Pampering…

Sereno Spa

One of the first things I’d recommend doing in Goa is checking out one of the many spas around. This is one of those things that you rarely (if ever) do at home thanks to the costly price tag attached to pampering in most parts of the world. In Goa however, you’ll find some of the most impressive and luxurious spas for less money than you’d normally spend on a bottle of wine. There are countless spas to choose from in Goa and the majority of them are pretty good. There are a few that stand out however, and you’ll be sure to find one that suits both your preferences and your budget. My first choice would be SNIP, located in both Candolim and Panjim. They offer a range of treatments including waxing, facials, body scrubs and massages which start from around Rs600. I recently treated myself to a Balinese Deep Tissue massage which set me back Rs2000 for an hour of complete and utter bliss. The spa itself is calm, soothing and clean whilst the staff and extremely professional and full of beauty tips and words of wisdom. I was slightly dubious about getting waxed in India, but for Rs300 I got better service than I ever have in London, as well as a good giggle with my beauty therapist.  If I were really planning on treating myself and could afford to then I’d definitely head to Sereno Spa, which is part of The Park Hyatt Hotel, Arossim Beach. This gorgeous oasis of calm and tranquility has been voted India’s best spa several times over the past few years and offers massages from just under Rs4000. The spa sits in beautiful gardens overlooking the ocean and really is the definition of tranquility and luxury. I realise that this is a pretty pricey pampering session, but I really think that it’s worth it!

If you really are on a budget then you can always enjoy a manicure, pedicure, threading or a massage from one of the lovely ladies selling things on the beach. If you’re anything like me and don’t bother so much with plucking your eyebrows or shaving your legs very often then you’ll find them extremely willing to get to work or any excess hair whilst they jokingly compare you to Ali Baba or an ape… Depending on your bargaining skills you can have your legs threaded for around Rs200 and enjoy a friendly chat without having to leave your sunbathing spot. They’ll also do you some beautiful henna designs if you fancy it, although most of them work with orange henna so make sure you ask first if you’re after the less traditional (but prettier) darker henna.

Black Henna

Shopping…

There are so many options when it comes adding to your wardrobe in Goa that it’s hard to know where to start. You can find so many bargains that you’ll regret not bringing an extra suitcase to carry all of your new things back home in, but don’t worry, you’ll be able to pick up a new one somewhere along the way. One of my favourite places to shop is the Saturday Night Market in Arpora. Each week seemingly the entirety of Goa turns up to drink, dance, eat and shop in this maze of colourful stalls selling a huge variety of beautiful things. You’ll find local goodies for extremely cheap prices, as well as more expensive jewellry and clothing made by expats and the hippie residents of Goa. The market is quite the night out, everyone dresses up and prepares for an evening of partying. There are two main bars with fun dance floors, as well as a stage hosting live bands from various parts of the world. You’ll be sure to see some of the most wonderful (and most questionable) outfits that you’ve seen in Goa, which will provide you with some handy inspiration whilst you’re browsing the stalls.

Saturday Night Market

Another great spot for shopping is the Mapusa Friday Market, which is a far less touristy affair selling everyday items and food as well as colourful souvenirs and plenty of jewellery . It’s best to head here in the mornings to avoid the midday heat and enjoy wandering around without being drenched in sweat.

Mapusa Market

Goa’s beaches and towns are full of stalls and shops selling most things you will need during your stay, you can pick up beautiful beach dresses, funky hippie trousers and questionable slogan t-shirts all for next to nothing. There is also another side to shopping in Goa with some seriously cool boutique shops popping up every now and then. One of my favourite places to go if I have some spare cash is Le Souk, just behind La Plage restaurant on Ashvem beach, where you’ll find a selection of cute boutique shops selling some of the most beautiful and high quality items which I’ve found in Goa. However, as you might have guessed, the price tags here match the quality of the clothes and are not suitable for anyone sticking to a small budget, but there’s no harm in a little window shopping right? Ashwem Beach is the place to go if you’re looking for authentic designer gear as just a few metres from La Plage, you’ll find Jade Jagger’s beachside boutique, which I’ve had to ban myself from due to my total lack of self control when it comes down to such beautiful clothes and jewellery (oh my god, the jewellery!).

