The Very Best Hotels & Places to Stay in North Goa

North Goa is chock-full of sultry coastal towns, each with its own vibe and slew of hotels and resorts.

That said, it can be hard to know where to stay in Goa, especially if it’s your first time visiting.

I was in the same boat as you before my trip to North Goa earlier this year!

But what seemed like foreign names and places now feel familiar and I can picture each destination in my head well. Don’t you love travel for that?!

So if want to vacation in North Goa for a week or a few days, but aren’t sure which towns are the best to stay in (let alone which resorts or hotels to spend your money at!), keep reading.

In this post, I’m rounding up all the top places to stay in North Goa.

Again, I’m sharing about the best resorts, hotels, and places to stay in NORTH Goa, not South! North Goa is quite different from South Goa, but I won’t be doing a comparison here.

If you are keen to visit and explore North Goa in particular, then find my recommendations below for the top towns to stay in and the best accommodation options in each place.

The Best Places to Stay in North Goa

My Top Picks — Best Hotels & Resorts in North Goa

Read below for details on each or click through to book your stay:

🌟 Vaayu Kula (Mandrem)

🌻 Wildflower Eco Villas (Candolim)

💙 Abrigo de Botelho (Panjim)

🧘‍♀️ Mojigao Eco Village (Assagao)

Before you skip to the good stuff, keep the following in mind!

Choosing the best place to stay in North Goa will depend on your:

• Vibe — Each destination mentioned below oozes a different vibe. Are you more of a yoga and craft beer person or a psytrance and nightclub person?
• Accommodation preferences — Are you looking for jungle huts, beach resorts, coliving spaces, or backpacker hostels?
• Budget — This guide will share both budget-friendly stays as well as luxury hotels!

To make this easier for you, I’ve picked the best places to stay in North Goa by destination (town/city) and, then under each location the best accommodation/hotel based on style, vibes, sustainability, reviews, and price.

Below are the best places to stay in North Goa, starting with the capital of Panjim (Panaji).

Please note: The platform I use to reserve my hotel stays around the world is Booking.com.

You can benefit from free cancellation and free breakfast with participating locations, plus receive discounted Genius stays (up to 10–20% off).

Panjim

With so many things to do in/around Panjim, this is the ideal destination to kick off your stay in North Goa.

The city is packed with historic sites, colorful Portuguese heritage homes and villas, and swanky Goan dive bars.

If you enjoy culture, history, and gastronomy, then Panjim makes the perfect base to explore Goa.

What’s more, Old Goa—the old capital of Goa before it was moved to Panjim—plus beautiful beaches and rugged islands on the Mandovi River, are within a 20–30 minute drive (or, in the case of the islands, a ferry ride) from the center.

As for where to stay, the best hotels in Panjim are concentrated around the Fontainhas Latin Quarter, which you should consider taking a guided history/walking tour of during your stay.

The Best Places to Stay in Panjim

Abrigo de Botelho is a historic Portuguese home locally owned by the sweetest Goan couple, Ron and Sharon, who converted the house into a beautiful B&B in the heart of Fontainhas in Panjim.

This is where we stayed for 2–3 nights in Panjim, and I can highly recommend staying here if you want to glean insight from local Goan hosts, eat a typical and hearty Goan breakfast, and be centrally located on a quiet street in Fontainhas.

The lodging is not your typical hotel stay—this is a historic Portuguese home after all.

But you can expect all your hotel comforts too: air conditioning, hot shower water, and comfortable beds and bedding.

The high ceilings and double windows in the bedrooms allow for a lot of light and space, and the second-floor balcony with its wooden table and rocking chairs made for the perfect spot to wake up slowly with the sunrise.

Overall, we loved the vintage yet modern furnishings, minimalism, and authenticity of the home.

Click here to book your stay at Abrigo de Botelho 💛

If you’re looking for more options in the heart of Fontainhas, I recommend these heritage hotels and popular backpacker hostels:

• WelcomHeritage Panjim Inn ($$) — One of the first historic Portuguese mansions to be converted into a hotel, nestled right in the heart of Fontainhas.
  
