My Experience in South Goa
I had originally wanted to visit South Goa as a day trip from the North, but quickly realized the drive was too long and expensive for just a day (around 3,000 rupees one way). Originally I couldn’t find an accommodation that fit my needs in South Goa, but last minute I saw there was availability at a coworking-style hotel called The Palm Resort. I stayed in Patnem Beach area and it is much greener, quieter, and less commercialized than the popular Palolem beach area. Compared to North Goa with rows of identical tourist shops, there are more local boutiques and cozy cafes. South Goa is also smaller so it’s easier to explore.
South Goa has a laid-back charm that makes it perfect for digital nomads or anyone looking for a peaceful escape. The beaches are also stunning — wide stretches of soft sand that make Goa almost feel like an island, even though it isn’t. My first impression was pure relief that I made the trip south. Experiencing both the North and South gives such a different perspective of Goa. If you plan to visit, I’d definitely recommend spending time in both rather than trying to squeeze one into a day trip.
I visited Goa at the end of October, and even though it’s technically past monsoon season, there were still quite a few scattered showers. Most of the time it wouldn’t stop you from being outside — just the occasional light rain, but sometime it did downpour to the point I didn’t want to drive my motor scooter.
Patnem Beach Goa was my favorite beach in south Goa
HELPFUL TIPS
It is too hard to visit the south in just a day trip from the North!
Accommodations: Like the North, it doesn’t matter where you stay so much, pick an accommodation that you like! I always prefer something tucked away a little and quieter at night and off main roads
Restaurants: They have different hours than what is on Googlemaps and some are open and some are not, just depends on the season
Beaches: I enjoyed the beaches in South Goa much more and it was fun to beach hop as they felt more varied as compared to the beaches in North Goa. The beaches in South Goa are definitely better than the north but they are smaller and still probably not the best for swimming
Weather: The weather changes fast and frequently, one minute it’s nice and sunny and the next it’s pouring
Traffic: Traffic is not horrible in the south like it is in the North
Top Places in South Goa and My Experience
Palolem Beach
The most popular beaches in South Goa, known for its calm turquoise water and laid-back vibe. The beach is lined with colorful huts, cafes, and boutique shops. This area had the best boutiques with different clothes and handmade items. It wasn’t my favorite beach, as Agonda and Patnem beach look similar and are quieter with better restaurants and cafes.
Agonda Beach
A quieter, and smaller alternative to Palolem, Agonda is perfect if you’re looking for peace and fewer crowds. The beach is long, clean, and surrounded by coconut trees. This area had some boutique shops as well as cozy cafes and yoga spots.
Cola Beach
Cola Beach is a popular spot because of the small freshwater lagoon right next to the sea where you can kayak. It is a little bit further to get to and requires you to walk down a bumpy road. The beach is nice and has a seaside restaurant that you can chill at — perfect for a day trip or a relaxing afternoon. I wouldn’t go here just for the beach (there are better secluded beaches you can walk down to that have a similar feel), but spend time and also kayak.
Cabo de Rama Fort
This is a popular spot for sunset and has really stunning, panoramic views of the Arabian Sea. It’s not heavily restored, but that adds to its charm, and make sure to check the hours before arriving. I personally felt that the view from The Cape Goa near Cabo de Rama Beach was more beautiful though.
Yoga
There are many popular yoga schools with drop in classes that I contacted. The popular ones are Sampoorna Yoga, Bhakti Kutir, and SwaTantra Yoga. Although Earth Village Yoga is popular, to me it felt a little dirtier.
Spas
I think that other countries have better overall massage experiences. Tattva Wellness Spa is the most popular, nicer spa.
MINI GUIDE TO PATNEM BEACH
Personally, I think this is the best beach area to lounge at in South Goa. I also loved Cabo de Rama and Kakolem beaches, as they are more beautiful, secluded beaches (without tons of restaurants and shacks), but if you are looking to lounge for most of the day and want restaurants Patnem or Agonda beach is the best.
Palolem Beach is the most well-known in the south, but I found the restaurants and cafes lining the beach a bit underwhelming. Just a short walk away, Patnem Beach feels smaller and more relaxed, with a few charming cafes right on the sand. The beach itself looks quite similar to Palolem but has a calmer vibe and less touristy.
