Possibly the best advice I would give is, don't spend all your time in Candolim, and head north for a day.

Take a taxi to Tiracol Fort.
You should phone and book for lunch (inside) it's too hot on the terrace - they will ask if you want the set Goan lunch or a la carte.
Tell them when booking, that you would like them to get the keys so that you can visit the chapel!

On the way up you could stop off at Ashvem beach for a late breakfast at La Plage.

This is one of the nicest days out you can have in Goa.

La Plage at Ashvem beach.



Tiracol from the ferry.

The view towards Querim beach from Tiracol

The chapel inside the Fort.

Well worth a visit And great pictures Max

Unfortunately La Plage didn't look like that at Christmas. We went there as we had heard so much about it but it was full of noisy Russians and children runing about so we didn't stop. Unfortunately the beach around there has really changed, it used to be so quiet and peaceful but it was really busy the week before Christmas. I do agree about Tiracol though, still lovely and quiet around there.

These pictures of La Plage were taken about 10.00 am last Wednesday - a good day to go because it's Anjuna market day.
We stayed all day till about 5.00 pm and only saw a handful of Russians - most visitors were French.

I agree that the beach is very busy to the south all the way down to Morjim.

I think most of you know, I'm no stranger to Goa
But this next visit we will be having a week in Candolim, staying at the Rising Waves. I don't know this area at all, so would welcome some tips on Restaurants and shacks , particularly those to avoid.
In fact I'd love any useful info on the area, and some insider tips that the Guide books don't tell you

Hiya

If your staying at the rising waves youve got to visit their resturant, I dont think Ive heard a bad report yet from there and weve always enjoyed it. The Fishermans Cove just over the road we often use it just for drinks on our way out or sneaky early one late afternoon. Then there all the usual recommendations Souymens Kitchen, Shivers etc but personally I would just try anywhere that catches your eye I think most of restuarants have had good days and bad days according to most of the reviews. As for shacks I would avoid the ones at near to the bottom of the beach road as they always look very crowed and the beds are close together, head up towards calangute and from Bonos they are more spaced out...Bonos is good ( you may have to pay for the beds...great toilets though!!) Petes a little further along is nice too. The Countryside bar above the chinese at the top of the beach road is drinks only, quite reasonable, great for people watching and the young lads working there are always so friendly and cheerful. Then there are the Saturday night markets, in recent years Ive only been to Ingos but its a great night out...usual tat for sale and a lot of overpriced clothes we go more for the music and atmosphere. If you have a drink there dont go to the bars right at the back they were charging double to the bars near the entertainment area. Drinks are a little more than you pay normally but if your only having a couple its not going to break the bank...watch out because they ask if you want a single or double if you ask for single they still try to charge for a double!!
Hope you love Candolim as much as we do
Julie

Bobby's shack on Candolim Beach is the best - food is awesome!

You must go to Sunset Bistro in Candolim and another little find off the beaten track - Casa Manolita - bit pricier than the normal fair in Goa but worth every penny!
You can't go wrong with Floyd's either - there are two - the one nearer the centre of Candolim down from the Fisherman's Cove is best.

Bobby's shack on Candolim Beach is the best - food is awesome!

Best go into the sea if you need to pee.

The Bistro will close at the end of this season - which is a shame.

I would also recommend Casa Manolita - you dine on the porch of a Portuguese style house, simple menu, but always fresh and well cooked.
It's right at the end of the lane next to Dona Alcina.

If your looking for a decent shack you can't go wrong with Ganesh's shack. The only downside is it's near the boat, but the food is excellent especially the calamari.

Thanks everyone for your tips

Are there any nice shops in the area, not jewellers, fake handbags and general tat. But places selling good indian made clothes, and unusual items.

Or is it best to go to Panjim, which I know well.

xx lassi

The Bistro will be open next season, without Paul&Ola who are leaving, the rest of the staff will be the same, as will the food.
Deckhand

Are there any nice shops in the area, not jewellers, fake handbags and general tat. But places selling good indian made clothes, and unusual items.

FabIndia, Candolim, clothes and soft furnishings.
Rangeela, Calangute, clothes.
Acron Arcade, Candolim, clothes, soft furnishings & jewellery.
Soto Haus, Candolim, interior design.
Camelot, Ribandar, soft furnishings & interior design.
Rust, Sangolda, furniture, soft furnishings & interior design.
Sangolda House, Sangolda, furniture, soft furnishings & interior design.

Sangolda House, is run by the owners of Nilaya Heritage Hotel, you can also buy a drink here!

Thanks Max,

Iv'e made a note of those

xx lassi