Visiting Goa for the first time? You will obviously want to book your accommodation after buying the flight/train ticket. It is always a good idea to book your room prior to arrival, especially during the peak tourist season (November to January). There are plenty of options in Goa – hotels, resorts, B&Bs, guest houses, bungalows, and
luxury villas for rent.
Where should you stay in Goa? What is the best neighborhood? Should I stay in North Goa or South Goa?... These are some of the most common questions many ask when visiting Goa for the first time.
There is no one “best neighborhood”. It depends on what you want. North Goa and South Goa both offer something different. You will find great accommodation on the beach, in village locations, in urban areas, and also in quiet corners where you will be surrounded by greenery. Goa also offers many serene riverside locations with awesome views.
Villas in Goa offer exclusivity and maximum privacy. It can be your home away from home. Our luxury villas for rent offer all modern comforts, including private swimming pools, gardens, BBQs, air-conditioned rooms, living and dining areas, and kitchens. Many offer housekeeping.
North Goa
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South Goa
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This is the busier area where you will find some of the top attractions. There are forts, nightclubs, and many restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops.
The most popular beaches are Baga, Candolim, Calangute, Anjuna, Ashwem, Vagator, and Arambol. There are beach shacks with umbrellas and sun beds. Water sports. Often there are beach parties as well. You will also find many good places to stay in Goa.
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The south is more serene and peaceful. There are very few nightclubs. There are restaurants and cafes, but they are not together at one place.
The beaches are tree lined and are much quieter. Urban areas like Margao are away from the beach, unlike the north. Top beaches in south Goa include Palolem, Colva, Benaulim, Cavelossim, Mobor, and Agonda.
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My first visit in Goa
Question: Where to stay in Goa for a first-time visitor?
Answer: It depends!
This table lists the top reasons for visiting Goa and the best places to stay for each one of them. Take a close look. It will help you decide.
Purpose of visit
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Best location
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Clubs, Nightlife, Party |
Baga, Anjuna, Vagator |
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Cheap accommodation |
Baga |
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Luxury areas |
Arpora, Candolim, Assagao, Saipem |
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Watersports |
Baga in North Goa
Colva in South Goa |
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Green, Calm and Comfort |
Arpora, Assagao |
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Peaceful Beaches |
Mandrem, Ashwem in North Goa
Cavelossim, Agonda in South Goa |
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Family Holidays |
Arpora, Assagao in North Goa
Cavelossim and Benaulim in South Goa |
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River view |
Nerul and Saipem in North Goa
Cavelossim in South Goa |
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Wedding |
Cavelossim, Palolem |
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Casino |
Dona Paula, Bambolim, Panjim |
Best Places To Stay In North Goa
Villa Garden Grove – Candolim
Garden Grove in Candolim is one of the best place to stay in Goa. This is a beautiful 7-bedroom villa with direct beach access. All bedrooms are en-suite and air conditioned. It has a lounge, living room, and a fully equipped kitchen. There is a huge garden and private swimming pool. 5-star services and all modern luxuries. It is very close to the beach and Aguada Fort. Read a detailed description here.
Family Villa – Calangute, Arpora
A 3-bedroom villa at Arpora, very close to the Arpora Saturday Night Market. It is also close to three popular North Goa beaches – Baga, Calangute, and Anjuna. This villa has Portuguese colonial façade, and plush interiors with antique wrought iron and wooden furniture. There is a private swimming pool with sun loungers on a landscaped garden.
Maroon Age – Candolim
Heritage property designed by French architects. This European villa has constructed in 1830 and has been beautifully renovated and restored. Located at Candolim right on the beach. There is a classical porch, 20-meter private pool, huge balconies, and lush plantations within the property. This luxury home has 3 en-suite bedrooms.
Best Places To Stay In South Goa
Villa Lyon Age – Colva
A 2 floor modern villa in a quiet corner of Colva, away from the busy beach circle area. It is surrounded by a well-maintained garden with plants, flowers and trees. The outdoor garden has sitting area and a canopied swing. Garden lighting provides romantic ambience. The villa has 4 bedrooms, kitchen, dining room and living area. Private swimming pool.
Villa Grand Boutique – Cavelossim
Riverfront villa close to the Cavelossim beach. Fishing on the Sal River. Bird watching tours. The villa has an indoor spa complex, private swimming pool, 4 en-suite bedrooms, living area, and a fully-equipped kitchen. The bedrooms have European style furniture. Sit-out area next to the river. This home for rent is just 350 meters from the Cavelossim beach, only a 5 minutes’ walk. There are restaurants offering European cuisine.
Villa Livia – Colva
A small 4 bedroom luxury home for rent, perfect for a small group. It is located between Colva and Betalbatim beach in a serene and green neighborhood. Modern construction with plush interiors, large windows, private swimming pool, poolside seating, a huge living room, and fully equipped kitchen. The villa also has a gym and study.
Riverside Locations
Goa has 9 rivers. But the best places to stay along the river are beside the Nerul and Baga, both in North Goa. The Nerul River meets the Mandovi River, close to its confluence with the sea on the opposite side of Panaji. It is very close to Candolim and many attractions like the Aguada Fort, Reis Magos Fort, Old Goa, and the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. Nerul has a beautiful mangrove area where you can see many birds. You will find many wonderful villas along the river. It is very scenic and tranquil.
The Baga River is also very beautiful. The river separates Baga Beach, which is very popular with tourists, and Anjuna hill. There is a wetland area a little upstream and many water sports activities closer to the beach.
