Hotels in Dona Paula

Holidays here are for those who want to experience the ‘real Goa’, with a hefty serving of luxury on the side! Arpora holidays are full of traditional charm and home to some of the best sandy, palm-lined beaches in the region. The village is a rustic picture of clattering rickshaws, wandering goats, and small farms with sprawling rice-fields.

In contrast, the resort also offers excellent restaurants, a vibrant nightlife, and a full calendar of festivities and events. It’s also home to the Saturday Night Bazaar, where you can flex your bargain-hunting muscles, lit by lanterns and fairy lights; it’ll give you a superb introduction to the area.

Things to do

If you’ve got children with you, the chances are that you’re going to need some entertainment up your sleeve. Older kids can get involved with the water sports that are offered at most of the beaches. Alternatively, there’s the chance to jump on a boat and go dolphin spotting.

For a fun, family day out, the wild and watery world of the Splashdown Waterpark is only four minutes’ drive or 20 minutes on foot. There you’ll find rides, slides, pools and flumes, perfect for children of all ages. The Saturday Night Bazaar is popular with younger visitors, who’ll enjoy the sights, lights, sounds and smells of shopping by lanternlight. 

Excellent beaches

Arpora is slightly inland nearby the iconic Baga Creek and the popular Baga Beach is just a 20 minute walk away. Right next door is the Queen of Beaches, Calangute Beach, which is a lot more than just a beach, its bustling atmosphere flows from the iconic shoreline huts on the wooden promenade and it’s where you can buy drinks, food and handmade souvenirs. Relax along the long stretch of white sand under parasols and take a dip in the warm, gently shelving waters.

If you want something more upbeat, there’s plenty of opportunity for water sports or stick around after dark for delicious cocktails, live music and a party under the stars.

History and culture

Arpora is in upbeat districted of North Goa near the picturesque Baga Creek and is popular for its bustling Saturday market and vibrant nightlife. Arpora has recently seen some tourist development in the form of hotels, bars and and high quality restaurants built in the area. However, it still remains traditional with small hamlets, rice fields and a lush green landscape merging off the river.

Vibrant nightlife

North Goa is well known as having a vibrant nightlife and Arpora is no exception. You’ll be able to find an array of nightly entertainment from a selection of bars, clubs and casinos. Holidaymakers often visit Arpora, so you’ll find that DJs will play a variety of music from chart hits and dance to techno and hip hop.

Every Saturday night a market draws in visitors from all over Goa who come to sample the different types of street food and enjoy the entertainment and shopping. Browse round the stalls selling everything from handmade trinkets and souvenirs to spices and woven fabrics. As the evening continues the market comes alive with a party of street entertainers, musicians and dancers.

Just a short walk away is one of the original 60s hippie hangouts, Baga which is famous for being one of India’s best nightlife hotspots and provides plenty of opportunities to dance the night away.

Candolim is the perfect destination if you’re looking for sun, sea and swathes of sand, but without the post-midnight madness of livelier resorts such as Calangute. One of North Goa’s most picturesque resorts and full of bohemian charm, Candolim’s blessed with the best of the region’s beaches and surrounded by stunning tropical scenery.

The sun-drenched beaches and lazy days are typical of the laid-back feel of Candolim holidays, with the promise of exciting jungle adventures in a jeep or day-long sailing trips on a yacht. After the sun has set, the balmy nights are made for spending on the beach or eating a leisurely dinner, overlooking the romantic, ruined ramparts of the imposing Fort Aguada. 

Things to do

Although Goa might be one of the smaller states in India, it’s packed with things to do. Your Candolim holidays could see you heading off on an adventure, climbing or hiking in the mountains or taking a tour of Goa’s steamy, tropical jungle and spending the day spotting monkeys and observing tigers in their native habitat, before taking a refreshing plunge under a waterfall.

If all that excitement has left you a little worn out, recharge your batteries by spending a well-deserved day on the beach, stretching out on a sun lounger with the warm ocean lapping at your feet. If you’re still up for some excitement, try the water sports or cruise across the coast, watching pods of dolphins playing in front of your boat. Goan evenings are made for cold beers from the local beach shack and watching the sun set from the honey-coloured sands. If you’re in need of something to eat, wander into town for an aromatic Goan curry. 

