Your Guide to the Best Places to Stay in South Goa

Where to stay in South Goa? This question has no simple answer. South Goa has a number of accommodation options. However, the choice of your stay in South Goa would depend on a number of factors including the type of traveller you are,  budget, preferences, and so on.

While North Goa is brimming with visitors, South Goa has a different kind of vibe. The serene beaches, scenic mountain view and delectable food, make it an ideal spot for unwinding. While luxury resorts and high-end hotels in South Goa are plenty, many budget options are also available. 

If you are planning a quiet holiday in South Goa and want it to be on a budget, I am here to help. Goa is one of my favourite travel destinations and I visit the place quite often. In this blog, I will be giving you my recommendations for the best budget stays in South Goa, based on my personal experience.

Based on my frequent visits to Goa, I would recommend the above budget properties for staying in South Goa. 

Where to stay in South Goa?

Goa isn’t just about crazy all-night beach parties and adventure sports, it has much more to offer. There is a side to Goa that is best suited for people who wish to enjoy some relaxing time by the beach. You can discover this side of Goa in South Goa. 

With relatively unspoilt and serene beaches, South Goa is the preferred choice among visitors seeking quietude. While South Goa has a number of accommodation options, they are fewer when compared to the budget stay options in North Goa. 

In the following paragraphs, I will help you find the best budget accommodation in South Goa that best suits your tastes and preferences. Before I delve further into it, here is a brief overview of the  accommodation options in South Goa: 

These are the top reasons to stay in South Goa. Make sure you pin this image to your Pinterest board for later reference.

Best Place to Stay in South Goa near Beach

Some of the most serene and best beaches of Goa are located in its southern half. These include some well known and other not so popular beaches. If you are the kind of person who cannot stay away from the sea, you can choose to stay near one of the beaches. 

Where to stay near Majorda Beach?

Majorda beach is one of the northernmost beaches in South Goa. The beach is well known for its water sport activities, food and nearby points of interest like churches and museums. I think the best part about staying near this beach is that it is centrally located. Therefore, both north and south goa is easily accessible from here.

Here are my top recommendations for the best place to stay near Majorda Beach:

• John’s Highland Comfort Guest House– This guest house is about 1.5 km away from Majorda Beach and 3 km from Betalbatim beach. The place was clean, comfortable and spacious rooms.  I would recommend it for all kinds of travellers- family, couples, groups and solo. Prices start at 1200 INR for two people.
• C Pearl Guest House – The best part of the Guesthouse is its location. It is quiet and is only a walking distance from the beach. I would recommend it for groups and couples. Prices start at 1045 INR for two people.

Where to Stay near Colva Beach?

Colva beach is one of the largest beaches in South Goa and is well known for its Portuguese architecture & history. Colva is the place to be if you want to be part of great parties and indulge in some water sports. The added advantage of staying near this beach is that it makes it easy for you to visit the nearby beaches of Benaulim and Betalbatim easy. 

If you are travelling to South Goa with your friends, I would recommend staying near this beach. Here are my top recommendations to stay near Colva beach:

• Amigo Plaza – The hotel is located at about 500 m from Colva beach. This place is a good budget option for families and couples. Prices start at 1148 INR for two people.
• Unique Homes – This is a great option if you are travelling in a group. You can choose between one, two and three-bedroom apartment  Prices start at 999 INR for two people.

Where to stay near Cavelossim Beach?

Cavelossim Beach is located between Varca and Mobor beach and is the busiest among the three. All these beaches are quiet peaceful and make for a great stay, especially for couples. There are shacks and water sports 

These are my recommendations for a peaceful budget stay near Cavelossim beach:

• Sal Riviera – Located by the side of river Sal and Cavelossim Beach, this property is beautiful. You can choose to stay between rooms and cottages.  I would recommend this place for couples as well as families.  Prices start at 1369 INR for two people.
• River Castle – With clean and comfortable rooms, this apartment is almost equidistant from Cavelossim and Mobor Beach. The service and host were great too.  Prices start at 1369 INR for two people.

Where to stay near Agonda Beach?

Agonda beach is the perfect spot to choose for peace lovers. It is one of the best beaches in Goa that provided tranquillity and seclusion. The beach isn’t very commercialized and hence you will not find many shops or shacks.  You can hike on the hillocks here. Also, the local fishermen won’t mind taking you for a boat ride in the waters of Agonda.

These are my top recommendations for the best places to stay near Agonda Beach:

• Fatima’s GuestHouse – This place is probably the best value for money near Agonda. The best part about the stay is the food. The property is suited for all kinds of travellers. Prices start at 800 INR for two people.
• Sonho do Mar – I would highly recommend this place to anyone who wants to stay near Agonda Beach. The rooms are basic but pretty clean and spacious. The view is just amazing and the food served is decent as well. Prices start at 900 INR for two people.
• Agonda Sunset Hostel– Only a walking distance from Agonda, this is a pretty clean hostel with comfortable beds. Prices start at 299 INR per person

Where to stay near Palolem Beach?