Goa’s a great place to do some strategic shopping, as there are plenty of things you can buy here cheaply which tend to be pretty expensive back at home. One of the things which I always stock up on during my stay is essential oils, which are available in plenty of places in Goa. If you take a trip to a spice plantation one day then you will learn all of their health benefits and be able to make an educated choice as to which one you need in your life the most.For example, did you know that tea tree oil is great for getting rid of unwanted spots or that peppermint oil can soothe feelings of nausea? You’ll find also that plenty of the shops stock natural beauty products, such as organic moisturiser, natural soaps and cheap vitamin tablets.

And finally, no shopping trip in Goa would be complete without a visit to Fabindia, one of India’s most popular shops. Now, I know it’s a little bit sad to get excited about bed linen, but seriously, Fabindia’s bed linen is to die for. Every time I leave Goa I end up giving a load of stuff away just so that I can fit several bedsheets and pillowcases into my suitcase, and my mum is currently stuck with more bed sheets than The Savoy would know what to do with. They also have a great range of colourful clothing, all of which are made from great quality fabrics and fit beautifully, and gorgeous jewellery, stationery and scrumptious lotions and potions for beautiful skin. There are a few stores around Goa, including one in Candolim, Panjim and Margao, so find the nearest one to you and enjoy browsing through their beautiful stock which is surprisingly reasonably priced.

Fabindia

Indulging…

Ok, so once you’ve been beautified and have a whole new wardrobe to show off, then it’s most certainly time to head out on the town. Goa has so many wonderful bars and restaurants, but there are a few which truly stand out from the rest. One of my absolute favourite places is La Plage in Ashvem, here they serve up amazing French cuisine from a subtly stylish beach restaurant. The food is delicious, the wine is incredible, the staff are amazing, the ambience is perfect and there is a particularly handsome French man working there, whose presence encourages plenty of blushing, drooling and embarrassing attempts at flirting from all of the ladies in the restaurant. Again, if you are keeping an eye on your rupees then this place isn’t ideal, but it’s the perfect place to head to for a special occasion, such as a sunny Sunday lunchtime… La Plage is also one of Goa’s only beach shacks which tends to fill up, so if you want to guarantee yourself a table then booking is advisable, especially during peak season.

La Plage, Ashvem

A close second in my mind is A Reverie in Candolim, another charming restaurant which has an extensive menu of delicious fusion cuisine. Their cocktail menu is really good fun and has added some delicious Indian twists on classic cocktails, such as ‘The Great Indian Mojito’ which I really couldn’t get enough of last time I visited resulting in a slight headache the next day, totally worth it though! You can really feel the love that’s gone into both the food and the booze in this place, the menu is fun and light hearted and the staff are wonderful, it’s the perfect place to head to for a fun dinner with friends or a romantic date with the tall, handsome man staying in the dorm opposite you.

As well as treating yourself to a few delicious meals during your time in Goa, you absolutely must let your hair down and head out to one of its many nightclubs. One of the few times that being a woman in Goa is actually beneficial is on Ladies Night at Club Cubana in Arpora. Each Wednesday evening ladies can enter this gorgeous club for free and then continue to drink for free until the early hours of the morning, I tend to treat this as my reward for putting up with pervy men on a daily basis and really make the most of it!

Relaxing…

After a few nights out on the town you’ll be sure to be in need of a little recovery time, which is the perfect excuse to make the most of what Goa does best; chilling.

There are countless idyllic beaches to explore and enjoy, Palolem and Patnem in South Goa are particularly beautiful and peaceful and will really help towards chasing away that hangover and working on your tan.

Palolem Beach

All over Goa you’ll find gorgeous spots to relax from and activities to soothe both your body and mind. One of the most popular ways of connecting a little with Goa’s calming way of life is to do a spot of yoga or meditation during your stay. There are an abundance of yoga instructors all over Goa and you’ll have no trouble finding one near to where you’re staying, just ask at reception or if you’re staying at Jungle Hostel then keep an eye on the whiteboard in the common room for yoga timings.

