North Goa Travel Guide

Sea, sand, and sunshine, North Goa welcomes all to delight in a picturesque land of natural charm. Dotted with majestic forts, lovely churches, ancient temples, and of course electrifying party places, North Goa is truly a traveller’s paradise. It is one of the two districts of Goa that mostly attracts Sundowners. Home to some beautiful beaches, your Goa holiday experience cannot be complete without a visit to North Goa. Also, North Goa has no dearth of activities and attractions that it will be difficult for you to come back home.

Nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, and solitude seekers, all can have a gala time in North Goa. This place attracts romantic couples to spend quality time in isolated places and friend groups to hang out together in the coolest shacks and groove to the trance. If you want to know more about North Goa – the best time, how to reach, best beaches, casinos, nightlife, and more, go through this comprehensive North Goa guide.

Why you should visit North Goa?

If you don’t mind a dose of Vitamin Sea, food, and party scenes, visit North Goa. Baga, Vagator, Calangute, and Anjuna beaches are some of the best entertainment areas that remain buzzing with crowds from day to night. Party animals, foodies, and water babies are promised to have a good time in North Goa. If you want to experience the best water sports, North Goa is the ideal place to visit. Engage in jet skiing, banana rides, scuba diving, parasailing, and more.

Serendipity seekers can also find peace at Arambol, Sinquerim, and Mandrem beaches. History buffs can also visit the forts like Fort Aguada and Fort Chapora to get an insight into the region’s past. If you are spiritually inclined or want to see beautiful architecture, visit places like St. Lawrence Church and the Chapel of St. Catherine. And if exploring flora and fauna is what you have on your mind, then do not miss out on Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary and Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary on your Goa tour. Last but not least, shopaholics can have a great time at Anjuna and Mapusa markets that sell clothes to handicrafts.

When is the best time to visit North Goa?

Novermber to March is the best time to visit North Goa. During this time, the temperature remians between 21°C and 32°C with cool air and warm sun rays. Many people flock to North Goa in winters to participate in the Christmas festivities. The nightclubs, casinos, and pubs & bars thrives with crowds and the pleasant weather helps you enjoy your time with ease.

How to get around in North Goa

The best way to explore North Goa is by hiring a scooter, Royal Enfields, open jeeps, and cars. They are easily available in North Goa at cost-effective rates. It gives you the liberty to enjoy the North Goan streets at your own pace.

How to reach North Goa

To reach North Goa, you can a flight to Dabolim Aiport, located around 34 km away. This airport is well-connected with major Indian cities like Delhi, Pune, Mumbai, etc. and ply regular flights to Goa. Take a train to Madgoan station or Vasco-da Gama station, which are located approx. 37 km and 35 km away from North Goa respectively. You can always take the bus services from the nearby places and visit North Goa.

What are some of the best beaches in North Goa?

Here are some of the best North Goa beaches you can explore on your trip -

Candolim Beach: It is a quiet beach with a beautiful beachfront resort. The long stretch of golden sand and beach shacks makes it a great beach to spend time.

Sinquerim Beach: Located south of Candolim beach, Sinquerim Beach is also a peaceful beach with a stunning beachfront. You will find the striking 16th century Aguada For here.

Baga Beach: This is a lively and bustling beach in Goa. With famous beach shacks, nightclubs, and restaurants like Tito’s and Britto’s, Baga Beach is one of the top beaches in North Goa.

Calangute Beach: Also known as the ‘Queen of Beaches’ due to its popularity, Calangute Beach offers thrilling water sports and beach shacks to chill.

Anjuna Beach: Just north of Baga Beach lies the charming Anjuna beach known for its lush paddy fields, flea markets, and hippy-chic style.

Vagator Beach: This beach has some stunning backdrops of lush greenery and rustic cliffs.

Arambol Beach: A perfect blend of scenic beauty and serenity, Arambol beach is among the less-crowded beaches in Goa. It is perfect for some romantic moments with your special someone and indulge in water activities.

Which places to visit in North Goa are worth exploring?

North Goa is known for its party scene and shopping. Apart from these, there are many tourist attractions in North Goa. Here are some of the top places to visit in North Goa other than beaches –

• Chapora Fort
• Fort Aguada
• Reis Magos Fort
• Basilica of Bom Jesus
• The Church of Mae De Deus
• The Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception
• Chapel of St. Catherine
• Mangeshi Temple
• Goa State Museum
• Mahalakshmi Temple

What are the best things to do in North Goa?

