3 Days at Candolim Beach: A Family-Friendly Itinerary

With over 30 beaches lining the shores of Goa, Candolim Beach is one of the best family-friendly places to stay.

Located in North Goa, Candolim is a much more laid-back option than some of Goa's more party-centric beaches. The main road here is lined with shops, a mix of local and international restaurants, and plenty of excellent Goa resorts and hotels.

Everything you could possibly need is within easy reach, perfect for a relaxing beach holiday. 

While it can be tempting to spend all of your time lounging around the beach, this 3-day Candolim Beach itinerary will take you on a few adventures too. From scaling the ramparts of a 17th-century Portuguese fort to spotting dolphins on a boat tour and sampling Goan delicacies, you're sure to have a memorable weekend away in Candolim Beach.

From forts and dolphin cruises to beach shacks and markets, this Candolim Beach itinerary has your long weekend in Goa mapped out.

Start your 3-day trip to Candolim Beach with a hearty breakfast from local favourite Caravela Cafe & Bistro. This family-owned cafe is known for its freshly brewed coffee (try the Latin Quarter Robusta) and its hearty all-day breakfasts. 

Once you've filled up, make your way to nearby Fort Aguada. To beat the heat, it's best to visit the fort before the midday sun hits. Located just steps from Sinquerim Beach, Fort Aguada was built by the Portuguese in 1612 to defend against the Dutch.

In 1864, the Aguada Fort Lighthouse was constructed on the site to aid passing ships. Although it no longer functions and a newer lighthouse has been built at the fort, the original lighthouse still stands proud as one of the oldest in Asia.

The fort spans the entire peninsula, offering panoramic views over the Arabian Sea. While history buffs will enjoy learning about the fort's history, visitors of all ages will love taking in the incredible Arabian Sea views from the top of the main Aguada Fort and from the peninsula's many viewpoints. The photo ops are endless. There's also an interactive museum inside the old Fort Aguada Jail, which is well worth visiting.

By now, you’re probably feeling the heat, which means it's time to go to Candolim Beach. With so many things going on at this beach, you can easily while away an entire day (or weekend) here. 

If you're feeling adventurous, take your pick of water sports, including very affordable parasailing and jet skiing. But if you just want to kick back and relax, you'll find plenty of loungers where you can set up shop for the afternoon.

Once you're ready for lunch, you'll have loads of laid-back beach shacks to choose from, too. If you're not sure where to go, Claudina's Shack is a popular pick for its excellent food and friendly staff.

End your first day in Goa with dinner at The Local Table. This place is run by a husband-and-wife team, but don't be surprised if you see their young daughter helping out. It's a true family affair. Expect home-cooked Goan dishes in a casual setting that feels like home.

Start your morning off by grabbing a quick breakfast at your resort or at the lovely Cafe Candolim. After that, it's time to set off to Old Goa, which is roughly 40 minutes from the shores of Candolim Beach.

This colonial capital turned UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a fascinating glimpse into Goa's colonial past. You'll find an impressive number of well-preserved 16th and 17th-century churches and cathedrals in Old Goa, all relics left over from the Portuguese era.

This area is easily walkable and you won't want to miss out on the Basilica of Bom Jesus, Sé Cathedral, or Church of St. Francis of Assisi. You can easily spend a few hours wandering around the area. If you happen to be visiting around Christmas, things are made even more magical with the nativity scenes and Christmas trees.

When hunger strikes, pop into Goa Streetz in Old Goa for lunch. The menu features everything from burgers and sub sandwiches to Goan classics, so there should be something for everyone in your crew.

From Old Goa, make your way back toward Candolim Beach. On the way, stop off at the Reis Magos Fort, which is perched on the banks of the Mandovi River.

This fort was built in 1551 and is yet another one of Goa's UNESCO World Heritage sites. Explore the grounds and you'll find old cannons, watchtowers, a prison, and sweeping ocean and river views. 

Alternatively, if you're looking to escape the heat with a kid-friendly indoor activity, you'll find the Goa Science Centre & Planetarium right across the river from the Reis Magos Fort. Here, little ones can tinker around with interactive exhibits, learn about astronomy in the planetarium, and play in the themed park.

Visiting the Arpora Saturday Night Market is one of the best things to do near Candolim Beach. From November to April, this seasonal market is open every Saturday evening from around 6pm to midnight. 

This is a fun place to spend the evening shopping for local handicrafts, clothes, spices, and more. Of course, you'll want to come hungry to sample the Goan delights and globally-inspired street eats. There's always live music and plenty of entertainment at this festive night market. 

After a leisurely breakfast at your hotel, you're going to embark on a dolphin-watching tour. The waters near Candolim Beach are teeming with dolphins, and while it is possible to spot these playful creatures from the shore at Dolphin Point near Fort Aguada, your best bet is to get out on the water.

This is a very popular activity, so you'll find plenty of fishermen offering boat tours on Candolim Beach. You could also book through your hotel or one of the tour agencies on the main drag. 

One of the best places to spot dolphins is off Coco Beach. These boat tours usually last for around an hour and offer great views of Fort Aguada as well as Palacio Aguada, a lavish mansion that was once the private residence of a billionaire.

The final afternoon of your weekend in Goa will be spent soaking up the sun at the beach.

Either stay close to home and lounge around Candolim Beach or check out one of Goa's other famous beaches. Located just north of Candolim is Calangute Beach. This is one of the biggest beaches in Goa, and it's also one of the most popular.

You should expect loads of people to gather here, but that's also part of the experience. Just north of Calangute Beach is Baga Beach, which offers a bit of a more laid-back vibe than its next-door neighbour, with plenty of water sports, beach shacks, and beachside parties.

End your final day in Goa with a return visit to what may become your favourite local haunt, The Fisherman's Wharf.

In true Goan fashion, this place serves a unique combination of Indian and Portuguese flavours with a special emphasis on fresh seafood.

Between the live music, the unique local dishes, and Goa's famous bebinca (layered cake) for dessert, this is a fun way to end your trip to Candolim Beach.

Chances are you're looking for a resort in Candolim Beach that your whole family will love and Novotel hotels have you covered. 

Book your Candolim Beach accommodation at Novotel Goa Candolim and you can spend your days splashing around the multiple pools, sipping cocktails at the pool bar, getting massages at the spa, playing games in the Sports Zone, ordering 24-hour service, and working on your tan at the beach.

When you stay at Novotel Goa Resort & Spa you'll a swimming pool with an outdoor jacuzzi, all day dining, supervised kids club and family friendly activities, and an onsite salon and spa featuring Goa's only Turkish Hammam so that you can relax and unwind in style.

Whichever Novotel hotel you stay at in Goa, you'll have everything you need for a fun-filled weekend at Candolim Beach.