Another great way to unwind and enjoy a little peace and quiet is to check out one of Goa’s fancy hotels for the day. Most of them allow you to  pay to use their facilities for the day, whether you fancy enjoying a state of the art gym or a refreshing dip in one of their stunning swimming pools. The Marriott in Panjim is a great place to spend the day and will set you back around Rs1,000 for a day of enjoying their beautiful pool overlooking the river, there are cheaper places to head which will be more convenient also, depending on where you’re staying. Don’t hesitate to turn up at fancy hotels and enquire about their prices as they mostly tend to be very welcoming and friendly.

Marriott, Panjim

Healthy Living…

Coconut water

Goa is the ideal place to get into a healthy lifestyle, with the sunshine, cheap fruit and veg, yoga and plenty of health conscious restaurants. In almost every restaurant you go into you’ll find that they offer a range of fresh fruit juices which are the perfect way to ensure that you’re getting plenty of goodness and vitamins. The fresh coconut water is so cheap, so readily available and so incredibly good for you. Not only is it extremely low in fat but it is also packed full of nutrients, it’s great for hangovers and energy thanks to the electrolytes it contains and it also has high levels of zinc, selenium, iodine, sulfur and manganese. It’s great for your skin and can help to regulate blood pressure and cholesterol. So really, make the most of the fact that you can enjoy fresh coconut water here on a daily basis, and it tastes even better to me when I remember just how expensive it is at home.

The hippie influence on Goa has meant that there are plenty of cafes and restaurants catering to people who enjoy living a healthier lifestyle. One of my favourites is Bean Me Up in Anjuna, which serves delicious veggie and vegan food, fresh juices and mouthwatering desserts.

Goa has so much to offer for us girls and you’ll soon discover that it’s easy to treat yourself no matter what your budget might be, so don’t be afraid to over indulge during your stay, afterall, you are on holiday right?

Anjuna Beach

There are so many wonderful ways to spend your time in Anjuna that it’s hard to pick the highlights, but here are a few…

Let’s start with Anjuna’s main draw, it’s nightlife. Anjuna is home to some of Goa’s most popular bars and clubs, all of which are easily reachable from Prison Hostel. One of Anjuna’s best known establishments is Curlie’s, a beachfront bar and club which is a great place to spend your evenings. The front bar and restaurant serves up refreshing cocktails and a wide range of cuisines all for a perfectly reasonable price. As you head upstairs you’ll find a huge dance floor which will be pumping out tunes until the early hours of the morning. Next to Curlie’s you’ll find Shiva Valley which has transformed itself from a simple beach shack to one of Goa’s liveliest nightclubs which plays host to international DJs and some incredible trance raves. Both clubs are on Anjuna’s main stretch of beach which is also home to plenty of other lively beach shacks and bars. Cafe Lilliput is another popular party venue, and will keep you dancing all night long, it’s also great for a chilled out cocktail at sunset, with beautiful views across the beach. Another funky venue to check out is Guru Bar which hosts live music and packed DJ nights in a slightly more chilled out fashion than some of Goa’s other nighttime venues.

If you head away from the beach then you’ll find some of Anjuna’s other well known clubs such as Club Cubana and Waters. Club Cubana is by far one of Goa’s most impressive nightclubs, set on the top of a hill just outside of Anjuna it has amazing views, great music and its very own swimming pool. The cover charge is reasonable considering once you’re inside you can enjoy unlimited booze and a great night out. One of the most popular nights is Ladies Night, when girls can enter and drink for free, which attracts a fun loving crowd and a friendly environment.

Club Cubana

You may have heard of Anjuna’s Flea Market which attracts people from all over Goa each Wednesday. Originally started by hippies selling their crafts in the 70s to raise money for their never ending stay in Goa it now attracts vendors from all over India and the rest of the world, you’ll be surrounded by glittering goodies from Rajasthan, Tibet, Kerala, Kashmir and plenty of other places, you’ll soon find yourself tempted by one of the persuasive stall holders and will inevitably leave with much more than you planned to buy. After an hour or two wandering amongst all the treasures which make up the flea market you’ll no doubt be in need of a good drink or two, head to Cafe Looda and enjoy the sunset, some live music and a delicious cocktail. As the market runs throughout the day and into the early hours of the evening there’s no rush to see it all, so take your time soaking in the atmosphere, practise your bartering skills and stock up on colourful outfits and accessories to show off on one of Anjuna’s many dance floors.