Palolem beach is one of the unspoiled beaches of Goa with a powdery sand line and green background. Offering several activities like boat rides and hiking trails, this is the ideal hangout spot for both thrill-seekers and culture lovers. Staying near Palolem also allows you to easily explore the nearby Patnam beach.

These are my top budget recommendations for Palolem Beach:

• Bhakti Kutir Huts–  The place is located in a serene spot and is perfect for families. Prices start from 1333 INR for two people.
• Summer by Hostelcrowd– This is a hostel and hotel.  They have a great common area to hang out along with spacious rooms and bathrooms. I would strongly recommend this place for couples, groups and solo travellers. Prices start at 288 INR per person.

Best Place to stay in South Goa:  By Type of Traveller

Another important factor in choosing a stay is the kind of traveller you are. While certain places may be suitable for backpackers, they might not be suitable for family travellers. Below you can find my top recommendations for each type of traveller.

Where to stay in South Goa with Family?

Goa, South Goa to be more precise is one of my favourite places for a family holiday. You can take a stroll by the beach and spend some quality time with your loved ones. If you are planning to visit with family, I would suggest you stay in Canacona sub-district and near Agonda and Palolem beaches. Transportation is not a problem and there are plenty of activities you can indulge in.

These are some of my top picks for staying in South Goa with family:

• John’s Highland Comfort Guest House– This guest house is about 1.5 km away from Majorda Beach and 3 km from Betalbatim beach. The place has clean, comfortable and spacious rooms.  I would recommend it for all kinds of travellers. Prices start at 1200 INR for two people.
• Fatima’s GuestHouse– This place is probably the best value for money near Agonda beach. The best part about the stay is the food. Prices start at 800 INR for two people.
• Sonho do Mar – I would highly recommend this place to anyone who wants to stay near Agonda Beach. The rooms are basic but pretty clean and spacious. The view is just amazing and the food served is decent as well. Prices start at 900 INR for two people.
• Bhakti Kutir Huts–  The place is located near Palolem beach in a serene spot and is perfect for families. Prices start from 1333 INR for two people.

South Goa is a great place for a family vacation. I would suggest you stay near Palolem or Agonda Beach if you are visiting with family.

Where to stay in South Goa for Backpackers & Solo travellers?

The best budget options for backpackers and solo travellers are hostels. The best part about staying in hostels is that you get to meet so many other fellow travellers and share your experiences. In South Goa, the best hostels are located near Agonda Beach and Palolem Beach.

Some of my favourite hostels in South Goa are:

• Summer by Hostelcrowd– This is a hostel and hotel near Palolem beach.  They have a great common area to hang out along with spacious rooms and bathrooms. I would strongly recommend this place for couples, groups and solo travellers. Prices start at 288 INR per person.
• Rainbow Lining Hostels – This one is located near Palolem too. The place is really well maintained and the owners Nelson and Ayumi are really very helpful. Prices start at 399 INR per person.
• Agonda Sunset Hostel– Only a walking distance from Agonda, this is a pretty clean hostel with comfortable beds. Prices start at 299 INR per person.

Where to stay in South Goa for Couple?

South Goa is a highly recommended destination for couples. The quiet beaches are perfect for watching the sun go down with your significant other. South Goa has no dearth of accommodation options for couples and honeymooners. However, most of these places are quite expensive.

So, if you want to spend some quality time with your partner and you don’t want to go beyond a budget, I would recommend the following places:

• Sal Riviera –  This place is located in a nice peaceful area by the side of river Sal and Cavelossim Beach. You can choose to stay between rooms and cottages. Prices start at 1369 INR for two people.
• Agonda Beach Lavender Luxury Guest Houses and Villas– The location is absolutely wonderful and so is the staff and cleanliness. his place is great for families and couples. Prices start at 1500 INR for two people.
• River Castle – With clean and comfortable rooms, this apartment is almost equidistant from Cavelossim and Mobor Beach. The service and host were great too.  Prices start at 1369 INR for two people.

Where to Stay in South Goa with friends?

If you are a group of friends who would like to spend some quality time by the beach, South Goa is the perfect place for you. Go on hiking trails in nature or just sit down on the beach with your favourite drink. 

• Unique Homes – This is a great option if you are travelling in a group. You can choose between one, two or three-bedroom apartment. This property is fairly close to Colva Beach  Prices start at 999 INR for two people.
• Summer by Hostelcrowd– This is a hostel and hotel.  They have a great common area to hang out along with spacious rooms and bathrooms. I would strongly recommend this place for couples, groups and solo travellers. Prices start at 1200 INR for two people.
• C Pearl Guest House – The best part of the Guesthouse is its location. It is quiet and is only a walking distance from the Majorda beach. I would recommend it for groups and couples. Prices start at 1330 INR for two people.