Whether you are a party lover, a spiritual person, a foodie, or a shopaholic, there are tons of activities in North Goa. From relaxing on the beaches to indulging in water sports and exploring the temples, forts, and churches, you will be constantly entertained on your North Goa trip. For a memorable holiday, here are some of the top things to do in Goa -

• Enjoy scuba diving and see the underwater life.
• Explore Aguada Fort.
• Ride a banana boat.
• Witness exotic coral and tropical fish while snorkelling.
• Trek to Dudhsagar Falls.
• Dolphin spotting.
• Kayaking in Sal backwaters.
• Take a cruise at Mandovi River.
• Visit Naval Aviation Museum.
• Take a ferry ride.
• Indulge in thrilling parasailing.

Where to enjoy the best nightlife in North Goa?

North Goa is known for its electrifying parties and jam-packed nightclubs with electric music and lots of booze. The spirit of North Goa when it comes to partying is unmatchable, thanks to the clubs in North Goa. If you want to experience the thriving nightlife in North Goa, you can visit these famous places –

• SinQ
• Cape Town Café
• LPK Waterfront
• Katzensuppe
• Baga Beach
• Cohiha
• Mambos
• Chronicle

Famous Casinos in North Goa

Say yes to a wild night and visit the casinos in North Goa. You can get the chance to roll the dice and win your luck. North Goa has some of the most amazing casinos where you can experiment with playing games like Stud Poker, Baccarat, Black Jack, and Flash Roulette. The casinos attracts a large number of foreign visitors to Goa who spend substantial time here. Here are some of the top casinos in North Goa -

• Grand 7 Casino
• Deltin Royale
• Casino Palms
• Chances Casino and Club
• Deltin Jaqk
• Big Daddy Casino

What are some of the best shopping places in North Goa?

Shopping is a must thing to do in North Goa. From the famous street markets in Baga to the night market of Arpora, there are many shopping places in North Goa from where you can shop handicrafts, clothes, souvenirs, etc. So, for a little retail therapy in the beach haven, here is a list of shopping places in North Goa -

• Flea Market, Anjuna Beach
• Night Market, Arpora
• Tibetan Market, Baga Road
• Mapusha Fish Market
• Baga-Calangute Road
• Panjim Market

What are top rated restaurants in North Goa?

The scrumptious Goan cuisine is to die for. Many restaurants in North Goa serve some lip-smacking foods. If you are a foodie, you will love the variety of seafood you’ll savour here. For a delightful meal, here are the top rated restaurants in North Goa –

• Mosaic, Candolim
• Kava, Anjuna
• Chique Shanti, Mandrem
• Amavi by Sumera, Calangute
• Bluebird, Vagator
• Relish, Baga

Where to stay in North Goa?

North Goa is a popular part of Goa and many travellers flock to this paradise. Due to this popularity, there are places to stay in North Goa. From budget-friendly to luxury hotels, resorts, or villas, you can stay at whichever place you like as per your needs and budget. Choose to stay near the beach or in the city, it’s up to you. Here’s a list of top accommodations in North Goa that offer great amenities with a comfortable stay –

• Taj Fort Aguada Resort & Spa
• W Retreat and Spa
• Goa Marriott Resort & Spa
• Hilton Goa Resort
• SeaShell Suites and Villas
• Riva Beach Resort
• Nimbus Baga Beach Resort

Useful tips for visiting North Goa

• Avoid visiting North Goa in summers and monsoons as it gets extremely hot and you will not be able to enjoy any activity.
• Carry sunscreen to prevent yourself from sunburn.
• Car rentals are available at every nook and corner in North Goa.
• If you are planning to visit in winter, book your flights/train tickets, accommodation, etc. in advance.
• While visiting places of worship, due respect and decorum should be maintained.
• Dress appropriately at the holy places.
• Keep your driving license and other important documents safely in hotel room lockers. Carry the attested copies with you.
• Refrain from carrying large sums of cash. Stick to cards or online payments.
• Keep a look for places that says ‘No Pictures or ‘Photohgrahy Restricted’.
• Any type of nudity is not accepted. It is punishable under law.
• Stay away from illegal activities.
• Refrain from talking to strangers, if they look suspicious to you.
• Avoid walking alone in deserted and poorly-lit areas, especially at night.
• Do not litter on the beaches.