North Goa, a cultural and entertainment paradise in India, is a popular destination for travelers worldwide. Offering a spectacular blend of pristine beaches, thriving nightlife, and famous historical sites, North Goa is teeming with light, art, and culture throughout the year. To offer the best guide to first-time visitors searching for “best places to visit North Goa,” this blog highlights the top places that you cannot miss to explore.
List of Top 10 Places to Visit in North Goa this Holiday Season
Here is a comprehensive list of 10 top places to visit in North Goa to enjoy this holiday season:
1. Vagator Beach
The iconic Vagator beach attracts tourists all over the world for being the cleanest beaches in Goa. This beach is divided into two parts i.e. Big Vagator and Little Vagator and presents a mesmerising view of sunsets, pristine beaches, and majestic red cliffs.
Being one of the best places to visit North Goa the Vagator Cliff serves as a hotspot for party lovers with sea-faced clubs and resorts for ultimate rejuvenation. Thus experiencing the vibrant nightlife of the Vagator beaches is one of the prime reasons for massive footfalls in North Goa.
Things to do:
- Experience trance and rave parties in Disco Valley and Hill Top
- Visit the nearby attraction, the Chapora Fort.
- Visit Half Pint, Vagator’s famous craft brewery
2. Baga Beach
If you want to experience the actual nightlife of North Goa and make countless memories that are worthy of remembrance, Baga Beach is what you can’t miss. From eccentric nightlife, and thrilling adventure sports, to the scope for a luxurious fine dining experience, this beach is a vessel for all the best things that Goa has to offer.
While the famous Tito’s Lane houses some of the best bars, clubs, and party destinations, the Tibetan market is dedicated to shopaholics, who have eyes for quirky stuff. Moreover, even for nature lovers, the scenic beauty of this beach is hard to miss.
Things to do:
- Try watersports like parasailing, windsurfing, jet skiing, wakeboarding, etc.
- Book a dolphin sighting trip
- Experience the indoor snow park
- Apart from the Tibetan market, go shopping in Ingo’s Night market.
3. Anjuna Beach
Among the other glorious beaches in North Goa, Anjuna Beach is the most visited one. Anjuna Beach offers the best of both worlds for travellers who want to spend quality time with families and party-goers. For individuals having different travel tastes and budgets, Anjuna Beach is filled with top-notch resorts and restaurants highlighting Goan culture.
Apart from offering the best party and festival experiences, the stunning beach with its pristine coastline and turquoise blue waters is ideal for photographing sunsets and sunrises.
Things to do:
- Explore authentic dishes in some of the best cafes like Eva Cafe, Goa’s Ark, Oasis Cafe, etc.
- Experience the buzz of shacks in Shiva Valley, Tantra Cafe, and Huts and Curlies Beach Shack.
- Try water sports like bumpy banana rides, bungee jumping, etc.
4. Calangute Beach
Calangute Beach, the “Queens of Beaches” in Goa is a haven for nature lovers for flaunting exhilarating charm to its fullest. Being the biggest beach, Calangute offers a plethora of ways to experience the true taste of Goa. From the vibrant markets selling exceptional handicrafts items to the best resorts serving exquisite platters, Calanguate Beach offers a perfect tourist retreat. Not only this, if you are looking to explore luxury with a scenic view, there are some villas in North Goa with private pools, offering a utopian experience.
Things to do:
- Explore the Aguada Fort to witness Portuguese architecture with a majestic view of the Mandovi River blended with the Arabian Sea.
- Visit the Kerkar Art Gallery to see the terracotta magic.
- Experience the peaceful solitude in St. Alex Church and Our Lady of Piety.
5. Chapora Fort
Chapora Fort has gained massive attraction and is often referred to as the “Dil Chahta Hai Fort” after the success of this Bollywood movie. Being one of the best places to visit North Goa, travelers often prefer trekking to the sloppy hilltop of Chapora Fort for the ultimate adventurous experience.
Guides for Best Experience
- It is ideal to wear comfortable clothes if you are planning to hike up to the top
- Keep sufficient cash or change as there won’t be any nearby ATM
- It is advisable to carry basic eatables and water due to overcharging by the vendors
- Do not forget to wear sunscreen and sunglasses to protect yourself from scorching heat.
6. Morjim Beach
Morjim Beach or “Little Russia” is the must-visited spot for offering a completely different experience compared to other noisy beaches. The breathtaking view of colour-changing skies and slow music flowing out from the windows of dim-lit restaurants.
Things to do:
- Explore the vibrant shack GoldenEye Shack, and Sublime Beach Shack
- To relive a peaceful experience, take a day off to spend the blissful Mandrem Beach and St. Alex Church.
7. Mapusa Market
Mapusa Friday Market is famous among tourists and locals for the availability of exotic and rare spices, and condiments, widely used in Goan dishes. Moreover, if you have a nose for exquisite incense or eyes for pottery work, visiting Mapusa Market is quintessential.
Things to do:
- Try the local food stalls selling Goan dishes like vindaloo and fish curry.
- Ideal for photography.
- Looking for any antiques? Mapusa Market houses all kinds of items, perfect for gifting.
8. Arambol Beach
If there exists any Utopian Paradise in India, then Arambol Beach holds a spot for its tranquility and panoramic views. For adventure seekers, this beach offers a plethora of water sports activities like paragliding, jet skiing, surfing, etc. Moreover, the vibrant atmosphere from the shacks, lined up on the beaches adds a cherry on the cake.
Things to do:
- Explore the Sweet Water Lake, for its sweet and freshwater features.
- Visit the local market of Arambol Beach for exquisite souvenirs, handicraft items, and bohemian clothes.
9. Fontainhas
Compared to the other parts of North Goa, Fontainhas sheds light on the charming colonial Latin quarter of the Portuguese legacy in India. The beautifully painted buildings and cottages lined up the alleys are adorned with graffiti, reflecting the thriving culture of Goa.
Thus, if you want to experience the tranquility and peaceful surroundings amidst the hustle and bustle, Fontainhas ensured a wholesome experience.
Things to do:
- Admire the brilliance aesthetics of Portuguese cottages.
- Visit the Fontainhas festivals and several other ones.
- Explore the galleries, churches, and museums to understand the traditions of this place.
- Try the cold local beer called feni, which is made with coconut or cashew.
10. Arpora Saturday Night Market
Arpora Saturday Night Market is a happening place in North Goa, hoarding everything, and catering to every need of a shopaholic. You can find a broad variety of products, ranging from spices, exotic food items, jewelry, handicraft items, souvenirs, etc. Imparting interesting facts to learn about the heritage of Goa and Arpora, this place throws light on the strong cultural essence.
The history of this market goes back to the period of the 1960s when hippies came to Goa and started trading goods with the locals for a living. Not only does the market attract tourists from all over the world, tourists can enjoy live music and dance, offering complete entertainment.
Things to do:
- Shop well-crafted and unique pieces of jewelry for your loved ones.
- Groove to the sound of rock, jazz, reggae, and more.
- Explore the shacks lined up on the shore and taste the authentic seafood platter with cold beer.
Conclude Your Travels in the Exotic Villas in North Goa With Private Pool
What can be more pleasant than completing your trip by experiencing stellar hospitality while living in one of the exotic villas in North Goa? If you are looking for recommendations, then Luxcape Villas serves the prime place. With access to world-class amenities and spectacular villa design and decor, every staycation at these exotic villas will be worthy of remembrance.
So, for every search, “best places to visit North Goa” the following guide will offer valuable insights for making every trip – a walk to paradise.