South Goa Holidays

South Goa offers up a stark contrast to the lively north. Forget what you’ve heard about Goa’s full moon parties and all-night raves, because this half of the region is decidedly peaceful. It’s really scenic, too. Areas of jungle are broken up by white-sand beaches and sleepy villages.

In places like Panaji, the state’s capital, it’s easy to spot reminders of Goa’s past as an important Portuguese colony. The city has plenty in the way of Mediterranean churches, leafy avenues and warm, sunny squares. And the restaurants are just as likely to serve spicy Portuguese sausages as they are fiery curries.

Cavelossim and Arossim Beach are the front-runners when it comes to choosing where to stay. Tranquil Cavelossim is dominated by a white sandy beach and a quiet main square, and is edged by paddy fields and the winding Sal River. Arossim Beach is home to one of South Goa’s best stretches of sand, not to mention a great line-up of thatched beach bars and restaurants specialising in sunset dinners.

When it comes to exploring, Ponda is a good place to start. This region, about a 40-minute drive from Arossim Beach, is blanketed in thick forests, which hide age-old religious temples. Trek through the trees and you’ll stumble across the likes of the Shantadurga Temple, Goa’s largest Hindu sanctuary.