Your money is secured in a trust account
Unlike many other travel companies we operate on a trust account model. Once we’ve paid the airline for your flights, the rest of your money is held in a trust account. We do not have access to this directly and can only withdraw funds when you are back home from holiday
We're ATOL protected
All of our holidays that include flights are protected by the ATOL scheme from the moment you book. So if one of our suppliers fails, you’ll get your money back. If you’re left stranded abroad, a flight home will be arranged at no extra cost. Our ATOL number is 11806
We're ABTA registered
As proud ABTA members we deliver the highest standards when it comes to our holidays. So if you book with us you’re guaranteed the best service. Our ABTA number is P8283, Y6720.
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Candolim is the perfect destination if you’re looking for sun, sea and swathes of sand, but without the post-midnight madness of livelier resorts such as Calangute. One of North Goa’s most picturesque resorts and full of bohemian charm, Candolim’s blessed with the best of the region’s beaches and surrounded by stunning tropical scenery.
The sun-drenched beaches and lazy days are typical of the laid-back feel of Candolim holidays, with the promise of exciting jungle adventures in a jeep or day-long sailing trips on a yacht. After the sun has set, the balmy nights are made for spending on the beach or eating a leisurely dinner, overlooking the romantic, ruined ramparts of the imposing Fort Aguada.
Things to do
Although Goa might be one of the smaller states in India, it’s packed with things to do. Your Candolim holidays could see you heading off on an adventure, climbing or hiking in the mountains or taking a tour of Goa’s steamy, tropical jungle and spending the day spotting monkeys and observing tigers in their native habitat, before taking a refreshing plunge under a waterfall.
If all that excitement has left you a little worn out, recharge your batteries by spending a well-deserved day on the beach, stretching out on a sun lounger with the warm ocean lapping at your feet. If you’re still up for some excitement, try the water sports or cruise across the coast, watching pods of dolphins playing in front of your boat. Goan evenings are made for cold beers from the local beach shack and watching the sun set from the honey-coloured sands. If you’re in need of something to eat, wander into town for an aromatic Goan curry.
Excellent beaches
Candolim has a fantastic 8km stretch of golden sand that’s backed by tropical greenery and rolling dunes. The vibrant beach provides a lively spot to enjoy the soft sand and shallow waters. Stroll along the 17th century Portuguese Fort Aguada out to sea for panoramic views of the Arabian coast, and views of the abandoned River Princess bulk carrier that’s stranded about 100 meters offshore.
Relax on a sunbed and bask in the warm weather or take to the water for an array of water sports like jet skis, paragliding, windsurfing and canoeing. Boating trips are available for the beach that can take you sailing in search of humpback dolphins. You’ll also find a whole host of beach shacks selling clothes, cold drinks, food and souvenirs.
History and culture
The village of Candolim is one of Goa’s most popular holiday resorts and has been recently developed to be equipped with all amenities needed for a comfortable stay in India. Take a trip down to the beach to see the well preserved 17th century Fort Aguada, which is a lighthouse as well as a Portuguese fortress. Candolim is in a great location just north of the Mandovi River and only a 20 minute drive from Goa’s capital Panaji, where you can explore the Portuguese architecture and Hindu temples.
Vibrant nightlife
North Goa is well known for its vibrant nightlife and colourful beach parties. The majority of Candolim’s nightlife can be found along Fort Aguada Road, where you’ll find a variety of restaurants and bars. Enjoy an authentic Goan meal made from a blend of tropical, citrus and spicy flavours, before finishing your night in one of the bustling bars to dance till the sun comes up. Alternatively spend your evening under on the beach and sip on cocktails brought from the beachside shacks and party under the stars.
Travel between October and March to make the most of the scorching sunshine.
Goa International Airport, also known as Dabolim Airport, is the nearest international airport and just over an hour’s drive from the resort.
Adventurers: Unleash your inner Indiana Jones and explore the Goan jungle by jeep or head to the coast, where you can jump on a boat and sail off to look for dolphins.
Beach fans: Enjoy the near-perfect weather on Goa’s beautiful white-sanded beaches, all swathed in tropical, palm-fringed scenery.
Families: The beaches are always a hit with kids and, if you want an exciting, family day out, there’s no end of day trip opportunities with a jungle full of wildlife to see.
Language: The language spoken in Candolim is Konkani, although India’s official languages, Hindi and English, are widely understood and spoken by many of the locals.
Currency: You’ll need to exchange your Sterling for Rupees, before zipping off on your holidays to Candolim.
Local time: Candolim is 5.5 hours ahead of GMT/UK time.
Fly to: Dabolim Airport. It takes just over 1 hour to Candolim from the airport.
Flight time from UK: The flight time to Candolim is 9.5 hours.
Tourist Information: Further Candolim tourist information can be found at www.goatourism.gov.in/.
Visa / Health: Before you travel, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/india for recommendations and advice on visas and health for your holiday to Candolim.
Holiday destinations related to Candolim:
By bus: Candolim runs a regular local bus service, ideal if you need to hop on and get to the beach or back to your hotel.
By taxi: You’ll find taxi ranks located at the big hotels, airports and main beaches. The prices are often fixed, so check before you go.
By bike: If you’re not travelling far, hiring a bike is a popular way to get around Candolim. It gets you from A to B and travelling in the open air is a lot of fun.
Beach festival: Beachfest was launched in 2017 and was the world’s first beach festival for people with disabilities. Complete with wheelchair ramps, Candolim’s beach becomes entirely accessible for those with special needs, and there’s a host of activities, from wheelchair dancing and beach bowls to kite-flying and water sports; ideal for families with disabled friends and relatives.
The biggest party of the year: Goa is a fantastic place to celebrate Carnival! During the last week in February, Carnival erupts in a fantastic fusion of colourful costumes, fabulous floats, live music and more dancing in the streets than you could shake a Martha and the Vandellas record at! If you’re on your holidays to Candolim at this time, it’s an absolute must. In fact, given the way the locals throw themselves into the festivities, it’s practically impossible not to get involved!
Temperature: The summer sees the mercury hovering in the low thirties (°C)
Best time to visit: Between October and March, the temperatures are high, but the humidity is pleasantly low. The monsoons arrive to relieve the heat from June to September, leaving behind fantastic mid to high 20s (°C) beach weather but, during these months the humidity levels can be high. Head for the beach, where the cool onshore breezes take the edge off the humidity.
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