• Mateus Boutique ($$) — This 9-room upscale boutique hotel is ideally located near some of my favorite dive bars and restaurants in Panjim.
  
• The White Balcao ($) — Whether to pinch pennies or mingle with other backpackers, The White Balcao has got your back-ao with clean dorm rooms and excellent, free breakfast. (Psst. if they’re full, check out The Old Quarter Hostel.)

To summarize, I really hope you don’t overlook Panjim when looking for the best places to stay in North Goa.

Panjim has got a bit of everything, especially for the culture + foodie lover!

Candolim & Sinquerim

Located on the other side of the Mandovi River from Panjim lies the coveted beach resort town of Candolim and its quainter village to the south, Sinquerim.

Both of these destinations are quintessentially North Goa; think picturesque golden beaches laden with colorful beach shacks, palm trees swaying in the breeze, and the soft lap of the sea against the shore.

Beyond lazing on beaches, one of the top things to do in Candolim is to visit the ruined Aguada Fort and its lighthouse.

Moreover, a stay in Candolim or Sinquerim promises a relaxed vacation in North Goa.

It’s got plenty of bohemian garden restaurants and nightclubs for evenings out, but the solitude and space on a pretty beach you might crave during the day.

The perfect balance? Possibly.

The Best Places to Stay in Candolim & Sinquerim

Wildflower Villas is a luxurious eco-resort tucked away on a secluded 8-acre property overlooking the Sinquerim River. It’s undoubtedly one of the best places to stay in North Goa, but it comes at a cost!

That said, if budget is not a concern, you’ll find this luxurious hotel featuring “eco-friendly hospitality, traditional Goan cuisine, and immersive activities” a hidden gem.

From the moment you step foot onto the property, you’ll see why they call this an eco-luxury hideaway.

There’s simply a lot to love about this place—between the lush gardens and on-site restaurant serving fresh and local cuisine, everything feels unhurried and tranquil (the way a relaxing escape should feel!).

But what I love most about this place is that the seven bright and airy villas feel more like authentic Goan homes rather than hotel rooms.

Wildflower Villas is usually booked out months in advance, so make sure to check availability and book today! 🌻

More top-rated and unique places to stay in Candolim & Sinquerim:

• Marbella Guest House ($$) — Located near Sinquerim Beach (10-minute walk), this beautiful boutique guest house set in a Portuguese-style villa offers large, spacious rooms, a garden, and an on-site restaurant.
  
• Altrude By The Sea ($$) — Altrude offers a more typical hotel-style experience with modern, simple amenities and balconies with sea views overlooking Candolim Beach.

In summary, Candolim and Sinquerim offer a tranquil North Goa holiday away from the backpackers and trance partygoers you’ll typically find further north in Anjuna, Morjim, Arambol, etc.

Calangute & Baga

After Candolim and Sinquerim, the next best place to visit and stay in North Goa is Calangute and then Baga.

Calangute and Baga are both coastal towns but they are better known for their beaches.

Calangute Beach is actually the largest beach in North Goa, stretching for over four miles, and hence one of the most popular and commercial beaches in Goa. And where Calangute ends, a little further north, Baga Beach begins.

On both beaches, you’ll find a host of beach shacks, water sports, and nearby markets for shopping.

If you’re choosing between Calangute Beach vs Baga Beach for where to stay, you’ll find Baga to be a bit more curated/upscale than Calangute. For partying, head to Tito’s Lane in Baga.

But again, in both cases, you’ll have access to numerous restaurants, bars, beach shacks, and nightclubs whether you base yourself in Calangute or Baga. (Either way, the other destination is not far to reach the other on foot or by car/scooter.)

Here are the top resorts and hotels in Calangute and Baga below!

The Best Places to Stay in Calangute & Baga

My first choice for staying around Baga and Calangute goes to Little India Beach Cottages.

