21 Best Places to Visit in South Goa for A Fun-filled Vacation

Embrace the Chill and grill vibes of South Goa….

If there was one word to describe South Goa, it would be ‘Laid-back’. The unhurried pace of life, exotic beaches and heritage villages beckon solitude seeking travellers from around the world. South Goa is the reliable source to estimate the rich Portuguese architectural legacy left behind.

Offering some of the best beaches that are perfect for romantic escapes, surreal villages that are quiet the place for history buffs and an intoxicated air that keeps the ambiance enlivened all the time, South Goa is the destination that you cannot simply ignore.

In South Goa, there are numerous famous tourist destinations where you can experience various shades. When the celebration is over, head over to some of South Goa’s tourist attractions to spend some time alone without being disturbed by the commotion of the throng. The beautiful butterfly and Palolem beaches in South Goa, as well as some of the historic settlements and popular sandy beaches there, are popular with tourists who enjoy taking leisurely strolls around them. Your days in South Goa will undoubtedly be incredible, and you may experience the thrill everywhere you go.

Let’s know about the best places in South Goa where you would want to go again and again.

Summary of 21 Places to Add in Your South Goa Tour Itinerary

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Colva – Party Time!

Often addressed as the pride of Salcete, Colva at a distance of about 6 kms from Margao is amongst the best places to visit in South Goa. Giving Calangute head-to-head fight, Colva stands as a place with a huge fan following. Colva’s popularity can be blamed for it being crowded as a solitude seeker may not like this place at all.

However, if you travel a little far from Central Colva either towards north or south, your peace of mind can be resumed. On the other hand, if you are someone who loves to party, Colva can be the right place for you in Goa.

At the beach, Full Moon Parties are held on or before full moon night. The energy is crazy and so is the crowd, this is probably one of the best parties that can be attended in Goa. Dolphin sighting early in the morning is also an option here.

Highlight: Full Moon Party, Dolphin Sighting

How to Reach?

Margao is only at a distance of 6kms from Colva, so one can easily commute by auto or a bus. Bikes are also available at Margao and are a cheap option to reach Colva. For Margao trains are available from many cities of India.

Best Time to Visit: November to March

Also Read: Best Time to Visit Goa

Benaulim – Bliss for Seafood

To the south of Margaon is a beach town called Benaulim. The town is like the feather in the hat of South Goa’s coastline as it comprises a beautiful beach fringed by swaying palms and coconut trees. Benaulim is also popular in all of South Goa for its soul-saving seafood. The beach is a decent place to relax, take sunbath and try scrumptious seafood. Like Colva, Dolphin sighting is also available in Benaulim.

Highlights: Seafood, Dolphin Sighting

How to Reach?

Benaulim is at a distance of only 5kms from Margaon and can be reached easily by auto/bus/bike. For Margao trains are available from many cities of India.

Best Time to Visit: October to April

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Vasco Da Gama- Land of turquoise waters and swaying palm trees

Named after the famous Portuguese explorer, Vasco Da Gama is a gem in the treasure trove called South Goa. This small town is situated on the western tip of the Mormugao Peninsula, at the mouth of Zuari River. Despite being infamous as the crime center of Goa because of its suburban shanty town and a large red-light area, Vasco manages to create interest amongst the tourists as it adds a different aspect to the tourism of Goa. Other than this, Vasco is well-connected with the other parts of Goa, therefore to reach some beautiful South Goa beaches, one needs to travel to Vasco anyway.

Highlights: Baina Beach, Snorkeling

How to Reach?

The best way to reach Vasco Da Gama is by taking a bus/cab from Panjim or Margao.

Best Time to Visit: November to March

Also Read: Best Tourist Attractions in Goa

Palolem – Chilled out Party Vibe

Spend a day taking in the tranquil surroundings at this 1.5 km stretch of white powdery sand bordered by tall coconut palms and bamboo beach houses. From either end of the Palolem Beach, which is also one of the best places to visit in South Goa, you can see the entire idyllic setting because of its curve.

There are several locations around where you can drop-in on a yoga class, and many resorts offer morning and evening sessions. Try some of the recently caught fish carried in by the boats or sample the superb South Indian food offered on the menus of the majority of Palolem eateries. Even for those who are prone to seasickness, a relaxing sail out to sea is well worth it just to see the lovely dolphins.

Highlights – Palolem Beach, Monkey Island, Yoga Classes, Silent Discos, Dolphin-spotting Cruise

How to Reach?

The nearest bus stand is at Canacona or you can reach here within 30 minutes from Madgaon Junction Railway Station.

