Goa can be divided into two sections, mainly North and South Goa.

North Goa, just like South, can be divided into sections or areas.

Known for its buzzing beaches, Portuguese-era forts, and eclectic nightlife, North Goa attracts travelers who want energy, variety, and a little chaos mixed with charm. Each beach has its vibe, from loud to crowded, to more bohemian, laid back and family oriented. Beyond the beaches, North Goa has a strong sense of history too. From forts to old narrow village roads which reveal old Portuguese houses, whitewashed churches, and quiet corners that feel worlds away from the party scene. Regarding food. you’ll find a bit of everything here. From traditional veg and non-veg Indian food, to more global food.

I’d say that North Goa brings everyone together, from backpackers to luxury travelers, artists, party goers and locals.

Useful links for events in Goa

North Goa sections/areas

ANJUNA: Once a quiet village that drew in hippies and free spirits in the 1960s, Anjuna still carries that legacy—creative, relaxed, and slightly rebellious—while evolving into a vibrant coastal hotspot. You will find a big Israeli population there, as many of the festivals happen very close (Vagator) and mostly they organise them.
🛏️ Where to stay in Anjuna: There is this cute hostel called Artjuna cabañas which is located a little away from the main road and attached to a beautifully located cafe called sana cafe. They also have a beautiful yoga Shala which is most of the time used for drop in classes (that will cost you 500 rupees as a guest), but you can find some free spots during the day to practice by yourself too.
👉🏼 Artjuna cabañas link here

Food in Anjuna

$ = 0.70 cents - 3 euros / $$ = 3 - 7 euros / $$$ = more (dish only)

🍽️ 🇮🇳 Where to eat indian food in Anjuna:

#1. Edu’s Kitchen $: A lovely little restaurant owned by the owner only. He does all by himself and everything I’ve had there was truly delicious and had an authentic taste. I recommend the paneer Masala, the jeera rice and the masala omelette.

#2. Chennai Murugan Idli dosa $: open from 9am to 9pm, they serve all sorts of Indian breakfast meals that are all very good. Their chutneys are delicious.

#3. Tin Tin Tibet $ : Although they offer all types of asian cuisine, I recommend taking the momos and Thukpa

#4. Why Not North Indian: A simple restaurant that serves really good (north) Indian food with very nice staff. I recommend the samosa chaat, pudina lachha paratha, Tawa paneer masala and the jeera rice if you like cumin.

Paneer masala @edu's kitchen

Mushroom, spinach and paneer momos @tintintibet

Plain Dosa and idli @chennai

Masala omelette @edu's kitchen

Thukpa @tintintibet

Samosa chaat

Pudina Lachha paratha

Tawa paneer masala

🍽️ 🌍 Where to eat international food/coffee places in Anjuna:

#1. Devang $$: Lovely eatery located a little more inland. I recommend their chickpea omelette, the almond butter and sunflower seed toast as well as their masala chai!

#2. Gratitude $$: I’ve only had their smoothie bowl but it was good. Maybe a little too sweet so bear that in mind

#3. Goa Jars $$: A little outside of Anjuna towards Saligao (Parra).

Goa jars platter

Goa jars smoothie

Goa jars

Devang smoothie bowl

Devang almind butter toast

Devang chickpea flower omelette

Gratitude smoothie bowl

What to do in Anjuna

Rent a scooter and ride around. You’ll find some beautiful nature, houses, villages,…
Anjuna flee market (along the sea)
Hill top market: Only on Fridays from 5pm to 12am
Go to the beach, mainly Anjuna beach, or a little more north Ozran beach and Vagator beach
Get a massage: I recommend Ayurglow Spa & Kerala Ayurveda
Watch sunset
Go to Chapora fort (for sunset)
If you are a techno/psytrance lover you’ll find some great parties
Same goes if you like drinking, alcohol is really cheap in Goa and you will find many (beach) bars and more fancy bars that will serve nice cocktails
Take a drop in Yoga class at Aum Yoga Studio
Go to the gym at balance gym (500 rupee drop in) or muscle factory (300 rupee drop in)

MORJIM: Morjim is in between - Anjuna, Vagator, Siolim and Madrem, Arambol. It is another coastal village very popular with Russian travelers. Known for its wide beach and soft golden sand, Morjim offers a peaceful alternative to the busier Goan hotspots while still having some quite busy spots itself. It is also an important nesting site for the endangered Olive Ridley turtles, which come ashore here each year. With its mix of laid-back cafés, scenic sunsets, and relaxed atmosphere, Morjim is a perfect spot for travelers seeking calm, nature, in Goan charm.