These cute wooden cottages are found in their own little oasis just steps from Calangute Beach. The vibe and Indian crafts and decor make me want to book another flight to Goa asap!

You can choose from standard rooms to oceanside or tropical garden cottages. Each hut or room comes with its own AC and hot shower water.

You’ll have all the comforts you might need but with the luxury and convenience of being in a budget-friendly beachside property away from the noise and crowds. (It also has a swimming pool!)

Click here to book your stay at Little India Beach Cottages today 🌴

There are two more resorts I’d like to mention for staying in Calangute or Baga—both choices below make great alternatives for beachfront or beachside accommodations.

• Chalston Beach Resort ($$) — This is one of the top beach resorts in Calangute, you can’t go wrong with a stay here. Enjoy the sunset right from the beachfront resort, take a dip in the pool, or retreat back to your modern, comfortable hotel room.
  
• Cavala Seaside Resort ($$) — Cavala is a top choice for stays in Baga. Here, you will find fantastic hospitality, food, and cabin lodging.

If you’re coming to Goa mainly for the beaches, you will be spoilt for choice. Calangute and Baga are popular for a reason! That said, expect crowds.

For more remote beaches and even more cute coastal Goan towns, head further north.

Anjuna & Vagator

With so many things to do in Anjuna and Vagator, it’s no wonder everyone flocks here for their North Goa vacation.

There are myriad markets, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, beaches, boho boutiques, breweries, and community events going on every day.

That said, you can find some of North Goa’s best attractions and eateries between these two towns. So don’t miss out on visiting them while you’re here!

The Best Places to Stay in Anjuna & Vagator

Anjuna has quite a few boutique properties to stay at; some are beachside while others can be found along the Anjuna-Arpora Road, which isn’t by the beach but is a convenient place to stay for getting around.

While in Anjuna, we stayed at the Anamiva Boutique Hotel and really enjoyed our experience!

To sum it up: the rooms were spacious and modern, the shady poolside restaurant was lovely, and the location was great for exploring Anjuna on our scooter.

As a digital nomad in Goa, I also really appreciated Anamiva’s fast Wi-Fi and spacious ground-level bakery and coworking/lounge area for productive sprints in between adventures.

Check rates & availability for Anamiva Anjuna here ✨

More places I’d recommend staying at around Anjuna/Vagator are:

• NomadGao — For digital nomads and backpackers, this accommodation is an awesome little spot to stay in Anjuna, cowork, network, and have fun! A simple yet comfortable stay for budget travelers.

We came here during our Nurall Goa Residency for a skill-sharing session and met the staff and guests. It’s a really cool atmosphere if you’re a solo traveler or nomad!

More options for backpackers include the hippie-dippie and top-rated Dreams Hostel and for longer stays and coworking, Rootsvilla.

For something more private and upscale, ideal for a couple or a family vacation, check out the luxurious W Goa Resort or Whiteflower Cottages in Vagator.

Assagao

Trendy restaurants, boho shops, heritage sites, and colorful Portuguese villas are what characterize the inland village of Assagao.

This bougie neighborhood east of Vagator makes for a great base if you plan to eat and shop a lot. 😅

That said, know that Assagao isn’t right near the beaches. It takes around 20 minutes to reach Anjuna/Vagator beaches from Assagao by car, so keep that in mind.

But if yoga/wellness, shopping, and exploring locally are your vibe, then staying in Assagao would be perfect.

The Best Places to Stay in Assagao

One of my favorite resorts in Assagao is the eco-conscious boutique hotel called Mojigao where nature meets wellness in simple, beautiful harmony.

I love the style of the luxury eco-cottages, the tropical garden, the spa, the forested hills, the healthy food, and the mindful activities you can do at this resort.

It’s essentially the non-beach side of North Goa bundled into a little eco-village!

Even if you don’t choose to stay at MojiGao, don’t miss out on the chance to eat at its MojiGao cafe, Artjuna—a local’s favorite go-to for coffee and bites. (They also have locations in Anjuna, Mandrem, and Badem.)