Best Time to Visit – November to March

Also Read: Popular Tourism Attractions of Goa

Betul – Offbeat gem of South Goa

The coastal town of Betul is one of the offbeat destinations in South Goa. You won’t believe, a few years ago Betul was not even located on Google maps. Located at a one-hour distance from Margao, Betul is a mesmerizing town to spend your holidays in South Goa. The beauty of Betul beach is breathtaking.  Coconut trees dance in the rhythm of sea breeze, dolphins play in the turquoise water under the surreal blue sky, beautiful scenes of the Sal River merging into the Arabian Sea will blow your heart away and fresh goan seafood will delight your soul forever.

Highlights- Betul Lighthouse, Betul Beach, Betul Fort

How to Reach?

Cab from Margao or a local bus would be the best way to reach Betul.

Best Time to Visit- November to February

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Bogmalo- Enjoy the blissful Watersports

Situated not so far away from Dabolim Airport, Bogmalo is a decent stop for those with spare two to three hours before their flight. This small yet beautiful stretch of sand is ideal to spend time basking in the sun. Also, it is a wonderful place to experience the underwater scene, at Bogmalo you can find the best dive operators in the entire Goa.

Highlights: Scuba Diving

How to Reach?

Bogmalo beach is situated on the road to Dabolim airport, thus it is quite easy to travel to Bogmalo by a cab.

Best Time to Visit: November to March

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Varca – blissful shores of glittering waters

Known for its beach, Varca is a popular destination for tourists in South Goa. At a short distance from Varca is its beach, which is nothing short of unparalleled beauty. An array of Palm trees, sprawling golden sand, azure water and almost hawker-free coast makes Varca one of the most fascinating places to be in Goa. At Zuri White Sands Resort on the Varca Beach there is an interesting place for tourists called Dunes, which is a casino (Another thing Goa is famous for).

Highlights: The Our Lady of Gloria Church, Casino

How to Reach?

Varca is situated at a short distance of about 10kms from Margao. Thus, the best way to reach Varca would be to take a cab or a bus.

Best Time to Visit: October to March

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Cavelossim – Leave the chaos of cities in the shoreline

The last village on the Salcete coastline, Cavelossim is indeed a charming place to visit. It is one of those places that no sun-worshipper can resist going to as it is blessed with a beautiful sandy stretch and amazing sunset view. Apart from it, from Cavelossim there is a splendid view of the confluence of the Sal River and sea. Since a lot of tourism is expected here year-round, the beach strip is decked with shops selling jewellery and souvenirs.

Highlights: Resorts, Sun-bathing

How to Reach?

Cavelossim is at a distance of about 7kms from Margao, therefore it is best to take a cab or a bus from Margao to Cavelossim.

Best Time to Visit: October to March

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Rivona – Mysterious and sublime

Located in the Sanguem taluka, Rivona is a hub of culture, history and architecture. If you want to experience something different than scenic beaches, Rivona is a place to be. It is less crowded and considered as an offbeat destination of South Goa.

Rivona is an ideal getaway to revel in the charms of history. It is one of the must visit places to visit in South Goa. Rivona is popular for its mysterious Caves which date back to the 6th century BC. It is also known as ‘Pandava caves’ as it is believed that Pandavas during their exile stayed in this cave. There is a step well at the bottom rock of the cave, which dates back to the 16th century. A sculpture of God Hanuman is there to give you holy blessings.

Rivona is also decked with water springs, verdant forests, hillsides and beautiful paddy fields. This place is different from other towns of South Goa.

Highlights – Rivona Caves, Rivona springs, Vimleshwar Temple

How to Reach?

From Panjim you have to take a cab to Margao, then you have to reach Quepem. From Tilamal you can reach Rivona springs. The nearest railway head to reach Rivona is Margao railway station.

Best Time to Visit – November to March

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Arossim- Solace calling

Now this destination of South Goa is for the solitude seekers. An excellent place to spend time amidst tranquillity Arossim is simply a perfect place in South Goa. If you like vintage, Arossim can be the best place to offer you some good ol’ Goan vintage furniture. There are a number of high-end beach resorts located here that render opportunity to enjoy Abhyanga (four-hand massage). The up-market here serves some scrumptious Goan dishes like Casa Sarita, vindalho and the mushroom xacuti. The resorts are pricey even for one night but it is all truly worth it.

Highlights: Abhyanga Spa, Clean and quiet beach

How to Reach?

The best way to reach Arossim is via Vasco Da Gama. There are trains also available till Vasco and for Arossim one can take a bus or a cab from here.

