Candolim and Calangute are top-tier locations in North Goa, not only because they are vibrant party hubs but also because they have upscale luxury properties you can buy. There are numerous reasons why investing in a second home in North Goa is a wise decision. This includes safe neighbourhoods, a sophisticated lifestyle, and the availability of civic amenities like banks, hospitals, schools, ATMs, etc. Another reason is accessibility to exciting destinations, which makes owning a home in the best locations in North Goa a breeze. In this blog, we’ll delve into places to visit near Candolim and Calangute and what they have to offer residents of these coveted Goan districts.
1. Mapusa Market
One of the best places to access near the vibrant towns of Candolim and Calangute is Mapusa Market. Established in 1960, it was the first planned market in Goa and a tourist hotspot in the state. This market is sprawled across three blocks and features a total of 173 retail shops. One can explore the best of Goan products in this market. You can shop for incense sticks, carpets, seedless tamarind, fruits, jewellery, pottery, spices, and Goan chouriço. The market may shut down in the afternoon for Goans who like to practise their susegad. In addition, one can find several colourful shops selling handcrafted kunbi sarees, along with local artisans selling handmade artwork. The best time to visit the Mapusa market is on Fridays, as items are available at extremely affordable prices.
Mapusa Market Goa Address: Municipal Market, Mapusa, Goa, 403507, India
Timings: Opens from Monday to Saturday 6 AM to 8 PM (Closed on Sundays)
2. Newton’s Supermarket:
Newton’s supermarket is one of the most prominent and leading supermarkets in Goa. Located in Sequeira Vaddo, it is a self-service type of facility from which you can pick up your daily essentials. A quick visit to the market and you can get access to fresh produce, meat, bakery products, chocolates, dairy products, and alcoholic beverages in a jiffy. Here, you can enjoy a one-stop shopping experience, all under one roof. The best part about Newton’s is that it stays open until late at night. Moreover, adequate parking space and systematic billing services provide a smooth and stress-free shopping experience.
Newton’s Supermarket Address: Candolim Road, Sequeria Vaddo, Candolim, Goa – 403515
Timings: Opens everyday from 9:30 am – 12:30 am
3. Reis Magos Fort:
Reis Magos is a sixteenth-century fort used by the Portuguese to safeguard them against enemy invasion. Hailed as one of the oldest forts in North Goa, Reis Magos offers enchanting views of the Mandovi River and the Arabian Sea. Many people also visit the nearby Reis Magos church. Earlier, it served as the home of important viceroys of Portugal who ruled in Goa. Today, this fort is a popular tourist attraction and is available to rent for parties, weddings, photo shoots, and cultural programs. One can easily reach the fort, which is only a 12-minute drive away from Candolim via Nerul.
Reis Magos Fort Goa Address: Verem, Bardez, Goa, 403114, India
Reis Magos Fort Goa Timings: 9:30 am to 5:00 pm (closed on Mondays)
4. Aguada Fort:
Standing tall and mighty in Candolim district lies the grand Aguada Fort, an iconic landmark in Goa. The colossal size of the fort covers the entire southern tip of Bardez. It was considered the most treasured architectural monument of the Portuguese in India. This two-story structure served two purposes: the upper part served as the fort and watering station, while the lower part acted as an anchorage for Portuguese ships. Besides the fort, another attraction that captures your attention is a lighthouse, considered to be one of the oldest in Asia. Apart from its deep historic significance, Aguada Fort offers wonderful views of the sunset and the Arabian Sea.
Fort Aguada Goa Entry Fee: No entry fee
Fort Aguada Goa Address: Aguada-Siolim Road, Sinquerim, Candolim, Goa, 403515, India
Fort Aguada Goa Timings: 9:30 am to 6:30 am
5. MOPA Airport:
The latest infrastructural project in Goa, the newly opened MOPA airport, has provided enough convenience for North Goan residents like those residing in Candolim, Calangute, and Saipem. Travelling in and out of Goa has become a breeze, thanks to the efficient MOPA airport, not to forget how it has taken the pressure off of Dabolim airport, which was earlier the only international airport in Goa. An interesting fact about the North Goan airport is that it is modelled on the theme of sustainable development. The recycling facilities, the rainwater harvesting system used, the solar panels and LED lights on the runway, etc. all contribute to upholding the promises of sustainability.
It would take an average of 45 minutes of car driving (via NH 66) to reach the MOPA airport from Candolim, Calangute, or Saipem.
