife. The town has 19th century temple of Hanuman, 16th century church and many other spots for sightseeing.
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What to see in South Goa?
While North Goa focuses more on beach activities, water based attractions and others. The South Goa gives many spots for family vacation. You can find a lot more than just beaches here. There are a few beaches, which are ideal for family picnic. Here are the famous places to visit in South Goa.
1. Colva Beach
What: Famous for beach, full moon night parties, dolphin siting and others
Where: Salcete
When: November to March
Colva is a small coastal village, which is famous for its white beach. One every full moon night, the beach transforms into a trance party location. You can find many budget hotels and shacks near the beach. During October, the beach will be very crowded with pilgrims visiting Colva Church from numerous international and local destinations. Swimming and dolphin spotting are major activities here.
If you are visiting this village, you ought to try Colva cuisine. You can find many interesting seafood delicacies here including tuna, shark, pomfret, tiger prawn, mussel, lobster and others. Bebinca is an iconic dish of this village. Feni, cashew wine is famous here.
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2. Benaulim Beach
What: Beach town famous for sunbathing, dolphin siting, picnic and seafood delicacies
Where: Salcete
When: October to April
This beach is mainly for relaxing and picnic. The abundant coconut trees and palm trees provide a heaven for those who want a simple picnic by the beach. Sunbath and dolphin spotting are two main attractions of Benaulim. The cuisine of the town is another attraction. You can find many unique seafood delicacies here. During peak tourism season, you can find small activities like parasailing, wind surfing and others. Fishing and swimming are very common here.
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3. Vasco Da Gama
What: Beach town famous for snorkeling, beach and nightlife
Where: Mormugao Taluka
When: November to March
This town’s beach has underwater currents and thus, major activities are not common during monsoon and summer season. You can find churches and museums in the town. 400-year-old church is located near the entrance of the town. You can find many festivals conducted in the church.
The Naval Aviation Museum is also an important attraction here. The town will be crowded during Shigmo carnival that takes place every year.
4. Varca
What: Town famous for beach, fishing, churches, casino and resort
Where: Near Margao
When: October to March
Famous Attractions in Goa is casinos and this town will fulfill your gambling needs. Apart from casino and beaches, this place is famous for churches. There are a few luxury resorts in this spot for international travelers to have a luxurious vacation. A good spot for family vacation and picnic.
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5. Agonda Beach
Agonda beach
What: beach location famous for hiking, meditation, yoga, dolphin sighting, swimming, picnic and church
Where: Canacona
When: October to March
This town is famous for numerous attractions like butterfly beach, sandy coves, boating, Cabo de Rama, Cola beach, Chandranath temple, Conco Island, temples, dam and many others. Agonda fort is in ruins today. From the top, you can get a good view of the place. It is also a good spot for birdwatching. Conco Island is filled with monkeys. You can find coves near the island during low tide. You can find many tourists who are interested in nature and sightseeing here. Since the place is a bit crowded, you cannot enjoy a peaceful family vacation here. The islands and other regions are famous for hiking too. There is a meditation center where tourists can join any meditation group or yoga classes.
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6. Assolna
What: Village famous for palaces and shopping
Where: Salcete
When: November to March
This is a large village and the first attraction is how you can reach this village. It takes a ferry ride from Cavelossium, which will be an aesthetically pleasing experience. This is a calm place for some architecture viewing, shopping and others. You can find colonial buildings, palaces and others. Best things to buy here are jewelry, trinkets and handicrafts.
These are just a few examples of attractions in North and South Goa. There are numerous other attractions in Goa to enjoy like spice plantations, waterfalls, archeological sites, temples, fairs and much more. If you are visiting Goa, you ought to spend a considerable amount of time in shopping. It is a unique place with worthy souvenirs for sale.
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Travel Information about Goa:-
- How to Reach Goa
- Beaches of Goa
- Goa Carnival
- Nightlife in Goa
- Goa local arts & handicrafts
- Culture of Goa
- Best Time to Visit Goa – Climate of Goa
- Goa Travel Guide
- Fun & Adventurous Activities in Goa
- Hotels & Spa Resorts in Goa
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