Where to Stay  in South Goa: Area Wise

South Goa is divided into subdivisions and sub-districts. Of all these areas, the best areas to stay are Mormugao, Salcette, Quepem and Canacona. You can pick any one of these based on what suits you best. Below I am giving a brief description of these areas along with some budget stay recommendations.

Best place to stay in Mormugao

This is the northernmost sub-district of South Goa. Vasco Da Gama, Bogmalo Beach, Airport. This is a great option for couples and staying with friends. The main attractions here are Bogmalo beach, Baina Beach, Mormugao Fort, and Japanese Garden. 

Here are my top recommendations for staying in Mormugao:

• All Seasons Guest House Bogmalo – The guest house is located near the Bogmalo beach and is a great choice for couples and families. The owner is a really lovely lady who helped us out with cabs, buses and other information.  Prices start at 1001 INR for two people.
• James Guest House – It is located very close to the airport and Bogmalo beach. The place is clean and the rooms are spacious. I would recommend this place for all kinds of travellers. Prices start at 1450 INR for two people. 

Best Place to Stay in Salcete

Salcete is the commercial and cultural hotspot of South Goa. The main points of interest here are Colva Beach, Benaulim Beach, Cavelossim Beach, beautiful villages (like Loutolim Chandor)  churches, etc. Salcete is a great option for budget travellers. Margao or Madagaon, its largest city is a great starting point to access the rest of Goa. 

My top recommendations for places to stay in Salcette are:

• John’s Highland Comfort Guest House– This guest house is about 1.5 km away from Majorda Beach and 3 km from Betalbatim beach. The place has clean, comfortable and spacious rooms.  I would recommend it for all kinds of travellers- family, couples, groups and solo. Prices start at 1200 INR for two people.
• Amigo Plaza – The hotel is located at about 500 m from Colva beach. This place is a good option for small families and couples. Prices start at 1148 INR for two people.
• Sal Riviera –  This property is located in a nice peaceful area by the side of river Sal and Cavelossim Beach. You can choose to stay between rooms and cottages.  I would recommend staying in this place for couples as well as families.  Prices start at 1369 INR for two people.

Best Place to stay in Quepem

 If you want to experience rural Goa or just want to spend some time in nature, you should choose to stay somewhere in Quepem. The main places of interest in this sub-district are villages, churches and temples. There are also two lesser-known beaches Betul and Canaguinim Beach here. 

I would recommend the following place to stay in Quepem:

• OYO 41615 Peace Valley Apartments – This property is located in a quiet neighbourhood of village Quepem. There are a few temples and churches nearby. Prices start at 1330 INR for two people.

Best Place to Stay in Canacona

This is Goa’s most southerly district. It is one of the best places in goa to stay with families. There are many beaches in this area and

I would recommend the following places to stay in Canacona:

• Bhakti Kutir Huts–  the place is located in a serene spot and is perfect for families. This place is located near Palolem beach. Prices start from 1333 INR for two people
• Summer by Hostelcrowd– This is a hostel and hotel near Palolem beach.  They have a great common area to hang out along with spacious rooms and bathrooms. I would strongly recommend this place for couples, groups and solo travellers. Prices start at 288 INR per person.
• Fatima’s GuestHouse– This place is probably the best value for money near Agonda. The best part about the stay is the food. The property is suited for all kinds of travellers. Prices start at 800 INR for two people.

Budget Tips for Booking a Stay in South Goa

South Goa is one of the most beautiful beach travel destinations in India. The place attracts thousands of visitors from all around the world.

Here are a few tips that will help you book a decent budget stay in South Goa:

1. Book Early – You need to book well in advance if you are planning to visit during the peak tourist season. This is especially important if you are planning to stay in a hostel or in busy places like Baga or Calangute.
2. Call the property – Call the property at least a day before your arrival. That way not only will they keep your stay ready but you will also get a last-minute confirmation and there won’t be any hassles. 
3. Avoid the Christmas time – Avoid the time between Christmas and new year is the busiest time in North Goa. The beaches are full, and the resorts, hotels and hostels are jam-packed. The accommodation prices and more than double.
4. Carry a valid ID – You must carry a valid ID card.  For foreign nationals, the ID must be a passport.  For Indian nationals, mostly Aadhar card, Passport, etc can work. You may be refused a booking if you aren’t carrying one.

I hope this blog helped you with finding a suitable option for your South Goa visit. If you have any further questions, feel free to ask below in the comments section, I would love to help. 

Happy Wayfaring 🙂