Best Time to Visit: October to March

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Patnem- Overpowering golden sands

A small beach and a pretty one as well, Patnem makes a great destination to spend some quality time in South Goa. The beach is aligned with lovely beach shacks and has lively surfing and swimming options. The stylish strings of stalls fringing the beach sell Kashmiri trinkets and jewellery. Most tourists prefer coming to Patnem because of its serene ambiance and indescribable beauty. So, if you are in South Goa this is one place you should not miss.

Highlights: Wellness treatments

How to Reach?

The nearest rail head of Patnem is Palolem, which is situated at a short distance from Patnem. One can get down at Palolem and then take a cab to Patnem. Margao is at a distance of 45kms from Palolem, so one can also hire a taxi from here.

Best Time to Visit: October to March

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Majorda- Sunset bliss of South Goa

Majorda is an organized beach with a lot of beach shacks. A stream separates the narrow ways from the beach. It is a gorgeous beach with a lot of young crowds basking in the sun and enjoying decent meals here. It is said that Majorda is the place that first taught the art of baking European breads in India, thus you will have an opportunity to enjoy some fine cookies and cakes here.

Mae De Deus is another attraction of Majorda, it is an ancient church, which was built in 1588 A.D. Majorda has its own charm so if you are here with your loved one; do not leave before the sun sets down because the view that time is simply priceless.

Highlights: Majorda Village, Goan Bakers, Mae De Deus Church, Water Sports

How to Reach?

Margao is at a short distance of about 11kms from Majorda, thus it is convenient to travel by the bus or a cab to Majorda.

Best Time to Visit: October to March

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Colomb- Embrace the romance in the air

The sleepy bay of Colomb is ideal for a holiday as nothing rejuvenates the mind than a quiet and beautiful place. Colomb is both serene and incredibly beautiful; it can be a perfect romantic getaway in South Goa. The beach boasts about some excellent eat-out options predominantly serving Kashmiri, Italian and Swiss food. Colomb is separated by Neptune’s Point (a large rock) from Palolem beach. To make it more clear, Neptune’s Point is the same place where the famous Silent Noise weekly headphone parties take place. There are also some lovely and affordable resorts available here.

Highlights: Neptune’s Point, Beach Shacks, Silent Noise Party, Kashmiri Food

How to Reach?

Colomb is a short distance from Palolem beach, which makes it a lot easier to be reached either by a cab or a bike.

Best Time to Visit: October to March

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Chandor- Portuguese Vibes

On the bank of River Kushavati, Chandor is a sleepy town in South Goa. This destination has made its mark as a significant stop for its collection of Portuguese architecture. Between the 6th and 11th century, this village was called Chandrapur and was reckoned as the most spectacular city of the Konkan Coast. Today, Chandor is a small village with important relics dating back to the Portuguese era and a Hindu temple and headless Nandi Bull built in the 11th century. The Portuguese mansion at Chandor can be an excellent venue for weddings and parties.

Highlights: Fernandes House, Feast of Three Kings (January 6), Archies Art Gallery

How to Reach?

The best way to reach Chandor is by a cab from Margao.

Best Time to Visit: October to April

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Agonda- Relax and Sunbathe!

Someone said that Agonda is an ideal beach destination for those who ‘Quit on Monday’ and it is not an overstatement for sure. Yes, there are indeed quieter beaches in Goa, where you would like to spend time on the first day of the week but Agonda seems to have some magnetic energy pulling one towards it. Not that ideal for swimming though, this beach can be a great place to spend a lazy day. An evening stroll can also be equally ideal at Agonda. A Church in the center of the beach further adds to the beauty of this place.

Highlights: Dolphin Sighting, Hill Hiking, Samdarshi’s meditation Ashram (winter), Cola Beach, Yogamea Yoga School

How to Reach?

Agonda is only 10kms from Palolem and can be easily reached by a cab or a motorbike from Palolem.

Best Time to Visit: October to March

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Loutolim- Revel in the charms of Portuguese architecture

Loutolim is an apt place to witness the legacy of Portuguese architecture. An unhurried village, Loutolim is a treasure trove for the history buffs; however, most of the edifices are closed for the tourists. The most popular places to visit here would be Casa Araujo Alvares and a whitewashed Church Salvador do Mundo. Loutolim is also known for its ancestral museum. BigFoot is yet another place of interest for the tourists, where you can touch the BigFoot mark on the rock and make a wish. Loutlim certainly have the caliber to take one into the glorious past of this region and one may do nothing but stand in awe after visiting this small yet majestic place in South Goa.

Highlights: Salvador do Mundo, Casa Araujo Alvares, Big Foot Museum, Miranda House, Roque Caetano House and Salvador Costs House, Sant Mirabai

How to Reach?

