10 Reasons Why I Love Goa So Much I Moved There!

palolem beach south goa

Many people ask why I spend so long in Goa, usually the only reason I can give them is ‘why not’ or ‘where else’ because honestly I really don’t know where else I’d rather be because I love Goa so much!

This slice of paradise on India’s Western shores provides such a diverse and captivating mix of people, food, lifestyles, cultures, things to do and religions that there really is something for everyone and what’s not to like about spending endless sunshine filled days exploring the gorgeous countryside, relaxing on the beach or partying the night away?

But what is it that makes Goa so special? Not just for me, but for so many other people who love Goa and feel compelled to return each year to Goa’s shores, many of them stay for the whole season, find it hard to leave and call Goa ‘home.’

Let me reveal why I love goa so much that I moved there!

10 Reasons Why I Love Goa So Much I Moved There!

Anna watching sunset on the beach in Goa
Watching sunset on the beach in Goa

Sunshine filled days

While the Northern Hemisphere is in the grip of winter India enjoys sunshine filled days perfect for exploring or just for lazing on the beach and even when temperatures rise across the rest of India, Goa is kept a little cooler with the refreshing sea breezes.

Apart from in Monsoon (June- Sept) you can pretty much guarantee that you will wake up to sunny, clear, blue skies and a warm day – beats shivering in the gloomy cold European or North American winters.

So many beaches

Goa has over 300 km of tropical coast line and all the beaches have their own special charm and character which means you will never get bored.

From the empty, white sands of the beaches in the South to the action packed beaches in Calangute or hippy Arambol, mellow Morjim, colourful Palolem or secluded Cola Beach – there’s a beach to suit everyone in Goa! And yes, there are cows on the beaches – it’s all part of the unique Goan charm and why I love Goa.

Read More: The Best Beaches in Goa: How to find the perfect beach for you!

Ashvem Beach in North Goa
Ashvem Beach

A global community

Some of my friends say ‘why go anywhere else when the whole world comes to Goa’ and it’s true! Apart from the Goans, who are some of the most hospitable, kind, welcoming and tolerant people anywhere, you will meet people from all over India and all over the world in Goa.

Brits, Russians, Israelis, Italians, French, Germans, Swedes, Swiss, Australians, Americans, Spanish, Peruvians, Chileans, Argentinians everyone loves Goa. The special mixture of creative people and free spirits here is one of the biggest reasons why I love Goa.

Even though the days of the overland ‘hippie trail,’ which bought the first tourists to these shores and made Goa famous are over, there is still a thriving hippie and alternative community and many foreigners stay for the whole season which gives Goa a blend of Eastern and Western culture and a good community feel making it easy to make friends.

A magical, unique culture

Goa is India’s smallest and most laid back and westernised state and you can still see, feel and taste the influences from nearly 500 years of Portuguese rule that creates an intoxicating blend of East and West.

I love India as it is perhaps the most exuberant, captivating and incredible country in the world but traveling here can be challenging but Goa is distinctly different from the rest of India and much easier.

Perhaps its the perfect blend of the magical Indian culture, the laid back Portuguese charm and the hippie past that creates a heady mix that is captivating, unique and welcoming to everyone and means that Goa is quite unlike anywhere else in the world.

Read More: 21 Reasons I love India so much

Portuguese house and green fields in Goa during monsoon season
Portuguese house and green fields in Goa during monsoon season

Amazing food

Goa is a foodies heaven! Indian food is always a delight and Goan cuisine which fuses the flavours of Indian and Portuguese cuisines with a healthy amount of fresh seafood and tasty spices is a unique treat. But it’s not just about curry, any food you want, from anywhere in the world, you can enjoy in Goa.

From cheap and cheerful beach shacks to laid back eateries and world class fine dining restaurants – you are spoilt for choice here, the European food is also great and you can even get a real beef steak.

Perhaps the best thing about the food scene in Goa is that it’s always great value for money with even a dish in a fancy restaurant not setting you back much more than 500 Rupees (£5 pounds $7 ) Expat supermarkets also sell imported food so you don’t even have to miss your favourite foods from home.

Vibrant markets

Goa is home to some of the best markets in the world and you can really find some interesting, unique bargains, as long as you know how to haggle!

The famous Anjuna Flea Market still erupts in a sea of colourful sarongs, spices and souvenirs in Anjuna every Wednesday, and I love the Saturday Night Market in Arpora, it is so much more than just a market – it’s a night out with live music, food stalls and loads of handmade, hippiesh clothes and jewellery stalls.

The local markets are also great to experience, try the hustle and bustle of Mapusa’s local market for a taste of ‘real India’ and every night at sunset a hippie market and drum circle sets up on Arambol Beach.

Read More: 3 of the best markets in Goa you must visit

Anjuna flea market, Goa, India

Out of this world nightlife

Goa is called India’s party capital and nightlife here is definitely among the best in the world. Again, it’s really diverse, from classy dinning and cocktails at sunset to the buzz of the market, live music, casinos, bars pumping out the latest Bollywood hits or techno parties, silent discos on Palolem beach.

