North Goa Region
The headquarters of this region is the capital city Panaji. North Goa offers many partying destinations, casinos, crowded beaches, ample of hotels, etc. The famous beaches of North Goa are Calangute, Baga, Vagator, Anjuna, Morjim, Ashwem, Mandrem, Candolim,Arambol, etc.Its ideal to stay at Calangute, Baga or Candolim if you are travelling with your family.
Calangute
The most crowded beach of Goa, Calangute. Round the clock filled by the Indian Tourists, Calangute offers a number of 1star to 4star category hotels, many beach shacks, watersports, a shoppers paradise. You won't find much Foreign Nationals in this area coz it's too crowded. Thanks to the cheap accommodation available in Calangute. There are also a number of temples in Calangute. Calangute acts as a central & main region for tourists in North Goa. It's very well connected from all over.
Attractions-
For me, I didn't find any attractive place in Calangute. One can enjoy watersports.
Eateries-
#Souza Lobo in Calangute. A very old eatery and famous for it's Crab Festival.They serve awesome authentic Sea food and the place is over Seven decades old.
#Florentines; Its on your way to Panaji near Saligao, famous in Goa for their cafreals; an authentic goan preparation served with bread. Also they serve awesome fried fish. And the best part is its very very cheap.
Accommodation-
#Hotel Plaza Inn
#Tangerine Boutique Resort ( Bargain)
Good Properties:
#Casa De Goa
#Citrus Goa
#Neelam Grand
Baga
The most loved beach of North Goa region is Baga. The name Baga is on everyone's mouth visiting Goa. It's a good place to be if you are in Goa to enjoy liquor and dance. The noisest place in Goa is Baga. The beach is not that attractive and not atall clean. Ya but it's just too lively. The Baga-Calangute road is the most happening area in Baga. There are many many accommodation options available in Baga. You won't get bored in Baga. There are many things to do. Eat, Sleep, Rave, Repeat!
Attractions-
Baga has so much to offer. The most famous attraction in this region is the beach. It's heavily crowded, 24hrs active, safe, police security round the clock,eateries available. There are many night clubs in this area. Also theres a Baga Creek & Baga River. The restaurants by the river offer a good view.
 |
| Sunset At Baga |
#Saturday Night Market is a must visit place in Baga if you are there on a Saturday. There are stalls offering goods, articles, food from all over the world. It's much colorful. Bargain a lot before u buy. One can just grab a drink and roam around.
Also therse one small water park thing in the Arpora region and a go-kart track. Water sports you can enjoy in Baga at a cheaper rate. There are also a couple of casinos in this area; La Calypso, Camelot, etc.
Clubs-
#The most well known one is Tito's. You will find hoardings all around Goa stating "Tito's Where Else?" But trust me it's not good. It's full of stags all the time.
#Mambos is recently renovated much lively club. It's right next to Titos.
Also the road that leads to Tito's is lively 24hr. #Club cabanna is a new famous club in Goa. It's huge, has a couple of bars, a pool, couple of dance floors, and it's on a hill top. Other well known clubs are Kamaki, Hype,etc.
Eateries-
Each time you visit Baga, u will find a new eatery.
#Brittos is the most famous beach shack. It's over 5decades old and still new. They offer good sea food. It's crowded round the clock and right on the beach. A good place if you are with your family.Open round the year.
#St.Anthonys is right next to brittos and is much lively too. They offer live Karaoke and good food. Ask for some nicely fried prawns or a sea food platter. It's 24hours open.Open round the year.
#Fat Fish on aguada siolim fort is a must visit if u love fish. It's owned by a couple from Mumbai, very neatly cooked and served. U can enjoy a couple of drinks with food. All other cuisines are also worth.
#Infantaria on the calangute-Baga road is a nice place for breakfast, desserts. They serve a variety of continental food. U won't easily get a table there. Theres waiting a couple of times.
#Zanzibar near titos is again a beach shack. They serve awesome food and good music is played. In winters it's open till late nights. Must have a chicken steak there.
#Desserts at the Saturday Night Market are to die for.
#Danny's at Baga River serves awesome Indian food. But is a bit expensive as compared to other restaurants.Also their hot chocolate brownie is a must try.
# J&A's Italian Cuisine along the Baga river is again a new and nice joint to go and enjoy Italian cuisine.
 |
| Brittos, Baga |
Accommodation-
There are huge number of accommodation options at Baga, Goa. You will find many homestay's, budget hotels there.
Budget Hotels:
#St. Marys Residency
#Ticlo Resorts
#Germany
Good Properties:
#Ronil's
#Mykonos Blu
#16' North
#La Calypso
#Primo Bom Tera Vida
Candolim
Candolim is to the south of Calangute. It is very close to Calangute, yet its hassle free. Tha main road is Calangute Candolim Road as is full of restaurants & hotels. The beach starts from Fort Aguada and merges with Calangute Beach. A good area to stay if you are with your family.
Attractions-
#Candolim Beach is a very clean beach. Its free from most of the commercial activites.
#The Candolim Beach road is full of fun and an awesome pleace for a walk. With restaurants and shops on both the sides, one can spend hours here.