Mopa Airport Address: Mopa, Cansarvornem, Goa 403512
6. Mall De Goa:
Mall de Goa is the most prominent mall in Goa to visit. It is the second-largest mall in Goa, sprawled across an area of 1,80,000 square feet, and was opened in 2016. This exquisite mall is a three-story building that features more than 82 shopping outlets, including food courts, restaurants, a children’s gaming centre, and an INOX multiplex with a 1000-seat capacity. Additionally, the mall also features an artificial turf futsal court and climate control spaces. Whether it’s to satisfy your hunger pangs, go on a shopping spree, or just to scrape the Goa heat, Mall De Goa is a fun place to hang around.
Strategically located on NH 17, the mall is accessible to both city dwellers and folks living in the Goan suburbs. One could find both national and international brands such as Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Louis Phillipe, Marks & Spencer, etc.
Mall De Goa Address: NH 17, Damian De Goa Complex,National Highway 17, near Goa Board, Povorim
Opens everyday from: 10:00 AM – 10:30 PM
7. Baga Beach:
Baga Beach is one of the most popular tourist spots in Goa and one of Goa’s most visited beaches. Located close to Calangute Beach, this beach is sprawled across 2 km. It is also named after the Baga Creek, which emptied into the vast Arabian Sea. It is lined with beach shacks, bars, eateries, fishing boats, and sun decks. It is a perfect place to escape the crowds of Calangute and Candolim beaches. Here, you can relish in drinking a chilled beer under a beach shack or sit quietly in the shade with your favourite book in hand. There are also tons of water sports to engage in, so if you have an adventurer’s soul, take full advantage of Goan water sports activities.
Baga Beach Goa Address: Calangute Village, North Goa, Goa, 403516, India
Baga Beach Timings: 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
8. Goa State Museum:
Situated in Panaji, the state capital, the Goa State Museum is easily reachable from both Candolim and Calangute. It’s about a 30- to 45-minute drive, making it a convenient excursion for a day trip. The museum was established in 1977 and houses several galleries with different themes, such as the Sculpture Gallery, Christian Art Gallery, Contemporary Art Gallery, Numismatics Gallery, Goa’s Freedom Struggle Gallery, etc. This museum has over 8,000 artefacts from different parts of India, showcasing the country’s rich diversity. Some remarkable collections also include ancient manuscripts, rare coins, etc. It’s an ideal place for history enthusiasts, students, or anyone interested in learning more about the cultural and historical background of the region.
Goa State Museum Address: Adil Shah Palace, Avenida Dom João de Castro, Patto Colony, Panaji, Goa 403521
Goa State Museum Timings: Monday to Friday from 10 AM to 5:30 PM
9. Saturday Night Market in Arpora:
The vivacious Saturday night market in Arpora is a mere 11 minutes drive away from Calangute and 21 minutes drive away from Candolim. Also known as Ingo’s Night Market, this market opens only in the peak tourist season of Goa, which is from November to April. It is a vibrant place to shop, eat delicious food from the food trucks, and enjoy live performances. One can pick up shoes, bags, accessories, clothes, spices, lamps, etc. It’s a market visited by both locals and foreigners, which makes the whole atmosphere of the market universal.
Address: H. No. 392 Casa Babu, Aguada – Siolim Rd, near Chauranginath Temple, Arpora, Goa
Timings: Between 4 PM and 11 PM on Saturdays from November to April
10. Mario De Miranda Art Gallery:
Mario De Miranda Art Gallery is dedicated to one of the most illustrious artists of Goa. Do not miss this place in North Goa if you’re an art connoisseur. Within two floors, you will find artwork that gives insights into Goa’s culture and heritage. Among the many gift-worthy items that testify to the cartoonist’s wit and sharp observational skills are mugs, t-shirts, scarves, fridge magnets, lamps, wall art, and many more. You can buy magnets, quirky masks, and crockery as souvenirs or for home decoration from this gallery. Onec can reach this art gallery via a car ride a mere 20 minutes from Candolim.
Address: H.No. 674 Torda, Torda, near Nisha’s Play School, Salvador Do Mundo, Goa 403101
Timings: 9:00 am to 5:30 pm
These are the places easily accessible from Candolim and Calangute. If you, too, have been contemplating the idea of having a home in Goa, it’s time to turn that idea into a lived reality. Check out luxury villas like Veera Eminence and apartments in Goa from Veera Developers Group, each offering unparalleled sophistication and luxurious living.