I think Callumn would be the best one for that area Over to you Callumn

no-one want to beat Calum to it?

Cavelossim is a wonderful village nestled between The River Sal and the Arabian Sea with a gorgeous white sandy beach which stretches literally for miles. There is a nice selection of excellant restaurants (around 20) starting at the Palm Grove (consistently serves fantastic food with Laurence playing the perfect host http://www.palmgroveresidencygoa.com ) in the heart of the village along around a mile and a half stretch up to the Old Anchor. There is then a 5 minute taxi ride or 20 minute walk along the beach to the ward of Mobor which also has 3 or 4 restaurants. Many have there favourite restaurants one of ours is The River View Joe (the owner who is always smiling) has built a pontoon on the River and during the day it is a great spot for lunch. Chilling out watching a working fishing port in one direction and a stunning river view in the other. Locals diving off dugout canoes for oysters, kites, egrets the ocassional osprey and of course the kingfishers diving for lunch. At night the ambience is excellant with very good live music on certain evenings, the tandoori crab is to die for and the crabs are kept in a creel dropped into the river from the pontoon so fresher than fresh.
There are around a dozen beach shacks (plus another 6 at Mobor) where the service and food is excellant. Each shack holds a beach party one night a week on Tuesdays Wednesdays and Thursday nights where the tables and chairs are put on the beach and after dinner and a firework fire dancers etc. display the shack turns into a dance floor which continues into the early hours. foodwise you can pre-order speciality seafood or order off the normal menu. A great night will be had by all :-)
All day boat trips (as well as fishing dolphin and birdwatching)are a great and excellant value trip Betty's, Jacks and Jullio's are the main operaters. http://www.bettysgoa.com will give you an idea of what is available and all three do similar trips at similar prices.
Acomodation wise there are guesthouse/small hotels as well as larger resort type 4 and 5 star options. For shopping there are all the usual stalls and shops etc. to barter till your hearts content as well as a genuine designer style store called Saga. For jewellery I (and I know other's on the forum) can highly recommend The Jewel Collection no13 Luisa By The Sea shops Jaan (pronounced John) is a lovely genuine guy, you can either purchase from his collection bring your own designor he will help create a design. We had a fabulous solitaire made which Mrs. Jock still get's comments on when she is out. Cavelossim is also in a great location for exploring the wonders of Goa Margao a great market town is 20 minutes away and beaches such as Benaulim Varca and Colva close by. Central and North Goa are also very easy to go on daytrips to I'm sure many will have idea's for different itineries.
I could rattle on for ages but I will shut up now before you fall asleep

fabulous review This will be a great help for first-timers.

Great report, the River View is also my favoriite restaurant, because of the setting by the river.
But very surprised that you didn't mention the Jewel Collection for custom made jewellery,I was delighted with the sevice and quality, Thanks to you Callumn

I am not sure about the geography of Goa, is Cavelossim near to Varca and are there shops in Varca or will I be travelling a lot. I have been to Candolim twice but never ventured down South -thanks

Polly, Cavelossim is the next beach down from Varca, a short ride by taxi, don't use hotel taxi, too dear! If you fancy the walk along the beach it's about 9 Km but a great walk, I know, I've done it!! There are probably more in the way of shops at Cavelossim, Callumn(tightjock) could advise you more on that. Tony.

Sounds like a fantastic place, another one on my "must visit" list. Thanks for that Callumn that was brilliant. We are staying in Baga, how long to get to Cavelossim in a taxi, and average cost for return trip please? Many thanks. Lisa.

Lisa, depending on the amount of traffic it's approx 1.5 hrs, average taxi will charge approx 900/1300 return, but you can get cheaper if you work on them Your see some great sights on the ride down, Tone.

One idea would be to explore the manic but wonderful market town of Margao on route in the morning before heading to the River View for lunch followed by some chill out time on the beach, a nice cocktail in a shack and watch the sun go down. You could even stay for a beach party and either head back North late or stay in one of the guest house's (Palm Grove or Sao Domingo's would be my choice) for a night

That's a good idea Callumn.

Sounds like an excellent day you have planned out for me there Callumn, i am now in holiday mood just reading that! If you do plan to stay a night or two in a guest house is it wise to book in ahead? and do you have to let the hotel know that you are away for that time? Im still learning all these things! Thankyou. Lisa.

If you knew in advance when you wanted to go you would be as well booking it also depends what time of year you are going. I can give you phone numbers, e mail addresses etc to either take with you or try before you go.

Lassi I will edit my post to include a recomendation Jaan and The Jewel Collection definitely an excellant jewllers and a lovely guy as well.

That would be great Callumn thanks We really would like to travel down to the Southern places and stay at least one night somewhere. I would like the contact numbers for the guest houses you mentioned. No rush though, we dont go until next March.

Let me know when you intend coming South Lisa, I'll make sure I'm in the North Tone

I am quite hurt! :rofl, you are so dead scouser fan! xx

you are so dead scouser fan! xx

Definately be in the North now

Ok GMT i forgive you, TJ sent me a link to his beautiful photos of South Goa.Thanks they are really lovely, made me quite emotional and pining for Goa. It all looks quite different to the North which i really loved to pieces. However some days the thought of having to run the gauntlet of the taxi drivers and beach sellers got too stressful and i did have to have the occasional off! if they didnt get the message after the first half dozen no thankyous. I will definately be giving Cavelossim area a look with a view to staying around there next time.

brought back for Neil