Anjuna Flea Market

Perhaps Goa’s most popular market and some of its liveliest nightclubs doesn’t sound like the perfect combination for a relaxing stay, but fear not, Anjuna certainly knows how to chill out too. The beach, firstly, is the perfect place to enjoy a little peace and quiet, especially if you set yourself on a sunlounger in front of one of the restaurants. You can relax here for free just as long as you buy lunch or a few drinks, which is the perfect excuse to stay on the beach all day and have a few beers or refreshing lime sodas. Anjuna has somehow managed to cling on to its more spiritual side, so there are also plenty of places to get in touch with your inner self through the form of yoga and meditation. The Brahmani Centre opens its doors to the public during high season (Nov-Apr) and offers a variety of yoga classes including ‘Superhero Acro-flow Yoga’ and pranayama meditation. No need to book, just check out the class timings on their website.

The more relaxed side to Anjuna

If you’re looking to be a bit more active during your stay in Anjuna, then sort yourself out with a scooter (our lovely cook, Richard will help you out) and head off to explore some of the North’s other beaches. Arambol is just a 40 minute drive away and has plenty of things to check out, such as it’s gorgeous sweet lake and intriguing holy baba who lives under a banyan tree in the heart of the jungle, you will find him by asking around the village (he’s pretty notorious!). Anjuna beach serves up its fair share of activity too, in the form of paragliding which can be found on the southern part of the beach, and, although I’m too much of a wimp to try it out for myself, it does look like a lot of fun.

Holy Baba in Arambol

When it comes down to eating in Anjuna, you’re quite honestly spoilt for choice, there are so many tasty restaurants and shacks that you’re unlikely to come across a bad meal throughout your stay. There are two great options near to the hostel if you’re feeling a little lazy, La Franza is directly opposite and offers a range of cuisines, all for very reasonable prices. Then you have the ever popular Artjuna which has an incredible menu of healthy salads, sandwiches and snacks and a delicious bakery selling fresh, tasty treats. If you fancy some home comforts then head to Burger Factory, where you can enjoy (yup, you guessed it) juicy burgers in a welcoming, comfortable environment. Om Made Cafe is another popular spot where you can grab a delicious salad or sandwich whilst enjoying the gorgeous view from one of its comfy deckchairs. Another great option is the veggie restaurant, Bean Me Up, who’s extensive menu will impress both veggies and meat eaters alike.

As you can see, Anjuna isn’t only about a good night out as there are lots of other things to do too, but if you are looking for a great party then you’ll be sure to find one here. So, don your party gear, leave your reservations at home and join Anjuna in doing what it does best.

A room with a view…

There are two main beaches in Vagator, both are worth checking out, with the most popular being Little Vagator. As you come out of the hostel take a right, and continue to walk straight until you hit the ocean, from here head down the grassy hill to your left and you’ll reach a gorgeous beach lined with chilled out shacks and bars. The further to the left you walk the more isolated you will become, especially after heading over the rocks at the far end of the beach, here is the ideal spot for a refreshing dip in the sea and an (almost) uninterrupted sunbathing session. There are a couple of delicious restaurants along this beach, don’t be put off by their unassuming exteriors, as the food is cheap, tasty and the perfect excuse to escape the midday sun. On your way back from the beach you can have a browse through some of the stalls selling souvenirs and clothes, or grab a refreshing fresh coconut water and a delicious corn on the cob (just to keep you going up the hill..!).

Peaceful Vagator Beach

The easiest way to explore Vagator and the surrounding area is to rent a scooter, which you can organise from reception at the hostel. This frees you up to drive around at your leisure and head out to some of Goa’s other great beaches. If you are a little nervy then spend some time practising in the driveway of the hostel, there will be plenty of people around willing to help you out and share some handy techniques. The roads around Vagator are relatively chilled out, making it the perfect place to gain some confidence; you’ll find yourself driving like a local in no time!

