North Goa Vs South Goa: Things That Will Help You Differentiate Between

Goa formerly under the Portuguese reign attained its freedom and became a part of India in 1962 and was declared a state in 1987. It is the smallest state of India yet occupies a significant place in the heart of travelers all over India and across the world. The state where tourism is the key source of its revenue is visited by 60 lakh tourists every year. However, the problem that one may face is deciding which part of Goa to be visited, the North or the South?

With the points listed below, this article might help resolve your dilemma between Noth Goa and South Goa.

1. The beach difference

Beaches in North Goa brim with life. Electrifying parties to jazz up one’s holiday moods, with waters sports, buzzing street life, and savory street snacks, that’s North Goa beaches for you in brief.

However, if you’re of the kind who prefers serenity and solitude over parties and a happening crowd, then the golden sand beaches of South Goa would be a good call to make.

The beaches in North have due to excessive activity and night parties lack the same hygiene and pristine condition as that of South Goa. Beaches in both regions have shacks during on-seasons.

Best beaches in North Goa: Anjuna beach, Arambol beach, Baga beach, Calangute beach, Candolim beach, Morjim, Sinquerim, Vagator, Ashvem and Chapora.

Best beaches in South Goa: Agonda beach, Butterfly beach, Majorda beach, Palolem beach, Cavelossim beach, Mobor beach, Cola beach and Tiswadi Island.

2. The battle of cuisines

There’s much more to Goa than its exotic beaches. There is this exclusive array of Goan food inspired by the state’s Hindu origin and Portuguese colonization.

The beach shacks in North Goa ensure that the Goan beach excitement is equally supported by mouth smacking snacks and drinks. Arpora’s Saturday night market is known for its unique preparations like Lebanese dishes, salads, wood-fired pizza, steamed dim sums, and delicious crispy spring rolls.

While the north region of Goa is a heaven for street food lovers, the South is known for its authentic Indo-Portuguese cuisine.

Places to eat in North Goa: Basilica, Baba Au Rhum, Thalassa, Britto’s, Morisco, Calamari, Infantaria, Purple Martini, Bean me up.

Places to eat in South Goa: Martini’s corner, Fisherman’s wharf, Fish Ka, Nostalgia, Boomshankar bar and restaurant, Magic Italy, Ignia.

3. Places to visit: North Goa vs South Goa

The battle gets trickier here. The churches and cathedrals, catholic buildings in Goa are prolifically inspired by Portuguese architecture.

The churches in South are comparatively newer, however, the architecture albeit, is overwhelming for art lovers. South Goa is also abundant in flora and fauna. South Goa boasts of 3000 species of plants and animals including long-beaked dolphins and Oliver Ridley turtles and over 400 species of birds. The cascading Dudhsagar waterfalls constitute a major tourist attraction.

Places to visit in North Goa: Basilica of Bom Jesus, Chapora Fort, Fort Aguada, Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary, Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, Church of St. Catherine, St. Antony’s Church and Church of St. Lawrence.

Places to visit in South Goa: Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary, Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, Dudhsagar Falls, Rachol Fort, Cabo da Rama, St. Xavier’s Church.

4. The grandeur of nightlife of Goa

Without the brilliant highlights of Goa’s nightlife, the visit shall remain incomplete and lackluster.

North Goa is known for its happening beach parties, casinos, and bustling club parties that go on till late with mind-blowing DJs. The crowd is frequented by tourists from India and foreigners.

South Goa, on the contrary, is calmer and known for classier elite parties. There are clubs where visitors can listen to their music by putting their headphones on.

Nightlife in North Goa: Deltin Royale Casino, go clubbing at Tito’s, Club Cabana or Cafe Mambo’s, go for a cruise tour, visit the Arpora Saturday-night flea market.

Also read: Dark Side Of Goa Which Very Few Will Tell You About

Nightlife in South Goa: Silent noise party at Palolem, the dance party at Leopard Valley.

5. Shopping spree in Goa

Cheap and stylish yet all original is an apt description of Goa’s market.

Now North Goa is the place for best budget shopping you can ever do in clothing, jewelry, accessories, and souvenirs for friends and family back at home. An impressing blend of Turkish, Kashmiri, Gujarati art, and craft can be sensed in the bed covers, clothing, and wooden crafts.

The South Goa flea markets are much less jostling and allow you to explore the markets patiently. You may want to step up your bargaining game and acting skills as a local here meanwhile.

Best places to shop in North Goa: Saturday night market in Arpora, Wednesday market in Anjuna, Friday market in Mapusa, and Bicholim.

Best places to shop in South Goa: Palolem market, the Colem market Caculo market, Vasco’s municipal market.

6. Accommodation in Goa

Being a tourist hotspot, lodging is never an issue in Goa. From cottages to local lodges near beaches and elite suites, Goa has it all.

If you’re looking for something pocket friendly, and a nomadic visitor, head for North Goa. While if you’re looking forward to pampering yourself and disconnect yourself from the city life, head right away to South Goa.

Best places to stay in North Goa: Naked Space Boutique Hotel, Casa Vagator, S2 Beach Shack, and Calamari Beach Shack, ImagiNation – Artists’ Hostel, La Sella Resort by Ashoka, Taj Fort Aguada etc.

Best places to stay in South Goa: Seashell Inn, Lazy Frog, The HQ, The Nest, BeachHutBooking. etc.