And of course the famous all night psychedelic trance raves under fluorescent palm trees that Goa is famous for. Goa’s nightlife is an experience and with so much going on the party never stops!

Read More:  Top 10 best parties and clubs in Goa and my tips for celebrating New Year in Goa.

There’s always something new to explore

Another one of the reasons why I love Goa and spend so much time here is because I never get bored. There really is something for everyone in Goa, from luxury beach resorts to cheap beach huts, from swish nightclubs to hippie hang outs, from mellow yoga retreats to all night raves, fort and churches, spice plantations and waterfalls and so much more history, culture, architecture and nature to explore.

And Goa is not just about lazing on the beach – there are all kinds of yoga and alternative therapies and courses on offer, cooking courses, adventure sports and so much more to do. Even though Goa feels pretty touristy on the main beaches it’s easy to escape,  get off the beaten track and see a more authentic side.

One of my favourite things to do in Goa is just exploring by motorbike, zipping through the paddy fields under a palm tree filled blue sky, through colourful villages and past old white washed churches with the wind in my hair is an intoxicating experience and everyday you can still find something new to explore – you won’t get bored.

Read More: Things to do in Goa – off the beach!

Cute Portuguese churches in Goa
Cute Portuguese church in Caba da Rama Fort in South Goa

Low cost of living

India is one of the cheapest places in the world to travel (it’s possible to get by on only 1000 Rupees (£10 / $15 a day) and although Goa is more expensive compared to the rest of India, life here is still wonderfully affordable compared to the rest of the world.

Read More: The cost of living  in Goa  and How to rent a house in Goa.

The relaxed ‘Susegad’ pace of life

Susegad means a relaxed, laid-back attitude towards life and Goa is well known for its chilled out pace of life and the importance placed on having fun and living life to the fullest.

Goa is also one of the easiest places to travel in India, as a solo female I have never felt unsafe, I can wear what I want, even at night, without attracting uncomfortable attention and life is relaxed, peaceful, free and easy.

Holy Cows are everywhere in India, even roaming freely on the beaches of Goa
Holy Cows are everywhere in India, even roaming freely on the beaches

 

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57 comments

Karan Khanna January 5, 2017 at 7:44 am

the people make the place what it is. Goa is a seekers paradise. You can be whoever you want here.

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Global Gallivanting January 5, 2017 at 3:28 pm

Very true! 🙂

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Emily Parkes January 5, 2017 at 8:31 am

<3 ! So you Anna! This made me smile xxxx

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Global Gallivanting January 5, 2017 at 3:28 pm

Thanks 🙂 Hope you visit again sometime soon!? x

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Carla Roberts-Goves January 5, 2017 at 12:51 pm

Lois Banks Tia Lucia Jackson Emma-Jane Hendry

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Lois Banks January 5, 2017 at 1:39 pm

Looks beaut

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Stacey McGinlay January 5, 2017 at 7:10 pm

Lots of things i love about Goa the food the people and the beautiful beaches and places 🙂 how at home i feel i just love it! <3

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Global Gallivanting January 9, 2017 at 4:17 pm

Yes so many things – there’s not really anywhere else like it 🙂

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Stacey McGinlay January 9, 2017 at 5:22 pm

I know i agree 🙂

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Stacey McGinlay January 9, 2017 at 5:23 pm

Wish i could live there i hate comimg back to the uk ha 😀

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Sonal of Drifter Planet January 6, 2017 at 10:29 am

Awesome! I love your articles about Goa. I feel the same too 🙂 <3

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Anna January 7, 2017 at 2:09 pm

Thanks Sonal 🙂

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Vis Ho January 7, 2017 at 3:38 pm

Melina Ela

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Melina Ela January 7, 2017 at 4:02 pm

Should check out!

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Vis Ho January 7, 2017 at 4:03 pm

what are you waiting for!

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Arianwen January 15, 2017 at 8:06 pm

I haven’t even been to India yet! Goa looks amazing and will definitely be on my list if I ever get there.

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Anna February 3, 2017 at 4:36 pm

Hey Arianwen

Thanks for stopping by! Glad you like the post – Goa is beautiful and unlike anywhere else in the world really.

Hope you make it here sooner rather than later!

Happy Travels 🙂

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Dhanraj Singh Aalrhia January 20, 2017 at 6:57 am

HI whare r u stay in goa now

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Dora Louise Bagshaw January 20, 2017 at 10:10 am
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Nour September 30, 2017 at 1:54 pm

Only in Goa you begin to understand that life is a GIFT, not a privilege!