My favorite spot was Casa Jaali and then Zest Cafe, both sit right at the edge of the beach. I also stopped by Juno’s Gelato for some sugar-free ice cream—it wasn’t the best I’ve ever had, but honestly, not bad either. Nearby, Jaali Boutique is super cute and has an attached spa that’s worth checking out.
If you continue down the road, you’ll find Bhakti Hostel, which offers drop-in yoga classes every morning at 9:00 AM. Earth Village Yoga is another popular spot, though it felt a bit rougher around the edges to me. It’s tucked into the jungle, so it definitely has that wild, earthy atmosphere if that’s what you’re into.
Most Beautiful Beaches in South Goa
Cabo de Rama Beach: My favorite beach that I went to and explored the Cabo de Rama Fort after. There are some hotels and restaurants on the top and you will have to take some stairs down to reach the beach.
TIP: You don’t need to see the views from Cabo de Rama Fort, just park near The Cape Goa to see the beautiful views.
Kakolem Beach: There are two paths, one path where you have to pay 50 rupees to some locals or go around and you don’t have to pay. The road isn’t the most paved so be careful if you are driving a motorscooter, I ended driving through a ditch and scratching my bike. You will have to hike down a little bit to get to the beach (10 mins) but it is completely worth it. There is also a small waterfall. This beach doesn’t have any shacks or chairs.
Cola Beach: Popular spot that is about 40 minutes from Patnem beach. Best to go when the weather is good and there is one restaurants that you can sit at. I would say that it is not as beautiful as Cabo de Rama and Kakolem, but you can kayak here which makes it a popular spot!
Agonda Beach: Another popular beach spot with amenities such as chairs and restaurants and shops, but smaller and more chill than Palolem Beach. The restaurants overlooking the water are much better and cleaner than Palolem Beach.
Butterfly Beach: I decided not to go to this beach because it had many mixed reviews online.
Palolem Beach: Palolem Beach is the most popular in the south and a bit larger than Patnem. Personally, I didn’t find the beach shacks or restaurants particularly appealing. Zest Cafe in Palolem is currently under construction, but once it opens, it’ll probably be one of the best spots on the beach. Big Bamboo Huts wasn’t terrible, but it didn’t stand out either. I did enjoy Mill Cafe, which is nearby, and there are plenty of small shops and boutiques around the area. It’s nice to wander around and browse unique items that feel more local and less touristy.
Patnem Beach: My favorite beach, which is smaller than Palolem, see guide above.
Rajbag Beach: Very small beach, but I wouldn’t swim in it.
Galgibaga Beach: Long stretch of sand that’s quiet without beach shacks. There are parts of the beach I wouldn’t swim in though.
Helpful Tip
Decide if you want a beach with cafes/beach shacks or you want a beach that is quieter without restaurants.
Top Restaurants/Cafes
PATNEM
The Palm House & The Mill Cafe (Patnem and Palolem): They are all owned by the same company and serve the same food. The staff is also so friendly and they made the spaces super aesthetic. The carrot cake was truly to die for.
Zest: It is very highly rated online, but it is so good! Right on the beach and very clean and has a very nice boutique attached.
Sopon Goa: not something that is highly shown on social media, but locals told me to go here and I am so glad I did! It was extremely delicious and had a wonderful view
The Singh’s Punjabi Family Restaurant: Very good Indian food with vegetarian options; locals recommended I go here
Udupi Hotel: Very good Indian food with vegetarian options; locals recommended I go here
AGONDA
Kopi Desa (Agonda) - I didn’t have a chance to go here, but it isn’t along the beach and on the street with all the shops. It is highly rated online and looked cute and clean.
Duck n Chill - Out of all the beachside restaurants, I think this one had the nicest atmosphere and clean (I went to Simrose as well but it wasn’t as good)
TreeTop Tava - Has a jungle feel and just above the beach. They weren’t open when I went but it is highly rated and recommended.
PATNEM
Kopi Desa (Agonda) - I didn’t have a chance to go here, but it isn’t along the beach and on the street with all the shops. It is highly rated online and looked cute and clean.
What I would skip personally
I would skip the beach at Palolem and just walk around and go shopping, but have a beach day at one of the other beaches.