Once you’ve got yourself mobile then you can truly begin to appreciate all that this awesome part of Goa has to offer. Vagator is surrounded by beautiful nature and stunning scenery and one of the best ways to make the most of this is to head up to Chapora Fort for sunset one evening. The fort is just a short drive from the hostel and is the remains of a fort built in the 1700s. The views are amazing, allowing you to enjoy a more peaceful side to Goa.

Chapora Fort

If you find yourself in Vagator on a Friday then a trip to Mapusa market is an absolute must. Try to head out in the morning to miss the midday heat, as it can get pretty hot and sweaty when you’re wandering around amongst the colourful stalls selling clothing, souvenirs, food and other goodies. It’s one of the places to head to if you’re looking for a slightly more authentic experience than some of the other tourist markets offer. You can easily jump on a bus from the bus stop just up the road from the hostel, just ask at reception for bus timings and directions.

Mapusa Market

Deciding where to eat each evening is probably the most stressful thing you’ll ever have to do in Vagator, there are so many delicious restaurants to try out, although the easiest, and therefore the most popular, is the infamous Mango Tree. Situated just to the left of the hostel, Mango Tree serves up a wide range of tasty treats for a reasonable price.  It’s constantly busy and thanks to its late opening hours it’s a great place to have a few (or several) beers and enjoy the ever changing, and incredibly varied soundtrack, which never fails to entertain. Around the hostel there are a few other places to eat, including Ujwal (directly opposite the entrance to Jungle) which will, if you ask the staff really nicely, sometimes deliver your food to the hostel after you’ve ordered and paid for it.The road leading down to the beach has a few decent restaurant, such as Jaws, which does great dosas for just Rs80 and Tin Tins which has a great menu as well as a comfy seating area. If you fancy treating yourself then head to Thalassa, a beautiful Greek restaurant, with incredible views and delicious food. Although it may not be ideal for those on a budget, Thalassa is well worth a visit, especially at sunset.

Perhaps the second trickiest decision you’ll make is where to let your hair down in the evenings, or if indeed to go out at all. There’s always the option of remaining in the hostel and enjoying socialising with other guests, watching a film or enjoying the BBQ. If you feel like a night out on the town however, then Vagator and the surrounding area has plenty of options to suit all tastes. You’ll find inspiration on where to go each evening through word of mouth or the flyers you will undoubtedly be handed whilst relaxing on the beach. Club Cubana is one of Goa’s most impressive clubs and it’s most popular night tends to be Ladies’ Night which happens every Wednesday during the season. Ladies enter for free and enjoy unlimited drinks all night long, whilst the boys have to pay a cover charge of around Rs1200 (if they are accompanied by a girl) and then can drink as much as they like once inside. The club itself is pretty impressive, with several bars and several dance floors, there’s also a swimming pool and gorgeous views. From Jungle Hostel you can jump in a taxi for Rs400, which, when shared between a few people, is a cheap start to the night. Katezensuppe is one of Vagator’s few late night bars, which is only a short walk from the hostel. Here you’ll find cheap drinks and a range of techno beats which will keep you dancing until the early hours of the morning. There are also a few small, yet extremely lively, bars in the neighbouring village of Chapora. The small, main street is always buzzing and there’s sure to be a bar there which will appeal to you. Look out for the man selling egg sandwiches on the street (he always has a group of people surrounding him), as he makes some of the tastiest fast food you’ll ever eat.

Whether you spend your time in Vagator partying or relaxing (or a bit of both!) you’ll discover that this small town will accommodate your every need, and it won’t be long before you find yourself considering extending your stay.

