Calangute or Candolim or Anjuna?

Hi! I am headed to India for a brief (3 weeks) tour of India, and I've never been and am terribly excited. We are stopping off in Goa for a few days (3 or 4, which I know is way too short to really experience it, but we are headed from seeing friends in Kerala to seeing friends in Gujarat and it is the only time we will have to visit Goa). From all the posts and books and articles, it seems that Calangute or Candolim or Anjuna would be great for us - we don't want a rave scene, but don't want somewhere too quiet either - just somewhere to enjoy for a few days. Where would be a fun place to go, not too dead but not like "the Cancun of India"? Or would Palolem be best???

Would also love a recomendation for nice but not overpriced hotels....

Thanks, and keep up the helpful posting!

Aron (aka spacerocker)

We have just returnd from Goa and spent 3 nights in Anjuna and 3 nights in an area near calangute called Aquada, Anjuna iteself is nice and a little more relaxed than the other palces although it does have its moments with one or two night club type scenes that rave on untill early, these couldnt be heard from the hotel we were staying at which was the Villa Anjuna (see Hotel Listings) Anjuna was only a short scooter ride from Barga Beach or a cheap taxi fare. Aquada is close to calangute and about a 50 to 100 IR taxi fare depends on how busy they are and how good you are at haggling. Its a little busier than Anjuna and there are more clubs and bars nearby, there is also more choice of hotels etc which means more tourists, my guess would be that somewhere between Aquada and calungute would suit you better, there are heaps of places to stay and we didnt have any problems finding one by dropping in, dont know you budget but anything from 800 to 1500 IR per night should find yu a descent clean place to stay. Always inspect the room first, check the shower and toilet works okay and check the mattresses they are usually as hard as iron. make sure the price is inclusive of taxes.
Good Luck

Yes agree with davy,
Calangute candolim area would be the best for someone like yourselves, first time in goa, 3 or 4 days.
Here you will find every need for the tourist/traveller, a huge choice of eating /drinking establishments, internet/telephone and shops for everything you want. You'll leave wishing that you had more time.
The futher you get away from calangute towards Fort Aguada the more upmarket it gets.
If you look via our search box it should through up a map of the area.

Happy Travelling