#Fort Aguada: This fort was built way back in the 16th century.
#Aguada Light House: Its in the vicinity of the Aguada Fort and attracts tourist as it gives a clear and a 360' view of the area. At night u can see clear skies from here.
#Kingfisher Villa: House of the famous liquour king of India, Dr.Vijay Mallya. Its on Calangute Candolim Road and is huge. You are lucky if you get a chance to enter the villa.
#Newton supermarket in Candolim is the biggest supermarket available in the area for all your needs.
Clubs-
#SinQ: Located at Sinquerim near Candolim is a new night club as is well built.
#LPK Waterfront: Love Passion Karma Waterfront is India's first super night club as is huge. They play good bollywood music and attracts nearly all the Indian tourists visiting Goa.Its located along the Nerul river.
Eateries-
There are many eateries along the Calangute Candolim road and also on the Candolim beach road.
You get all types on cuisines in this area.
#21 cocos: They serve awesome Indian food as well as continental.
#Fishermans Cove
#Flames
Accomodation-
Candolim has major of the good properties in the North Goa region other than Panaji. There are many beach resorts in this area. Budget accommodation available are less as compared to other areas of North Goa.
Good Properties:
#Taj Fort Aguada: They have their private beach.
#Novotel
#Sofitel
#The O Hotel
Vagator
A quiet region of North Goa. Being so close to Baga, its still so calm and quiet. Its divided in two parts Little Vagator and Big Vagator. Little Vagator is over a hilltop. Big Vagator is a beach. The roads are a bit confusion here, so its always better if u ask any local guy or use a navigator at night. The roads are narrow.
Attractions-
Theres not much to do in Vagator. One can sit and relax over the hill top and just quietly listen to the sea waves. Or one can enjoy the water sports at the beach. The Ozran Beach is next to Little Vagator and is nice if u dont want to be with a huge no of people. U will find less Indian Tourists in this region. There are more Hippies in this area. Vagator is a must visit place if u are in Goa in the monsoons. The view from the hill top is magnificient. There are a couple of road-side shops for shopping. And u can try and get cheaper stuff from Baga.
#Chapora Fort is a famous tourist attraction near Vagator. It's a fort by the sea with an awesome panorama of the sea. With a cool breeze running round the clock.
Clubs-
There are a couple of clubs in this area. To be frank these are full time occupied by people addicted to Drugs. Strictly not for couples.
#Hill Top: Its located at Little Vagator and offers a flat land to party.
#Nine Bar: located in Little Vagator and smells weed full time.
#Primrose: An Old Joint.
Eateries-
#Thalassa: The famous greek restaurant located in little Vagator. They offer delicious Greek food and also display some of the Greek Culture. The staff is Greek and you have to reserve a table at times before going as the place is full round the clock. Closed during monsoons.
#Alcove: Its an resort where famous people from India like to visit and stay in Vagator. The restaurant offers delicious Indian food with superb view.
 |
| View From Alcove's Restaurant |
Accomodation-
Little Vagator serves with a number of sea facing resorts. Not too expensive and they provide with a comfortable stay.
Beach Facing:
#Alcove Resorts
#Ozran Heights Resort
#Thalassa
Budget Hotel:
#Shalom Guest House
Other:
#Leoney resort
Anjuna
Another quiet region of North Goa. Its between Baga & Vagator i can say. Anjuna beach is mostly filled with Hippies & German tourists. Anjuna offers magnificient view of the sea and some full night party places. Indians wont like the place much as theirs nothing to do and see in Anjuna. Not atall a place for families. Theres a St. Micheals Church founded in the year 1595.Major of the places in Anjuna are shut during monsoons. You basically have nothing to do in Anjuna except enjoy with your friends.
Attractions-
#Anjuna Beach is a small and cleaner beach than Baga. If you find Baga very crowded you can visit Anjuna or Vagator.
#Anjuna Flea Market is a famous flea market where people can buy all kinds of stuff. Its not as huge as the Saturday Night Market but one can visit the flea market for a experience. Its a traditional thing in Anjuna.
#Curlies-
#Curlies; You ask anyone what to do in Anjuna, they will say go Curlies. I will call it an eatery, a joint, a party place, a secluded place and the most famous place of Anjuna. Its a huge multi storeyed beach shack. They offer almost all cuisines and is open 24hours. U can sit, chill, smoke,dance. Listen to the trance they play. Enjoy the sunset at Curlies. Swim. You have so much to do at Curlies. Its open in monsoons too.
 |
| Curlies, Anjuna |
 |
| Monsoon Evening at Curlies |
Clubs-
Anjuna offers clubs and places for those people who listen and enjoy Trance. No club or place plays any sort of Indian Music.
#Shiva Valley: right next to curlie's.
#Hippies: offers full night parties.
#UV Bar: offers full night parties.
#Curlies
Eateries-
#Curlies
#Eatopia: near anjuna junction offers good multi cuisine restaurant.
Accomodation-
I wont suggest or review any accomodation in the Anjuna area as i have never stayed there. And i dont prefer or suggest any one with a interest of visiting Goa for fun to stay in Anjuna.