🛏️ Where to stay in Morjim: Definitely stay at these studios part of Khana & love cafe (maps here) otherwise known as Ricefields studios. They are located at the border of rice fields at the end of a village, with a view on organic gardens, boys playing cricket around 5pm, home to many birds, dogs, cows and trees. The owners are adorable and also own a coffee serving delicious drinks and food. The studios are beautifully decorated and have everything you need.

👉🏼 Link to Airbnb here

Food in Morjim

🍽️ 🇮🇳 Where to eat Indian food in Morjim:

#1: Gyatso: Located in Ashvem, this Nepalese restaurant is heaven. It’s quite small so it can get full quite easily so make sure you arrive quite early or make a reservation. I recommend their Chhutagi pan fried porc soup, their vegetarian tofu rolls and their home-made ice cream (especially the pistachio and the seabuckthorn) which were out of this world. That said, i’m pretty sure everything on the menu is delicious

#2: Bohème: You can find both local and international food here. I tried their paneer Biryani and it was actually very good.

🍽️ 🌍 Where to eat international food/coffee places in Morjim:

#1: Khana & Love coffee: This is the place attached to the studios. Really good coffee, omelettes, black rice and coconut milk pudding and homemade granola with lovely setting and atmosphere.

What to do in Morjim

Go to Turtle beach
Have a morning/evening walk on the entire lenght of Morjim beach
Walk around the villages or drive around
Visit Morjai temple

MANDREM - Mandrem has a laid back vibe to it. It is located in between Morjim and Arambol and is a good place to stay, close enough to the vibrant areas without being disturbed by noise all night. You’ll find a laidback atmosphere there, less commercial, a bit less crowded due to it’s size, and more introspective.

🛏️ Where to stay in Mandrem: The North39 which is located in the middle of the fields, but only 5 minutes walk from the beach (make sure to ask for the shortcut). The place is super cute, lovely staff and there is also a small restaurant (8am-2pm / 7pm-10pm) if you don’t feel like going out.

The North39

Food in Mandrem

🍽️ 🇮🇳 Where to eat indian food in Mandrem:

To be honest I was quite sick during my time in Mandrem, but I still got to try the food at Adobo (the restaurant from the North39), the cook is passionate about his job and cooks really well.

I also ate at Chia lounge, food is good but I think the prices are to high for what it actually is.

Otherwise I’ve heard good things of Dunes restaurant and waango waango

What to do in Mandrem

It’s a place where you’ll simply go to the beach, relax, eat and shop a little. Good for remote workers

ARAMBOL - Arambol is definitely the busiest of all other mentioned above. Although not my favorite, it still has some things to offer.

🛏️ Where to stay in Arambol: So i’d recommend staying outside of Arambol as it can get very noisy. I’ve stayed in Mandrem (10 min scooter ride to Arambol) in this place called The North39 which is located in the middle of the fields, but only 5 minutes walk from the beach (make sure to ask for the shortcut). The place is super cute, lovely staff and there is also a small restaurant (8am-2pm / 7pm-10pm) if you don’t feel like going out.

👉🏼 The North39 link here

If you reaaaaally want to stay in Arambol then I’d recommend this place called Goya Gate. I stayed there one night and it was nice.

👉🏼 Goya Gate link here

Food in Arambol

$ = 0.70 cents - 3 euros / $$ = 3 - 7 euros / $$$ = more (dish only)

🍽️ 🇮🇳 Where to eat indian food in Arambol:

#1: Soma Santripti $/$$

#2: The Madras Mali $: Known for their Dosa (I found them a little thick but maybe that’s their style)

#3: Cafe delight AND Mama’s kitchen: For their momos (especially the spinach cheese momo

🍽️ 🌍 Where to eat international food/coffee places in Arambol:

#1: Awani plant-based: Beautiful nature coffee in the middle of a garden with comfortable pillows. We sit on the floor. I recommend their hot chocolate and the mediteranean platter

#2: Other-wise: a hidden gem. Located behind cafe 7am, this place serve organic and healthy food. I recommend the raw porridge.

#3: Coffee 8848: I would say that they are really good at sweet food. Delicious cheesecake - comes in different flavors (a little heavy beware) and their tiramisu is supposed to be delicious. Their coffee is also very good as well as their granola with fruit. I just love the setting also, so so peaceful.