Chill out in the common area at the hostel

Old Quarter Hostel

The view from The Panjim Inn

As you pull up to Old Quarter (you’ll have no trouble spotting it thanks to it’s unique design!) you’ll find yourself enjoying a charming combination of India’s history and its potential future. The best thing to do to begin your stay in Panjim is to walk through the streets of Fontainhas (the area surrounding the hostel) and get a little lost in it’s beauty, while enjoying the soothing atmosphere of this sleepy part of the city. You can rent a bicycle from the hostel and soak in the stunning buildings without having to worry about loud, hectic traffic jams, or many vehicles at all for that matter. After strolling through the streets head for a refreshment at The Panjim Inn, one of Panjim’s oldest restaurants which offers a varied menu with slightly higher prices than you may be used to, but the setting is worth paying a little extra for. You’ll soon find that Panjim is full of tasty places to eat, and you’ll easily find something to suit your budget and palate.

Kamat (opp the casino docks): This local veg restaurant is entirely unassuming and offers delicious local treats for next to nothing. You can enjoy dosas in the morning from around Rs50 and main meals from Rs100. The decor may not be up to much, but the food certainly is.

Inside Hotel Venite

Hotel Venite (Rua 31 de Janeiro):  Try and get a table next to one of the tiny balconies and enjoy watching the passersby as you tuck in to a delicious meal. The decor is a combination of the traditional Portuguese style with an unusual twist, and the menu is a selection of Goan and Portuguese cuisine. Meals start from around Rs250.

Black Sheep Bistro (Swami Vivekanand Road): If you’re looking to treat yourself during your stay in Panjim then head to the funky Black Sheep Bistro which serves up a wide range of dishes including a range of popular cocktails. Main meals start from around Rs350, but you can always opt for a few smaller dishes from their tapas menu.

Barrels and Bones (Mala): Serving up tasty gastro style American cuisine, Barrels and Bones is the perfect place to head to if you’re craving a decent steak. Although this is a little bit out of most backpackers preferred price range, it’s a great place to go for a treat.

Desbue (Fontainhas): This is the place to go if you are after delicious fresh salads and a wide range of healthy food bursting with flavour, the mezze platter is especially delicious . The food is reasonable priced, the staff are friendly and the location is lovely. If you’re a dessert fan then it wont be long before this place steals your heart, the chocolate lava cake, nutty chocolate dessert and the green tea pannacotta are all absolute musts.

Ritz Classic (18th June Road): If you want to eat like the locals do then check out Ritz Classic’s amazing fish thali, which will only set you back Rs180 and is ideal for a lazy lunch. The rest of the menu is equally is a appetizing, and the service is as fast and friendly.

Upstairs at Bombay Coffee Roasters

Bombay Coffee Roasters (Rua 31 de Janeiro) : Of course, this is by far my favourite place to eat, drink  and relax in the cool air-conditioned and peaceful atmosphere. The food available is healthy, reasonably priced and fresh, whilst the coffee is quite possibly the best in Goa.

After you’ve taken care of where you’re going to eat you can relax and enjoy the rest of the city. Panjim has a huge selection of shops, my personal favourite being Fab India (it’s a little out of the city so just jump in a tuk tuk) which is certainly more expensive than most shops in Goa, but it has a wonderful range of clothes and niknaks which make perfect presents. If you are trying to budget, then perhaps stay away, as temptation may soon get the better of you! There are a few cheaper clothes shops around the city, as well as a little market and a fruit and veg market which is well worth a look.

If you’re looking to party then Panjim is perhaps not the place to you as there is very little going on in the evening. The casinos are open 24hrs though and you can pay a set price and then drink and eat all night. Be sure to wear long trousers and look vaguely presentable and take your passport to gain entry. If you just fancy a few drinks then head to Down The Road, which does reasonably priced food and drinks, you might even be lucky enough to catch a karaoke night, which is always a good laugh. They also have a small club downstairs, and although you may find that you’re the only person on the dance floor, this is the place to head if you fancy a boogie.

There are plenty of cultural things to do in Panjim, such as checking out some of the city’s churches, especially Our Lady of The Immaculate Conception and exploring some of the heritage buildings. There is also a hindu temple just behind the hostel, which you will see lit up at night, you can head up here in the morning and receive a blessing to start your day off on the right track. You could spend an afternoon on a cruise of the Mandovi River, which is a great way to see some of the natural beauty of the surrounding area.

