We spent a weekend in Candolim Beach Goa during the monsoon season. An amazing local family organized a beachside house in Candolim for us to stay in. Down the end towards the fort is a little quieter than further north.
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It was close enough to the Goan-action without being engulfed by it. Goa, like the rest of India, is intense (it feels like everything is happening all the time, right around you).
The ocean was rough in Goa too. So no one was swimming (you will need to check the season before going as it is heavily dependent on the monsoon). However, we did see the occasional Indian tourist jumping in and out of the shallows but that was a short scooter ride up to Calangute.
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Calangute Beach
Calangute was another world. There were thousands of people on the beach at any one time and a large percentage of them appeared to be intoxicated.
Goa has some of the cheapest alcohol in India and it attracts not only foreigners but national tourists as well. It is a big party town (around Calangute anyway).
While cheap alcohol can often encourage dodgy characters, we found that everyone was super friendly. The mood was electric, and it was fun.
Things to do in Goa
Apart from the coconut tree-lined beaches and 24hour parties, Goa has some incredible energy. Here are some of the best things to do in Candolim Goa:
- Cows are like Gods and they are everywhere. From walking into restaurants, lying on the beach to completely blocking roads, and diverting traffic. They are sacred and no one wants to tell them to move on. It’s amazing to see.
- While Ayurveda (traditional Indian medicine using natural products) practices are predominately in the south of India, there are plenty of small “clinics” in town. We spent an afternoon at one for about USD$30 each and had a full body treatment (massage, ear candles, medicinal drinks catered to our body’s energy, etc.). It is something everyone should try (there’s something about a 3,000-year-old way of doing things that just feels…right)
- There’s an interesting old fort that’s (Aguada Fort) for some history and scenic views of the beach and river.
- There’s a plentiful selection of stalls and market shops for all your elephant print needs. The prices are cheap! And no one is offended if you end up buying something or not.
- Food! Goan curries are coconut rich and dirt cheap to buy!
- We splurged one night and stayed in the Taj Fort Resort. It’s a beautiful hotel built into an old red brick fort on the Southern point of the main Goan beach.
Weekend in Candolim Beach Goa Quick Tips
Overall, spending a weekend in Candolim Goa is exciting, beautiful, unique, and very cheap. It has a reputation around the world as being a drug-fuelled rave town though we saw very little foreign tourists or ravers. There was no haggling like you can get in Thailand or Bali. And there was a lot more local-based tourism than I was expecting which made it feel somewhat more valued and real. We would go back for sure.
- Check the monsoon timings if you want to swim in a calm sea (monsoon generally June – August but can be a little early or late)
- Stay in Covilum area (a nice mix of quiet and action)
- Stay at the Taj Fort resort (if you want to splurge. It’s one of those places with a great historical vibe)
- Do try the local fish curries (make sure there are people eating in the restaurant you try it from [and they’re also eating the fish curry])
- Hire a scooter and drive around (take it slow – doge the potholes, cows and people and you’ll find little nooks and shops and stalls and all things imaginable scattered around the town)
- Do not pass out on the beach (cows wander freely and check where they are going rarely)
Other things to do in India:
- The Backwaters Kerala Boat House Trip
- Candolim Goa best things to do
Where to stay in Candolim Goa
Looking for some unique places to stay in Candolim Goa? We organized a local stay privately, however, if you are looking for a little luxury, there are some beautiful Airbnbs is town.