Loutolim is only at a short distance from Margao, so the best way to reach here from Margao would be to take a cab or on your own motorbike.

Best Time to Visit: October to March

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Mobor – Thrilling vibes and blissful solace

Mobor is renowned for offering beachside bliss. Situated quite close to the location where River Sal meets the Arabian Sea, Mobor is certainly a place to cherish. It is a romantic escape in South Goa and the heaven for solitude seekers. One would love to bask in the sun here without being interrupted by hawkers. Watersports like water-skiing, wind-surfing and jet-skiing can be enjoyed on Mobor beach. The beach shares its border with Cavelossim and is comparatively quieter.

Highlights: Blue Whale Shack, Leela Kempinski

How to Reach?

Mobor is at a short distance from Margao thus it is ideal to take a cab or bike ride to reach here.

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Assolna- Colonial charms and bliss vibes

Situated on the south side of River Sal, Assolna is yet another surreal place in South Goa. Assolna is famous for its colonial era palacios (None are open to the public) that are simply a delight to witness. Casa dos Costa Martins is a place that one might find interesting as this palace has a very Indian touch to its architecture.

Highlights: Portuguese Palaces, Jewellery and Trinkets

How to Reach?

The best way to reach Assolna is by a ferry from Cavelossim.

Best Time to Visit: October to March

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Netravali- Solace seekers and Nature Lovers, Get Ready

Wildlife, waterfalls or bubbling lake. What’s your pick? We think you should see the bliss of all. Visiting Netravali in South Goa is an experience of a lifetime. Pristine wilderness of Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary, blissful bubbling lake of Netravali, cascading waterfalls, cool weather and majestic mountains would be the most blissful sights to behold in the shores of Netravali. It is one of the best places to visit in South Goa for a family vacation. Serene vibes of Netravali will compel you to leave your worries in the chaotic cities. It is an ideal getaway for nature lovers and solace seekers.

Highlights – Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary and Bubbling Lake

How to Reach?

Margao Railway Station is the easiest way to reach Netravali. Buses and taxis are also available to reach Netravali from Margao and Panaji.

Best Time to Visit – October to March

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Betalbatim – Untouched and Pristine Beach Life

One of the famous South Goa tourist places, Betalbatim is a one-kilometre-long stretch of sand between Colva Beach and Majorda Beach. The captivating expanse of golden sand has been perfectly developed for offering an exotic beach life.

Betalbatim Beach in Goa, in comparison to other Goa beaches, is relatively undeveloped and undiscovered by beachgoers. With a length of nearly one kilometre, it provides spectacular views of the sunrise and sunset. In fact, for obvious reasons, the northern portion of the beach is frequently referred to as Sunset Beach.

Highlights – Watersports, Nightlife, Food Tours, Dolphin Sighting, Our Lady of Remedios Church

How to Reach?

It takes about 40 mins to reach the beach from Panjim, which is around 32 kilometres away.

Best Time to Visit – November to February

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Mollem – Jungle Safaris in A Historical Place

Mollem National Park, which spans an area of 240 square kilometres in the Western Ghats, is situated in Goa’s Sanguem Taluka, not far from the Karnataka border. One of the best places to explore in South Goa, the reserve also contains a number of temples from the Kadamba Dynasty. The Goa state capital, Panaji, is 60 kilometres to the southeast of the national park, which is situated close to the town of Mollem.

The park’s primary attraction is its jungle safaris. Vehicles are permitted inside the reserve, which enhances the pleasure of viewing the wildlife in comparison to other parks. The park’s hiking routes are also well-known. The Tambdi WaterFalls, Devil’s Canyon, Sunset Point, and the Tambdi Surla temple from the 12th century are a few of the park’s further attractions.

A large variety of birds, including the fairy bluebird, wagtails, three-toed kingfisher, drongo, golden oriole, and big Indian hornbill, can be seen in the national park. Some of the birds that can be found here are local residents. The area is home to a wide variety of butterflies, including the Blue Mormon, Crimson Rose, Tailed Jay, Malabar Tree Nymph, Tamil Yoeman, Plain Tiger, and Lime Butterfly and visiting South Goa cannot be completed without visiting this park.

Highlights – Jungle Safaris, Wildlife Spotting, Birdwatching, Temple Visits

How to Reach?

Panaji, the capital of Goa is around 60 kilometres from Mollem National Park.

Best Time to Visit – October to March

Also Read: Bird Watching in Goa

South Goa can be a paradise for solitude seekers as well as honeymoon couples. We hope our list of places to visit could be of some help to you.

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