INTRODUCTION
We always begin the question of a Goa trip with “where should we stay?” Stay too close to the party strip and you won’t get any sleep, stay too far away and you’ll spend half your trip in a taxi. For many visitors, Candolim is smack bang in the middle of these two.
Candolim is located on the Bardez coast of North Goa between the Sinquerim and Fort Aguada to the south and Calangute to the north. Its beach is busy enough to support excellent beach clubs, shops, restaurants and shacks, but its beaches are peaceful compared to nearby beaches and only ever get crowded in the peak of the high season. In this guide you will find all the information you need to know about Candolim including its location, things to do in and around, transport options, who is best suited to stay there and how to select between the villas in Candolimso you get to choose a peaceful lane rather than a loud club.
What is Candolim like?
Like the grown-up middle child of North Goa, Candolim’s main road, with its restaurants and cafés, supermarkets and shops,is busy and bustling. But venture a few lanes back and you’ll discover the old Goan houses, churches, rice paddies and peaceful residential streets.
This is a lengthy, wide stretch that features an empty beach in the mornings, a breather and sunning in the afternoons, walking in the evenings and Shack Dinner from the nights. This beach connects Sinquerim to the south and Calangute to the north.
Who is Candolim for?
Family groups, couples, first-timers in the area and those who simply want to enjoy some comfort and convenience without the every-night party scene Older holidaymakers find it more convenient having everything close at hand and it’s a lot easier to get a decent night’s sleep here than Baga.
If nightlife is the main priority, then you should probably aim for those areas, either near Baga or Anjuna, or at least to plan for taxi rides in the evenings.
Things to do in and around Candolim
Fort Aguada and the lighthouse
Head to the southern tip of Candolim to see Fort Aguada, a Portuguese colonial fort from the 17th century sitting at the entrance to the Mandovi River, overlooking the Arabian Sea. Be sure to stop at the old lighthouse there too, which is one of the most-Instagrammed locations in Goa. The best time to take photos is at sunrise or sunset.
Aguada Jail
Beneath the fort, the now-repurposed old jails of Aguada inform the visitors of the freedom fight that Goa went through. The educational site stands to be a good visit for the kids of all ages and to history geeks as well.
Sinquerim and Coco Beach
Sinquerim south of Candolim boasts of water sports during the season. Along the coast line, boat trips from this stretch and also Coco Beach can be taken to hunt for dolphins.
Reis Magos Fort
Just a few minutes drive takes you to the restored Reis Magos Fort that is seen across Mandovi to Panaji. It’s a lot less crowded than Aguada and has magnificent views.
Panaji&Mapusa
The capital of Goa is 13 to 15 km away, so a day trip to Fontainhas, the Latin Quarter’s medieval centre, is perfectly do-able. Mapusa’s bustling Friday market, 13 to 15 km north, is vibrant and full of local produce.
When is the best time to stay in Candolim?
November to February is the most idyllic time, clear blue skies, calm seas and cool evenings. Late December is the high season. March to May is the hot, least busy and cheapest time of year. The rains (June – September) wipe out most beach shacks and the sea is unsafe for swimming but the village trails are lush and green..
A simple 3-day plan
Day 1: Check in and wander down to the beach for sunset, shack for dinner.
Day 2: Morning to visit Fort Aguada. Lunch at the villa. Afternoon walk around Sinquerim or Coco beach by boat.
Day 3: Fontainhas in Panaji or Mapusa market then one more swim before you leave.
What to eat in Candolim?
Candolim is a foodie heaven. Seafood is by far the best thing to eat here and we love the Goan dishes of fish curry rice, prawn balchao, chicken xacuti and pork vindaloo, followed by a cool bebinca. You can get fresh seafood, great beer and cocktails at the beach shacks, and have a nice meal in the main road restaurants.
Treat your villa cook to a homestyleGoan meal. This can be the highlight of the trip.
Travel and getting about
There are two airports in Goa. Dabolim in the south and Manohar International at Mopa in the north are about an hour’s drive from Candolim (no matter where you land, this number will vary with traffic). The closest major railway station is Thivim.
Many walk to the beach and restaurants. Taxis or hiring a car is best for trips to other locations. Walking or hiring a scooter is a popular way to get around but always wear a helmet.
Beach, swim in and near marked areas only and near surf guards, stay out of the water after consuming alcohol and watch children, because the water is dangerous.
What should you look for in villas in Candolim?
Where you choose to stay in Candolim is more important than you might think. Villas on the main Fort Aguada road of Candolim are both easy to reach and very busy. The Villas off the side roads or towards Nerul are often far more peaceful and much greener.
Many villas in Candolim are on tiny roads which large cars find difficult to get down so check before you go.
Should we spend a little more to get a villa close to Candolim beach?
For most families, yes. You wake up, walk to Candolim beach, go home for lunch and a snooze, then take a leisurely stroll back again for sunset. No taxis, no hassle of parking.
Distance from Candolim beach villa Check on the actual walk time and route before you book. Three minutes or fifteen minutes from the beach makes a difference when you have young children.
Is it the same with other areas of the north?
Candolim is not as chaotic as Calangute and Baga, not as secluded as the villages away from the coast, and not as far away from Panaji as Anjuna or Vagator. Villas in Candolim Goa are a compromise for those coming in groups, looking for peace and tranquility, while being a hop away from the hustle-bustle.
Why do so many bring repeat guests back to Candolim Villas? After experiencing the mayhem of the party strip, your guests will be welcoming a quiet place to rest, with good food close to home, when they visit.
Should you check out the villas for rent in North Goa more broadly?
Yes, if you’re after a certain feeling. Villas in North Goa range from the dynamic Baga and Anjuna to the bohemian Assagao and the tranquil banks of Siolim. Candolim is just one possibility.
If your group enjoys cafés and music, you might feel more comfortable in Anjuna or Assagao. And if you’re after some peace and tranquillity, Candolim generally comes out on top for villas in North Goa.
Candolim or Calangute: which is the better option?
Calangute is just next door and busier, has a larger crowd, more shops and more nightlife. Would it be better to opt for our villas in Goa close to Calangute beach? If you want to get the pulse of the city, definitely.
But many travellers keep a compromise. They live in Candolim and go to Calangute for a night in the town. Thus villas in Goa that are close to Calangute beach are minutes away, but at night they remain tranquil.
Planning your stay with Ekostay
After the forts, the beaches, the fish curry of the day, what better way to finish it off than coming back to a home with a separate pool and garden. The North Goa collection by Ekostayhas homes for family, couples, groups and pets, perfect to find a Candolim base for your trip.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Candolim good for families?
Yes. It’s not as lively as Calangute and Baga and has a long beach, decent restaurants and close to Fort Aguada.
- What is the distance from Candolim to the airport?
The drive to each is about an hour, plus however long your taxi stand line is. Dabolim and Mopa airports.
- Which is better, Candolim or Calangute?
Candolim is less busy, Calangute more lively. Decide whether you want it to be peaceful or lively.
- When is the ideal time to go to Candolim?
November to February for the best weather. Beach shacks are shut down during the monsoons.
- Are villas in Candolim walking distance from the beach?
Yes! See the precise distance and directions prior to reservation.
- Is Candolim good for nightlife?
It has some bars and restaurants but if you want more of the night life, most people go to Baga or Anjuna.
Conclusion: The comfortable middle of North Goa
This is the ideal North Goa beach away from the crowds, long sandy beach, a fortress, great food, peaceful streets to come home to. Pick a villa on a quiet street, walk down for a stroll to the beach each morning and Goa will come to you. Return to the North Goa villas of Ekostaywhen you are ready.
