Beaches in South Goa are amazing! Take a swim, dine on the sand, rent a bike and drive to nearby towns and beaches (Agonda, Patnem), etc.
The beaches in North Goa are extremely commercialized and crowded. South Goa offers a welcome getaway from it all! The beaches are pristine, the sand is soft beyond measure, and the water is amazing!
We stayed in a hut on Palolem beach and paid around $20/night. Meals are cheap and delicious and will cost you around $3-$6 depending on what you eat. (seafood is on the higher side..)
It was a magical week filled with sun, sand and great tasting food everywhere!