Best Places to Stay in Goa | Areas for Families, Couples & Beach Lovers

The Indian state of Goa is located on the country’s southwest coast. Famous for its Arabian Sea beaches, Goa is also renowned for its relaxed atmosphere, cultural attractions, and free-spirited nightlife. While the beaches of the north often attract tourists in search of the region’s famous party scene, the beaches of the south beckon travelers in search of a tranquil or romantic holiday. Find the best places to stay in Goa for budget travelers, families, couples and beach lovers.

For centuries, Goa remained a Portuguese colony, and that influence continues to be felt in much of the state’s architecture and other cultural attractions. However, Goa’s history stretches into the ancient past, and there are even sites that reflect ancient rock art. For travelers to Goa, it’s often important to find a hotel near the best beaches or most interesting attractions like the region’s famed spice plantations or wildlife sanctuaries.

When searching for the best places to stay in Goa, travelers routinely turn to Agoda. Agoda’s database is filled with a wide range of accommodations all over the world. Travelers will find luxury Goa resorts and spas along with family-friendly apartment rentals, and budget friendly hotels. Booking with Agoda is convenient and easy. Simply visit the site, enter the travel destination, and find the best deals on hotels.

Best Places to Stay in Goa for Budget Travelers and Backpackers

With its lush equatorial terrain, Goa attracts avid hikers and backpackers. While the state is known for its luxury resorts, it’s also famous for its budget-friendly scene. Goa has long enjoyed a ‘hippie’ reputation that is popular with budget-conscious travelers. The truth is, there are many affordable areas of Goa that promise loads of scenic splendor and exciting activities.

Backpackers are drawn to Goa because of its enchanting terrain with lush forests and waterfalls. Some of the most popular beaches for backpackers include Palolem Beach, Arambol Beach, and Anjuna Beach. These areas are celebrated for their bohemian vibe, great roadside food, and affordable shopping venues. Backpackers will be able to enjoy the beaches, nearby towns, and nearby rural attractions. For instance, Canacona Island (aka Monkey Island) is located near Palolem as is the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary.

North Goa tends to feature more expensive rates than the south–except when it comes to lavish resorts. South Goa is popular with honeymooners and couples in search of luxurious spa vacations, so there are certainly upscale hotels and resorts in both sections of the state. However, there are also cheap hotels and hostels in both areas of the state too. Since North Goa attracts throngs of young party goers, there are accommodations that offer affordable rates, but these can fill up during peak season. Travelers may find more of the cheapest options by heading to South Goa. Also, it’s helpful to keep in mind that peak season is associated with the highest hotel rates. Peak tourist season (owing to the ideal weather conditions) is between January – April.

Best Places to Stay in Goa for Families

Although it’s not uncommon for families to vacation in North Goa, the south is especially conducive to family holidays with young children because the beaches are quieter. On the other hand, for families with older kids, teens, and young adults, North Goa’s Baga Beach is an excellent place to visit. There are many family-friendly hotels and restaurants in the area, and the beach is famous for its watersports.

Families may want to consider Colva Beach in South Goa. The beach is large but doesn’t get as crowded as beaches up north. However, water sports are also popular here and there are numerous hotels and restaurants for families to enjoy. For families with animal-loving kids, South Goa is a great option for visiting wildlife sanctuaries such as Palolem Island Reserve and Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary. For families who enjoy hiking, consider checking out some of Goa’s spice plantations or trekking to waterfalls like Kuskem Waterfall.

Best Areas to Stay in Goa for Couples

Couples who are looking for a romantic holiday often head to South Goa and its luxury resorts, pristine beaches, and undeveloped landscapes. On the other hand, couples in search of an all-night party scene may want to set their sights on North Goa and beaches like Calagute and Anjuna. There are many upscale hotels in the north, too, where couples can enjoy a luxurious stay.

Even so, with its romantic and quiet beaches, South Goa attracts many couples–even honeymooners–who want to experience its hidden beaches and paradise-like atmosphere. For instance, Butterfly Beach, which is most easily accessible by water, offers visitors an enchanting place to relax amidst butterflies and breathtaking sea views. Colva Beach is widely considered as one of the most romantic beaches in all of Goa; it’s also among the oldest tourist destinations in the state.

Another popular romantic destination in South Goa is Palolem Beach. Frequented by honeymooners, Palolem Beach features a crescent shape that is perfect for strolling hand in hand. Its natural setting–largely undeveloped and pristine, brims with beauty. Couples who hope to spot dolphins or enjoy scuba excursions may also want to consider this beach. Other romantic Goa beaches that are popular with couples include Majorda Beach and Dona Paula Beach and the northern beaches of Vagator Beach, Sinquerim Beach, and Mandrem Beach. While beaches remain popular areas for couples, many enjoy excursions inland to visit spice plantations like Savoi Spice Plantation or forest waterfalls like Tambdi Surla Waterfalls. These areas, too, promise romantic ambience.

Best Areas to Stay in Goa for Beach Lovers

Goa is very nearly synonymous with beach vacations. As mentioned, the beaches of the north and south differ in many ways. Many of the popular beaches in the north are crowded with tourists and brim with hotels, beach shacks, food vendors, and restaurants. South Goa beaches are quieter and much less developed. When deciding which beaches to visit, it helps to consider what types of activities are on the itinerary. The following list of the best Goa beaches for beach lovers includes some of the activities each beach is most famous for.

Baga Beach

Not only is Baga Beach beautiful; it’s also a family-friendly beach and offers a wide range of activities such as jet skiing, scuba, and nearby shopping venues like the Tibetan Market.

