Whether you’re heading down for the weekend, a short/long term holiday, wellness retreat or simply living nearby, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your time in the South. Canacona or Kankon Taluka is the southernmost district of Goa, where you will find such popular beach destinations as Agonda, Palolem & Patnem along with the city of Canacona itself. And for whichever location you choose to visit, we’ve got a recommendation or two for the best places to sleep, eat, shop and explore along with a few extra resources, links and suggestions for every budget, lifestyle and interest.
Where to stay in South Goa
Fusion, Agonda - mid range beach huts, restaurant & event space
Mahi Agonda, Agonda - mid range boutique guesthouse just off the beach Simrose Beach Resort, Agonda - luxury beach huts 8 cottages The Khaama Kethna Holistic Wellbeing Retreat Centre, Agonda - off the beach Blue Planet Wellness Retreat, Agonda - off the beach guesthouse & restaurant Galaxy Jungle Huts, Agonda - off the beach rustic tents & cottages
Summer | The Hostel Crowd, Palolem - off the beach budget friendly hostel Crystal Goa Onyx Edition, Palolem - off the beach modern hotel & restaurant Cozy Nook, Palolem - mid-range beach huts & restaurant Nest Cottages, Palolem - boutique beach huts
Crystal Goa Emerald Edition, Patnem - well run hotel & restaurant just off the beach Jaali Villa & Cottage, Patnem - off the beach boutique cottages Home Beach Resort, Patnem - well run beach front guesthouse & restaurant Turtle Hill, Patnem - boutique beach huts Bougainvillea, Patnem - south end beach huts & yoga retreat
photo credits: (1) Cozy Nook (2) Crystal Goa Emerald Edition (3) Jaali Villa
Where to eat in Canacona | South Goa
The Thaali & Dosa House, Agonda - no frills and all quality at the centre of town Blue Planet Cafe, Agonda - off the beach family run restaurant & guesthouse Mandala Cafe, Agonda - simple, delicious vegan food & drinks Cafe La Boheme, Agonda - cosy cafe & vegan restaurant at the south end of town Dunhill, Agonda - high end beach front restaurant with local/international dishes
Zest Vegan & Vegetarian Restaurant, Agonda & Palolem - just down right delicious
Little World Cafe, Palolem - popular chai stall turned veg/vegan cafe and hangout Bombay Coffee Roasters, Palolem - quality coffee served at Summer Hostel Ourem 88, Palolem - highly reviewed and often full modern European restaurant The Space Goa, Palolem - off the beach veg/vegan cafe, shop & wellness centre
Karma Cafe & Bakery, Patnem - cozy/artsy cafe found on route towards Palolem Jaali Boutique & Cafe, Patnem - high quality & healthy fushion fare Cow Corner, Patnem - aptly named multi-cuisine restaurant w/ outdoor seating Ganesh Snacks, Patnem - mellow cafe with delicious local & veg/vegan food options Magic View Restaurant, Patnem - popular beach front Italian restaurant Hidden Gourmet, Patnem - fresh fish & fusion fare hidden at the north end
photo credits: (1) Hidden Gourmet (2) Cow Corner (3) Zest (4) Mandala Cafe (5) Jaali Cafe
Where to shop in Canacona | South Goa
Jaali Boutique, Patnem & Agonda - highend homewares, fashion & more India Love, Patnem & Agonda - quirky & eclectic fashions and souvenirs Bunti Goa, Patnem & Palolem - contemporary fashion & accessories boutique The Space Goa, Palolem - health food store & handmade goods Fusion Flea Market, Agonda - Saturdays 2x monthly (Nov – March)
photo credits: (1) Jaali Boutique (2) India Love (3) Bunti Goa (4-5) The Space Goa
Where to explore in Canacona | South Goa
For everything health & wellness in South Goa, check out The Space Goa’s facebook event page for upcoming courses and retreats. For quality surf lessons and rentals, check out Aloha Surf Shop in Agonda and for all things outdoor adventure, contact the team at Goa Jungle Adventure, operating out of Palolem. For live music, performances, movies nights and more, tune into Fusion’s facebook event page for regular updates.
photo credits: (1) The Space Goa (2) Aloha Surf India (3) Fusion Agonda
And if you’re wondering which of the three beach towns is right for you, consider them much like a family. Patnem being the parents, a mature couple with a taste for quality and the yearning for quiet sunset strolls and boutique hospitality. Palolem their bachelor son, a young excitable fellow on the hunt for other solo travellers and late night fun. While his slightly older sister, Agonda, has taken off some 10km north to meet with her quirky creative aunt, in need of a little breathing room and sufficient space to stretch and soul search. We’ll let you decide with whom you can relate most…
For anything else you may need, check out our top 7 Goa guides for more helpful links & related resources to get you ready for your trip!
Download/share our free Google map with pin drops for all of the above locations!