A night at MojiGao will set you back around $90–$110+ per night, but I find the price/value to be 100% worth it.

Reserve your cottage at MojiGao today 🌿

For a more budget-friendly stay in a similar style, check out Namaste Jungle Boutique Homestay ($+) or Botanique Goa ($$).

Morjim & Mandrem

Continue your little road trip further north in Goa and you’ll meet the cute coastal town of Morjim, and then a bit further up, Mandrem.

We based ourselves in Morjim for a few days and I’d highly recommend this area in general for a bit more rugged and laid-back feel.

There are still lots of bars, cafes, beaches, and boutique shops to keep you entertained, but it all feels a bit more wild.

Morjim is mostly surrounded by nature; its beach, Morjim Beach, is most known for its designation as an Olive Ridley turtle hatching area.

Not sure this town is right for you? Read my guide for the best things to do in Morjim 🌴

That’s why if you plan to beach it up during your stay, you should be aware that Morjim Beach isn’t the best for activities other than lounging in the sun.

Further north, Mandrem Beach offers more in terms of beachfront restaurants and shacks. It’s also the location of one of my favorite places to stay in North Goa — Vaayu Kula.

More on that below!

The Best Places to Stay in Morjim & Mandrem

Vaayu Kula is a beautiful beachfront boutique hotel just steps from Mandrem Beach.

It has everything I look for in accommodation:

• sustainability
• conscious/social business practices
• boho vibes
• healthy and delicious food (its onsite Prana restaurant/cafe is lovely!)
• wellness
• community/local activities

The A-frame style lodging with natural elements, Konkani arts and crafts, and upcycled materials is reason enough to stay here but considering its price/value, ethos, location, etc., it’s undoubtedly one of my top choices for where to stay in North Goa.

The founder, Jill, is an active member of the community and works with Act for Goa to promote sustainability in the community and region. I had the pleasure of hearing her talk during a panel and it was super insightful.

Honestly, two thumbs up for everything that Vaayu Kula is trying to do! You should definitely consider staying here as your base in North Goa.

Check rates & availability for Vaayu Kula here 🌴

If you’re more on a budget and not looking for anything extra special, then Morjim has quite a few beachfront hotels.

We stayed at the Justa Beach Resort located mere steps away from Morjim Beach. And although it wasn’t anything special, we enjoyed our stay! Plus, the pool was a welcome treat for those refreshing afternoon dips. 

For a more luxurious place to stay in Morjim with sea views, check out Larisa Beach Resort or the super cute jungly villas at Pause By the Sea. 🌊

Arambol

Finally, if you’ve heard about drum circles, Russian immigrants, and New Agers in Goa, then you’ve probably heard about Arambol.

Slews of backpackers and hippies come here to shop at the markets, take a dip in Sweet Water Lake, or grab a few beers and party on Arambol Beach.

In short, Arambol is a popular place to stay in North Goa, especially among the young and hip crowd.

Here are some of the top accommodation options in Arambol:

• TantraLoka Retreat Center ($)
• Radhika Eco Resort ($+)
• Aaria Hills ($+)
• Rama Beach Resort ($+)
• Fort Tiracol Heritage Center ($$+)

I personally wouldn’t stay here myself if given the choice to vacation in the other more laid-back coastal towns in North Goa like Morjim or Assagao.

Nevertheless, if this is the atmosphere you came to Goa for then this will definitely suit your tastes.

All in all, North Goa has literally something for everyone.

It’s got everything for any budget and preference—from jungly eco villas to flashy beachfront resorts to Portuguese heritage homes and more.

There’s so much to discover in North Goa so I really hope this guide on where to stay in North Goa helps you organize your trip and have a better experience!

I hope you find the perfect place to stay in North Goa! ✨

Feel free to reach out in the comments with your questions or shoot me an email. Don’t forget to pin this article for later!