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Silvio November 11, 2018 at 4:45 am

Wow. That’s sounds very good
Thanks
Silvio

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Trinh October 2, 2017 at 5:15 pm

Hi !! Anna
Love your writing and story about India and Goa. I love to visit India really much !!
My name Trinh. Iam from Vietnam .have you been to Vietnam yet ?? I will be your guide when you visit my country
I love travel and have been doing much of 4 continental and countries .
I love to make friends and travel !! 😉
TRinh

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Anna October 2, 2017 at 6:28 pm

Hi Trinh. Thanks – I’ve been to Vietnam and I loved it! Glad you liked my posts about India and Goa. Happy Travels to you 🙂

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تور کیش November 5, 2017 at 11:05 am

Thank you for good content

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javi lara November 10, 2017 at 9:51 pm

Hola Anna
Quizas el año que viene visite india, y como no goa, pero espero que te canses del calor y te vea antes por andorra

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Anna January 9, 2018 at 7:22 pm

Hola Javi 🙂 Yes Let me know if you come to India! I’ll let you know if I visit Andorra – Enjoy 🙂

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Mandar M Sherlekar November 11, 2017 at 1:55 pm

The way you have captured the essence of Goa is awesome. It is paradise. When the snow covers the mountains in the northern hemisphere, goa brings in the sunshine. Essentials sun tan and beach towels and a great appetite. The sun is shining and everyone is welcome to Goa. Happy vacations.

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Russel December 10, 2017 at 9:07 am

to travel is worth any cost or sacrifice.

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[email protected] February 21, 2018 at 10:48 am

Nice g

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Joanne July 18, 2018 at 4:09 am

Everything looks great and the photos are wonderful!

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Hariom September 11, 2018 at 12:40 pm

I love the vibes here which makes me visit Goa at least once a year. Great read and wish you many more such moments. 🙂

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David Zoey September 26, 2018 at 2:49 pm

Wow, Goa is my favorite destination. I love Goa. The aanand seafood restaurant is really awesome for eating seafood. The goan dish is delicious. Beach is very clean and nice. Baga beach is great for enjoying. Great info you share on this blog.

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Anna September 30, 2018 at 7:05 pm

Thanks, yes Anand is one of my favorite restaurants too

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Pratibha March 7, 2019 at 12:38 pm

this blog literally gave me a whole picture of the place. i am so glad i stumbled on it right when i was thinking about where is should go with my husband for the upcoming holidays. great work!

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Anna April 21, 2019 at 2:18 pm

Thanks Pratibha! Glad you liked the article and found it useful. Have a great time in Goa! 🙂

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Visiit March 20, 2019 at 1:54 pm

Goa is amazing place to explore. Goa is best for seafood and the beach that’s what people knows till now. Lot of amazing exploration is in your page. Thanks for the excellent writtings.

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Anna April 21, 2019 at 1:43 pm

Thanks! Glad you liked it! 🙂

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Roslia Santamaria March 26, 2019 at 6:41 am

Goa is a place where every friends group wishes to visit . !!
I had been to Goa once and seriously its one of the best place on the planet.
I completely agree with what you had written in your post.
Perfect post !! Thanks !

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Anna April 21, 2019 at 1:33 pm

Thanks Roslia, glad you liked the article and happy to hear from another Goa lover! 🙂

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Rinal Shah May 14, 2019 at 2:28 pm

Goa an exotic place to have fun and generally known for party. Here we can enjoy calm and cozy moments, take sun bath and also can do some adventurous activities like water sports, paragliding etc. In short one stop destination to enjoy holidays to the fullest in India.

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Lombok Wander June 17, 2019 at 9:44 am

That’s was good explanation !

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Aparna June 21, 2019 at 7:37 am

goa is beautiful place to visit enjoyable toor with amazing places and beach thank u for providing useful information

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Shwetha Shah October 15, 2019 at 12:08 pm

Happy to state many individuals are enthusiastic about something that is fun and stunning. A debt of gratitude is in order for giving ingenious article to travel fans like me.These individuals are exceptionally moving!!!

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Jyoti basu February 22, 2020 at 7:43 am

Such a so beautiful place goa. They are amazing place. This is so amazing article. Thanks for sharing your information.

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Stella Wilson May 1, 2020 at 10:51 am

Hi Anna,
I really enjoyed this blog. You write so well. I was hooked from the start. In love with all these photographs. Keep up the good work 🙂

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Kirtika saha June 8, 2020 at 8:45 am

Really it was so interested article. They are so nice article. I love taking photos and I’m glad there are posts like these, it’s so useful. Thanks for sharing your information.

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Nilima August 12, 2020 at 5:59 pm

Happy to read about Goa! Its my favourite place too 🙂
I go there at least twice a year…Glad to see you have made India your home 🙂

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Roshan Kumar August 28, 2020 at 8:59 am

Hello Anna, your blog is very nice. Goa is really a place, where eveyone wants to go, at least once in their lifetime.
I has visited Goa with friends, more than five times. It is my favourite place. Church and French quarters are really nice here.

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Leanne December 4, 2020 at 12:30 am

As a Goan (living in the Uk) reading your blog made me really miss home . Very well written Anna 🤩

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Anna December 9, 2020 at 5:51 pm

Aww thanks Leanne – that means alot. Hope you get to Goa again in the not too distant future.

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Akshay May 3, 2021 at 10:32 am

Hi anna, I think goa is the one of the most beutiful place in india to visit for tourists. Thank you for sharing the amazing information with us.

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