Goa is the kind of place that you’ve either never heard of or you go every year for an epic holiday. There’s no in between. Travelers that pass through Goa tend to come back. The Arabian Sea, the coconut trees, the cute beach huts, and the luxe beach resorts all bring together Goa’s laid-back scene. Some people will say that if you stay at a 5-star hotel, you aren’t seeing the real Goa, but after over five years of living there, I really don’t agree with that. There are cool beachy vibes at every budget. Many of the beach resorts in Goa bring in that chill vibe so that you feel it the moment you check in.

Don’t forget to check out my Insider Guide to Goa and my Ultimate Guide to India. Both are ebooks you can read on your phone, PC, or Kindle.

Major Beaches Around Goa to Stay In

The first thing to understand is that Goa is a very small state. You can drive from North to South in under four hours! Yet, people still find it a huge decision to go to the North or the South.

Basically, the North has most of the popular restaurants and parties. The South is more “quiet and serene” but has many of the best five-star hotels. For a more in-depth comparison of North and South Goa, check this post.

Here’s a list of the beaches in each area if you have a specific one in mind:

North Goa

Aguna Beach
Arambol Beach
Ashwem Beach
Baga Beach
Calangute Beach
Candolim Beach
Colva Beach
Majorda Beach
Mandrem Beach
Morjim Beach
Utorda Beach
Vagator Beach

Read More: Ultimate Unique Guide to North Goa and BEST Places to Visit in Goa in 3 Days

South Goa

Agonda Beach
Betul Beach
Cavelossim Beach
Cola Beach
Galgibaga Beach
Mobor Beach
Palolem Beach
Patnem Beach
Varca Beach

Read more: The secret beach resort in Goa and 5 lesser known beaches in Goa

Where to Book

So, the first thing I want to mention is that while there is a great selection of beach resorts in Goa, I do think they are best when you are a couple and need just one room. If you’re with more than one person, you’re going to get such a better deal (and have a cool Goan experience) if you try to get an amazing renovated Portuguese Goan villa.

There are so many amazing homes listed and they often come with a cook, cleaner, and other bits like a gardener or security guard. You can then cook at home, stay all together in a group, and usually save a ton of money while living like a “real Goan”. You can search through the resorts here on Airbnb. If it’s your first time using Airbnb, use this link to get a discount on your first booking.

But now, back to the beach resorts in Goa, sorted by budget. For the below, I’ll link to the best prices I find. It’s usually Agoda or Booking.com.

Note: some of these are not DIRECTLY on the beach but are walkable or a quick scooter ride away.

Best Beach Resorts in Goa (By Budget)

Budget Beach Resorts

Noname Guesthouse

Location: Arambol

Arambol is the “hippie” area with drum circles at the furthest north of Goa and this is the most popular guesthouse for backpackers.

Book here

Babu Huts

Location: Ashwem

Ashwem is the cool place to be and these huts are the cheapest, best value on the beach. I also love the food here.

Check their Facebook here

Cupid’s Heaven Guesthouse

Location: Agonda

Agonda is beautiful and quiet and you’ll get the perfect room at this budget guesthouse popular with backpackers.

Book here

Pappi Chulo

Location: Vagator

Kind of a party hostel, this is right on top of the cliff in Vagator – the best sunset spot in town.

Book here

Eco-Friendly Beach Resorts

Vaayu

Location: Mandrem

Surfing, tacos, smoothie bowls, this place is cool and has awesome eco-friendly lodging.

Book here

Jamboree Creek

Location: Mandrem

It doesn’t get more eco-friendly than Jamboree. They have the only cob house I know of in Goa as well as their own garden and so many other initiatives going on – plus yoga and all kinds of cool classes to join.

Book here

WigWam Goa

Location: Mandrem

A newer one this year, this is an amazin hip place to be with yoga, delicious eco-friendly food, and cool teepees among other lodging.

Book here

Bamboo Yoga Retreat

Location: Palolem

This is a yoga retreat but it’s also just so cool and if you’re vegan and yogi and such then this is one to check out on beautiful Palolem beach.

Book here

Mid-Range Beach Resorts

Yab Yum

Location: Ashwem

I am so obsessed with these huts! They are circle little hobbit looking things dotted along the beach under coconut trees.

Book here

Ciaran’s

Location: Palolem

My to-go in Palolem is Ciarans. Beautiful rooms, on the beach, affordable, and great food.

Book here

Otter Creeks & Elsewhere

Location: Ashwem

Elsewhere is a secret location (but everyone knows where it is) and rumor has it Brad and Angie stayed here once upon a time. Otter Creek are the same owner but cheaper cabins you can afford. Stunning location on Ashwem beach.

Book here

Ozran Heights

Location: Vagator

This is on Vagator Cliff and isn’t a big restaurant like most so you can actually sleep at night with a little less partying sound. These are comfy cabins with an awesome view in a great location.

Book here

Luxury Beach Resorts

The W

Location: Vagator

Vagator finally got a 5-star hotel! The W is on Vagator cliff and is close to parties, food, the coolest beach around, and actually throws cool parties itself.

Book here

Alila Diwa

Location: Majorda

I love to take a weekend away at the Alila Diwa. Their club rooms offer so much – even a shoulder massage while you checkin.

Book here

Ahilya By The Sea

Location: Nerul

These are just several amazing rooms along the coast of Nerul Beach. I am obsessed with the design but they sure aren’t cheap!

Book here

The Leela

Location: Cavelossim

If you want a classic 5-star experience anywhere in India, you can’t go wrong with the Leela.

Book here

I hope you love these amazing beach resorts in Goa! Enjoy your stay and for more, including budget, mid-range, eco, and luxe property options for each beach in Goa, check out my ebook, the Insider’s Guide to Goa, which will tell you everything from where to eat to where to party or even go get a wax – I literally cover it all!