Ashwem Mandrem
I havent explored this region of North Goa much, but will share what i know. Ashwem Mandrem beach offers serenity and peace. Very less crowd, No water sports and no fancy business. Its not yet explored by much Indians i must say. Sorry to say this, but yes Indians have a habit of throwing garbage and stuff all over the beach. These beaches are very clean and peaceful. If you are with your partner, this region is a must visit for you.
Mandrem is a white sand beach with a very less no of beach shacks. One can sit a whole day and relax at the beach.Its free from noise and pollution. Recently a no of new places have come up at Ashwem Mandrem Road offering elite crowd, stay and cuisines. With a creme crowd, I rate these places as a must visit.
 |
| Sunset From Ashwem Beach |
Attractions-
There are no special attractions in this area. The awesome beach resorts are places where u can party, stay, enjoy. Trust me they are worth the visit. If you like peace, u will visit these resorts again & again. The beach is must visit.The beach resorts offer a number of sundowns, events and parties in this areas. There are number of places in this area offering Yoga Lessons.
#Shanti-
Its at Ashwem Mandrem Road. They offer Russian cuisines and superb cocktails. Also there are Yoga sessions at Shanti. Shanti is a overall package together. You can enjoy their food, listen to the awesome music they play, or just sit and enjoy by the beach. They even organise parties and events and celebrate a number of festivals. Theres also a Shanti Festival.
 |
| Panaroma Of Ashwem Beach, Shanti |
#Bardo-
It's at Ashwem Mandrem Road right ahead of Marbela. It's awesome with it's clean pool. U can sit their with a drink, relax. Take a dip in the pool and awesome for sunset. They organise sundowners, call them for events.
 |
| Bardo, Ashwem Goa |
Accommodation-
#Marbela Beach Resort: Its at Ashwem Mandrem Road and is just amazing. Its specially for couples or people who are on their honeymoon and dont wish to be disturbed. Its a beach resort with kind of private beach.
#La Cabanna Beach Resort: U get it by the name, its a beach resort offering a kind of private beach.
#Leela Cottages
 |
| Marbela Beach Resort, Ashwem Goa |
Eateries-
#Marbela Beach Resort
#Shanti
#Bardo
#Delicieux for pastries- Yummy French Pastries.
 |
| Delicieux, Ashwem Mandrem Beach Road Goa |
Morjim
Morjim is situated on the banks of Chapora River. It has a huge influence of Russians.It is the most disputed place in Goa. All the places in this area are shut during the monsoons.
Attractions-
Morjim Beach is very beautiful and protected. Its famous for turtles.
#Woof Woof is a major attraction of Morjim. Its a small ship and they take u fishing over the Chapora river. You have to pre-book and go. Its a must do activity if you are visiting Morjim.
Eateries-
#Bora Bora Beach Shack is a very nice place on the Morjim beach to sit,chill have some drinks and enjoy the sunset.
Arambol
The Arambol beach and the vicinity was previously a fishermans village and still is. Its considered as one of the most beautiful beaches of Goa.It is considered as the last tourist beach in the North Goa region.
Attractions-
This beach attracts majorly international tourists. They come here for Yoga & Mental Peace. Arambol Beach is the only attraction in this area. If you walk a little towards the end of the beach you reach a fresh water lake. People sit their and relax.
Eateries-
You will find a couple of shacks on the Arambol beach. And some small roadside restaurants around Arambol Village.
Accommodation-
There are no fancy accommodation available in this area. The locals have restricted people from constructing properties making this area really peaceful.The only accommodation you will find here is homestay, lodges, guest houses. And they are really cheap as compared to the crowded Calangute & Baga. Hence international tourists who come for a longer stay prefer to stay in this region.
Panaji
Panaji or Panjim as we know is the capital city of the Indian state of Goa. It is situated and built on the Banks of Mandovi river. The infrastructure of the city is really great as compared to all the other areas of Goa.
Attractions-
Panaji is the main residence of major of Goan people. As being the capital city, it has the best infrastructure in the state.There are some attractions in and around the city. The Film Festival held every year is a famous attraction in the city that attracts people from all over the country.
#Miramar Beach
#Dona Paula Beach
#Casino's: There are many casino cruise at the banks of Mandovi river. It is the only place in India where casinos are allowed.
Eateries-
#Fontainhas
#Martins Corner
#Many Veg restaurants around the city are a bliss for the Indian tourists.
Accommodations-
There are many accommodation options available in and around the city.
#Cida de Goa
#Chances
#Goa Mariott Resort & Spa
#Vivanta by Taj
Old Goa
Old Goa Town is a historical city in North Goa. Old Goa was the capital of Goa during the Portuguese era. Its known for a great influence of Portuguese architecture and buildings and remains of those times. Old Goa has two World Heritage Sites. Its approximately 10kms from Panaji.
#Basilica of Bom Jesus
Basilica of Bom Jesus is a UNESCO world heritage site. Its a basilica with the mortal remains of St.Francis Xavier. The Basilica is over 400 years old and is open to public everyday.
#Churches & Convents Of Old Goa.
The remains of the city are declared as a UNESCO world heritage site.