Excellent beaches

Candolim has a fantastic 8km stretch of golden sand that’s backed by tropical greenery and rolling dunes. The vibrant beach provides a lively spot to enjoy the soft sand and shallow waters. Stroll along the 17th century Portuguese Fort Aguada out to sea for panoramic views of the Arabian coast, and views of the abandoned River Princess bulk carrier that’s stranded about 100 meters offshore.

Relax on a sunbed and bask in the warm weather or take to the water for an array of water sports like jet skis, paragliding, windsurfing and canoeing. Boating trips are available for the beach that can take you sailing in search of humpback dolphins. You’ll also find a whole host of beach shacks selling clothes, cold drinks, food and souvenirs.

History and culture

The village of Candolim is one of Goa’s most popular holiday resorts and has been recently developed to be equipped with all amenities needed for a comfortable stay in India. Take a trip down to the beach to see the well preserved 17th century Fort Aguada, which is a lighthouse as well as a Portuguese fortress. Candolim is in a great location just north of the Mandovi River and only a 20 minute drive from Goa’s capital Panaji, where you can explore the Portuguese architecture and Hindu temples.

Vibrant nightlife

North Goa is well known for its vibrant nightlife and colourful beach parties. The majority of Candolim’s nightlife can be found along Fort Aguada Road, where you’ll find a variety of restaurants and bars. Enjoy an authentic Goan meal made from a blend of tropical, citrus and spicy flavours, before finishing your night in one of the bustling bars to dance till the sun comes up. Alternatively spend your evening under on the beach and sip on cocktails brought from the beachside shacks and party under the stars.

Experience this bustling city on the south coast of Morocco. Agadir is perhaps best known for its silky-soft sandy beach (there’s a whopping 10km of it to enjoy so you’re bound to find a spot!) and year-round sunshine. Most of the original city was destroyed in a huge earthquake in 1960, and what you see today is a modern resort that was built in its place, complete with trendy marina restaurants.

Beyond the beach you’ll still get a sense of the rich history on Agadir holidays; you’ll find the Kasbah Mosque and traditional Berber villages within easy reach. And don’t forget to pick up a souvenir at the bustling souk.

Things to do

For many visitors, holidays to Agadir are first and foremost about long, lazy days on the beach. And where better to soak up the North African sunshine than on a 10-km stretch of almond-coloured sands? It’s one of the best beaches in Morocco. When you’re ready to refuel, you can grab a bite to eat at a local stall; the freshly-barbecued fish is a must try.

If you’re looking for a livelier spot, do as the locals do and head to the Souk El-Had for a spot of shopping. Fragrant spices fill the air as you wander past mountains of plump dates. In the evenings, you can dine in one of the stylish restaurants overlooking the modern marina. Just sit back and enjoy the sunset as you sip a chilled glass of Moroccan white wine.

Excellent beaches

The beaches are Agadir’s main attractions and are said to be some of the best in Morocco. The 10km stretch of soft, golden sand runs into crystal clear waters, which have received Blue Flag status. Enjoy spending your days relaxing in the exotic weather on sun loungers and under parasols, with views of the shimmering coast. Take a refreshing break from the heat in one of the cafes and restaurants that line the palm tree fringed promenade.

History and culture

Agadir was traditionally a small fishing village, which is still rooted in its customs with a wild marine life, picturesque harbour and delicious seafood restaurants. Agadir was rebuilt after a devastating earthquake wiped out the whole city in the 1960s. The city was rebuilt a few miles south from its original place and features modern buildings, floral parks and wide grid-like streets, which are easy to navigate around than most Moroccan cities. However, the city hasn’t lost its traditional charm, with colourful souks, spas and mosques which can be explored.

Laid back nightlife

Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere in one of the many bars in Agadir. The nightlife is low key compared to the cosmopolitan Casablanca and Marrakech, but there’s enough to keep you entertained if you are after a relaxing break away. Enjoy an authentic Moroccan meal and a cocktail or two in one of the beachfront restaurants or try you luck in one of the vibrant casinos. Pay a visit to one of the bars or venues that often host live music and traditional belly dance performances.

More travel guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations, including: Marrakech | Marocco