Calangute Beach

Often regarded as the best beach in Goa, Calangute Beach is known for its lively atmosphere, banana boat rides, and snorkeling. There are many hotels in the area too.

Agonda Beach

Agonda Beach is a popular destination for travelers who want to surf or try bodyboarding. There are many surf teachers in this area as well.

Arambol Beach

Arambol Beach is also popular with surfers. The beach also attracts practitioners of yoga, tai chi, and meditation.

Kalacha Beach

Kalacha Beach in North Goa is unlike many other North Goa beaches because of its quieter ambience and its own sweet water lagoon. The beach is popular for parasailing and hang gliding too.

Siridao Beach

Siridao Beach attracts seashell collectors as well as visitors who want to witness its caves. The Jesus of Nazareth Chapel is located on one of the beach’s hilltops.

Coco Beach

Beach lovers in search of water sport excitement should check out Coco Beach to enjoy jet skiing or scuba. Dolphin sightings are also frequent here.

Best Hotels in Goa

Goa features a diverse range of hotels that include everything from rustic beach shack rentals to luxurious spa resorts. Before settling on a hotel or resort, it’s helpful for vacationers to consider where they want to spend the majority of their holiday. It’s true that most visitors to Goa look for hotels near the state’s best-loved beaches, but there are also outstanding accommodations further inland within Goa’s cities or near its natural attractions. The following, however, are some of the best hotels in all of Goa. They promise visitors excellent service and amenities complemented by close proximity to the most beautiful areas of the state.

Resort Primo Bom Terra Verde

Resort Primo Bom Terra Verde is located near the beaches of Calangute and Baga , which are renowned as some of the best in Goa. The resort features a series of charming cottages with verandas and views of the picturesque lakes that dot the grounds. In addition to its outdoor pool, this charming 3-star property features an onsite golf course, laundry service, and a bicycle rental. There are also plenty of activities for kids, making the resort a family-friendly venue. Other services include in-cottage refrigerator, satellite / cable channels, and room service.

Visitors to the resort can enjoy fishing or strolling in its garden-like setting. There are also numerous attractions located nearby. In addition to Calangute Beach and Baga Beach, other attractions in the area include the Basilica of Bom Jesus, Tibetan Market, and the Benz Celebrity Wax Museum.

Golden Tulip Goa Hotel

A lovely 4-star property, the Golden Tulip Goa Hotel promises guests a luxuriously relaxing stay with its onsite restaurant and spa services like massage and a steamroom and sauna. Located near beautiful Candolim Beach, the hotel puts guests into close proximity to fun in the sun. Of course, there are plenty of activities to enjoy at the hotel too. The Golden Tulip features an outdoor swimming pool with stunning views, a poolside bar, 24-hour room service, free wi-fi in all guest rooms, and laundry service. Onsite activities include yoga, a billiard room, an onsite casino, and table tennis.

Guests of the hotel are mere minutes from the beach. Other nearby attractions include Calangute Beach, Baga Beach, and Sinquerim Beach. The hotel also arranges tours of the area for guests and offers ticket services.

De Grand Riviera

Located near Calangute Beach, De Grand Riviera is a popular area hotel. The 3.5-star property boasts a spacious outdoor swimming pool with a poolside bar. Guests of the hotel enjoy comfortable rooms and 24-hour room service. Rooms have balconies that are perfect for enjoying sea breezes and lovely views of the surroundings. De Grand Riviera features an onsite restaurant as well as comfortable public spaces with wi-fi. Other services and amenities include a game room (with table tennis), a children’s pool and playground area, and laundry service.

While many guests of the hotel love the convenient access to Calangute Beach, there are also other beautiful Goa beaches within easy distance, including Baga Beach, Colva Beach, and Candolim Beach. The Basilica of Bom Jesus is also located nearby as are many restaurants and shopping venues.

The Rivasa Resort

With its palm-fringed ambience and ultra-comfortable setting, the Rivasa Resort offers guests a relaxing stay. Located near Calangute Beach, the resort features an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, free wi-fi in all rooms, and 24-hour room service. With its onsite bars, coffee shop, and restaurant, the resort offers everything guests need for a beach holiday. Other services and amenities include laundry service, dry cleaning, ticket services, a currency exchange, banquet and meeting facilities, and a bicycle rental.

Although Calangute Beach is mere minutes from the Rivasa Resort , other nearby attractions include Candolim Beach, Colva Beach, and the Basilica of Bom Jesus. The Anjuna Market is also a short taxi ride away.

Down Da Goa Village

Located near Candolim Beach, Down Da Goa Village is conveniently situated for beach lovers. The hotel features terraces that overlook its outdoor swimming pool. Rooms are clean, comfortable, and spacious. The hotel offers 24-hour room service as well as laundry service. In addition to Candolim Beach, other nearby attractions include Calangute Beach, the Basilica of Bom Jesus, and the Anjuna Market. Airports are also a mere 10 miles from the hotel.

Lotus Sutra Beachside Abode

A dazzling 4-star property, Lotus Sutra Beachside Abode features a breathtaking garden setting with majestic views of the Arabian Sea. Guests of the hotel enjoy Arambol Beach, which is mere footsteps away. They can also enjoy the hotel’s beautiful outdoor swimming pool and onsite entertainment like karaoke. Free wi-fi is included in all guest rooms and public areas. Rooms also feature a balcony, mini bar, coffee/tea maker, and satellite / cable channels.

Lotus Sutra Beachside Abode has an onsite restaurant and bicycle rental. There’s also a yoga room for guests to enjoy. Guests can also arrange water sport equipment rentals through the hotel. Other nearby attractions, in addition to Arambol Beach, include Baga Beach, the Arambol Sweet Water Lake, and the Basilica of Bom Jesus.