Me and my wife first went to Candolim 8 years ago, went again 2 years back and have just returned back from our 3rd and last time. The place (in my opinion) has changed for the worst during that time. 8 years ago walking from Candolim to Calangute on the beach was a joy, hardly any shacks and no hassle, unfortunately not now. It's just too much. Our pet hates on this holiday were:
The porters at Dabolim, completely obnoxious and expecting a £1 tip for pulling a suitcase a matter of 10 feet.
Beach sellers constantly trying to sell us stuff. I didn't mind when they took a very polite "no thanks" for an answer, but constantly badgering us got on our nerves, especially waking us up!
Being blatently ripped off with bills in some places. I found that I had to keep a tally in my head sometimes.
The awful karaoke and 6th rate singers that a lot of the places have on most nights, believe me some of them wanted putting out of their misery (and mine).
As stated previously the rubbish situation appears to be getting a lot worse; we did our bit by taking our stuff back to the hotel but where did it end up?
What has happened to Sandpiper beer? I couldn't buy it anywhere. I know that it wasn't much kop but it certainly made you appreciate other beer more.
The amount of taxis that there are, I don't know whether it was because of the month (March) but they were everywhere.
Things that we did like:
The terrifying bus rides and even more terrifying ferry crossings, I wasn't religious until then! I was that frightened that I only went on the ferry 6 times! Truly an experience not to be missed, especially trying to get off with about 30 scooters and motorbikes at the same time.
Georges 'restaurant' in panjim opposite the big church, next to the roundabout. 2 spicy mackeral with salad for 60 r's, a really good meal (so good I went there twice).
Beach shacks; alright I realise that hygiene isn't top of their list but meals were usually good and the lads were a laugh.
Bono's toilets, according to my wife, which were of the highest quality.
Restaurants that we had good meals in Candolim were:
Floyd's Hut - 1 good meal and 1 bad.
Inferno - never a bad meal there, you may have to wait a little while as it's usually very busy but always top class.
The Curry House (I think it's called that), opposite Eye Sight on Beach Road up a flight of stairs - also never had a bad meal there.
Alexanders on Beach Road - excellent food and service.
Stonehouse - brilliant live music and great meals. The guy who owns it, Chris, is a top man.
Ingo's night market for some good and some dodgy live music.
Watching the sunset having a beer in a shack.
As with Dave, these are our own personal comments and our own feelings. I genuinely like the place and the people but I honestly believe that it is heading in a direction that I personally dislike. 8 years ago there were cows wandering around all over the place, even 2 years ago there were quite a few, now there are hardly any to be seen in the Candolim/Calangute area. The River Princess situation is a standing joke, but the beach erosion because of it and the oil on the sand certainly isn't. Obviously some people will be upset by my comments but it's my own opinion.
Rick
have a great 7th holiday in goa next year, 
) - but that's also ok.