Basilica of Bom Jesus, Old Goa

Once you’re done with exploring the city itself you can head out to Old Goa for the day, you can opt to go by bus (the bus stop is just a short walk from the hostel) or hire a tuk tuk for the afternoon. Old Goa was once the Portuguese Eastern Empire until it was deserted after a disease outbreak in 1835, the city’s dwellers took down most of the buildings and rebuilt their lives in Panjim, they did however leave the churches as they were. Today, the churches are in surprisingly good shape with many of them still functioning as places of worship. You can wander around the area and enjoy the Portuguese’s impressive legacies and learn about Goa’s extensive, and fascinating history.  Be sure to make your way up to Mount Mary Church which is by far one of the best spots in Old Goa, thanks to it’s incredible views across the surrounding countryside.

After a day of sightseeing you’re sure to be ready to relax and unwind, and what better place to do just that than in front of the big screen? The Inox Cinema shows a selection of the latest Hollywood blockbusters, which you can enjoy from the comfortable air conditioned theatre. Our wonderful barrista, Utpal organises a weekly cinema trip for the guests of Old Quarter so you can join him if you feel like it. Make sure that you try some of the snacks available, the cheesy popcorn is particularly good.

Panjim is the place to go if you’re looking to relax and regroup for a few days as it’s so seductively opposite from Goa’s party scene, whilst providing you with plenty of entertainment. Embrace the romance of the city, walk around with a smile on your face and you’ll soon be welcomed with open arms.

Anjuna Flea Market

It’s generally considered that North Goa is the place to head to let your hair down and people tend to find the right party vibe for them somewhere between Candolim and Arambol. One of the main party destinations is Anjuna which is renowned for its endless assortment of nightclubs, funky bars and lively cafes. The beachside town is infamous for its flea market each Wednesday afternoon, which attracts people from all over Goa looking for great bargains on colourful, handcrafted goods. It’s also a convenient place to crash if you fancy checking out Arpora’s Saturday Night Market, one of Goa’s must sees. If the party scene in Anjuna tires you out there are plenty of havens of tranquility in the form of the sandy beach, or relaxed cafes where you can tend to your hangover and boost your Vitamin D levels.

The Sweet Lake, Arambol

Arambol, which you’ll find further north of Anjuna, was the original hippie hang out of Goa. Now you’ll find colourful reminders of the hippies of the ‘70s mixed with today’s hippies adding their own touch of magic to this spiritual town. The main beach is sprinkled with cafes, restaurants and bars which extend along the road leading to the beach where they are joined by stalls selling a variety of clothes, jewellry and other glittering Indian goodies. If you head right along the beach you’ll find a path leading around the cliff face to another, smaller beach with a sweet lake behind it. The lake is popular for a refreshing dip and the streams leading up to it contain natural mud spas, so don’t be surprised to see people wandering around covered in mud, and by all means get involved, as it works wonders for your skin. Nightlife in Arambol consists largely of drum circles on the beach or silent discos in mesmerizing locations.

Deserted Mandrem Beach

Between Arambol and Anjuna you’ll find other beautiful beach towns which are all well worth seeing, Mandrem and Ashwem beach are both feats of nature with endless white sand and turquoise water. Here you’ll find unique and slightly pricier boutiques as well as stylish restaurants and chic beach huts, perfect if you’re looking to treat yourselves to a few days of luxury. These two beaches are also home to several Yoga schools and retreats which have chosen to utilise the soothing energy of the pristine beaches and relaxing atmosphere.

Vagator Beach

Head south from Morjim and you’ll find yourself in the peaceful Chapora, a chilled out sleepy village with a lovely relaxing beach, where you’ll find cheap accommodation and some tasty cafes. Neighbouring beach town Vagator is a little livelier than Chapora and has a range of restaurants and a few late night bars to enjoy. Vagator is the ideal place to stay if you are looking to enjoy the nightlife of Anjuna but don’t necessarily fancy staying in the heart of all of the fun, as it’s just a ten minute journey between the two.

Baga Beach

Further along from Anjuna you’ll find the stretch of beach which is home to Candolim, Calangute and Baga which are popular amongst cheap, package holidaymakers which unfortunately has encouraged them to lose their Indian charm and transform into a tacky seaside resort. Baga does have quite a lot going on in the evening and Candolim is home to some delicious cafes and restaurants as well as a decent stretch of beach, so you can easily find things to satisfy you if you find yourself heading in that direction.

Panjim

You may want to take some time out from life on the beach and head into Goa’s capital which is conveniently situated in the centre of Goa’s coastline. Panjim is the perfect place to head to if you are interested in learning a little more about Goa’s diverse and colourful history as each street will tell you a different story of Goa’s past. Las Fontainhas is the part of Panjim that will truly steal your heart as well as provoke daydreams of times gone by. You will feel as though you have stepped back in time as you wander through the picturesque streets lined with quaint houses decorated with well cared for plants and peeling paint. Just outside of Panjim you’ll find Old Goa, which was once a thriving capital city until it was evacuated after an outbreak of the plague. Now all that remains are breathtakingly large churches some of which are still being used today.

Palolem

After your colourful burst of culture you may well feel ready check out to the golden beaches of South Goa, which are considered to be the most beautiful beaches in the area. Head all the way down to the south and you’ll find the sleepy beach of Patnem which is home to several charming and reasonably priced huts which help you to make the most of the beach. If you feel the need to explore you can head south of Patnem and you’ll find endless stretches of deserted beaches which will allow you to live out your Robinson Crusoe fantasy with ease. The next beach along from Patnem is Palolem, a stunning beach with a slightly livelier atmosphere than Patnem, where you’ll find a range of delicious restaurants, welcoming bars and regular headphone parties. There are kayaks for rent along the beach enabling you to explore neighbouring butterfly island and to help you spot the cheeky dolphins which often pass by the beach.

Agonda Beach

As you head up the coast you’ll find Agonda, one of Goa’s most popular spots to watch the sunset from. This gorgeous stretch of beach knows exactly when to relax and when to start mixing the cocktails, an ideal place to spend a few weeks doing very little and simply enjoying the scenery, which is second to none. A little further up lies Benaulim, one of the larger beach resorts in the south which generally attracts a combination of retirees and backpackers wanting a little chill out time. There are guest houses a plenty, as well as beach restaurants and lively bars to explore.

Colva Beach

The next popular town along the coast is Colva, although it seems to be gradually losing its appeal as it turns into a more commercialised and significantly less hippy orientated resort. There is still plenty going on here though, and it’s lively atmosphere creates a great holiday feeling.

The main overall draw of South Goa is its stunning beaches and relaxing atmosphere, if you are looking for the perfect place to unwind and grab some sunshine then this is the place for you. As well as it being home to Goa’s best beaches, you’ll also find that the countryside is well worth exploring. Grab a scooter and explore the quiet lanes or head to Bhagwan Mahaveer National Park and check out it’s impressive waterfalls and collection of ancient temples.

Whichever part of Goa tickles your fancy, you’ll find yourself being blown away by it’s brilliant beaches, charmed by its colourful culture, soothed by its spiritual side and delighted by its dance floors.

Need to know…

Getting Here: Goa is easily accessible by both air and train. It’s airport is central and easy to reach from anywhere in the state, while the main train station, Margao has links to all over India.

Getting Around: The easiest, and most enjoyable way to explore Goa is by scooter, you can cheaply rent scooters per day from plenty of places around Goa. If you are nervous about braving the roads, then you can use the public buses or local taxi services.

Budget: You can easily do Goa on a budget and if you are willing to haggle and explore then you will find accommodation from around Rs500 per night. Alcohol is exceptionally cheap and if you are a fan of local cuisine then you’ll find plenty to eat without breaking the bank each meal time.

When to Go: The main tourist season runs from around November – mid March which is when the temperature is the most comfortable. You’ll find that most things tend to shut down after this period in preparation for the monsoon season, however you’ll always manage to find somewhere to stay, no matter what time of year it is.

Paperwork: Pretty much everyone is required to have a valid visa for their stay in Goa, applying for a visa used to be a frustrating process but recently it has become far easier and you can obtain a six month tourist visa without much hassle, giving you the perfect excuse to enjoy India for six months.