This guide to Goa is perfect for those of you planning to travel there for the first time, as it talks about the best time to visit, how to reach Goa, popular beaches in North and South Goa, where to stay for your first visit, and how to get around. Also included is Goa itinerary for 7 days.
Goa is a tropical paradise with endless white and golden-sand beaches lined with swaying palm trees. This small state in the southwestern region of India is unlike any other, with its laid-back culture balanced by its thriving nightlife. But that’s not all there is to Goa. It is a land of soothing bike rides, fascinating world heritage sites, plush resorts, friendly hostels, delectable seafood, and various forms of spiritual practices. It is definitely the most popular destination in India amongst Indian and international travellers (after the Taj Mahal, of course), as it has something for everyone.
Guide to Goa For First Timers
What is the best time to visit Goa?
March-May: These are the summer months when Goa gets unbearably muggy, with temperatures touching 40ºC (104ºF).
June – September: During these monsoon months, Goa becomes lush green. It is relatively quieter than other months. Most shacks are temporary structures that are dismantled during this period and water sports aren’t going on. But this is a charming time in Goa overall, with plenty of restaurants and activities to keep you entertained.
November–February: Winter is the peak season here. Goa, being a coastal area, is balmy while the inland parts of the country go through typical winter temperatures. The sun is always out and the cool sea breeze blows through from time to time. December is the busiest month as Goa hosts the Annual Sunburn Music Festival, which attracts people from all over. Plus, people flock in to celebrate Christmas and New Year’s holidays at this party destination.
Verdict: For your first time in Goa, you should visit during the season, Mid-October to Mid-March, so that you can see all that Goa has to offer. The shacks will be open, beach stays will be available in South Goa and the weather will be pleasant. However, the prices will be higher than any other time of the year.
How to reach Goa?
Air
Goa’s international airport is situated at Dabolim, near Vasco Da Gama, and there is also a new airport in North Goa, Manohar International Airport. You can land at either of these and hire a taxi to your hotel/hostel.
While most cities in India have an organised cab service like Uber and Ola, Goa has GoaMiles (now also an app) that can pass for Goa’s very own Uber. We’ve used it a few times and found cabs at a good rate. You can also opt for the taxis lined up on the road outside the airport (be prepared to bargain and ensure to set prices before the start of the trip) or prepaid taxi stands at airports that have a set price. You can always ask at your accommodation if they provide airport transfers but these might turn out to be more expensive.
Local buses in Goa are significantly cheaper but also very inconvenient, as you would have to change multiple vehicles to get to your destination in Goa. Use the local bus only if you’re on a super low budget.
Bus, Cab and Car
You can also opt to reach Goa by overnight bus or cab from major cities like Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, and Hyderabad in India. If travelling by bus, Mapusa would be your de-boarding point for North Goa, Panjim for Central, and Margao/Canacona for South.
You can book your bus via Redbus.
We’ve driven it down from Pune a few times now and once from Hyderabad. The road is full of potholes as you get closer to Goa. But you’ll cross ghats and waterfalls. It is beautiful!
Train
Goa is also well connected by train to the rest of India. The main train stations are Vasco da Gama (central), Margao (south) and Thivim (north).
Which area to stay in Goa?
Goa is divided into North and South Goa, with its capital, Panaji (popularly known as Panjim), located around the centre. For your first time in Goa, it can be confusing to decide where to stay, as different corners of the state offer different experiences. In this itinerary, you’ll be staying in both North Goa and South Goa.
North Goa
Baga, Calangute, Candolim or Anjuna: This is a good option for your first time in Goa, as the area is very central, so all places to see would be close to you.
However, please note that these beaches aren’t best, as they’re the most popular in Goa. Every Tom Dick and Harry visit these beaches so the crowd is also such. However, your purpose of staying around this area is different. You’re here to enjoy the water sports, the parties, the food and maybe even shop a little.
A little further north is Anjuna. While it is not the best location to stay for this itinerary, this area has come up a lot in the past few years, so you’ll find a lot of must-visit restaurants in Goa around this area.
Stay Options:
Casa Cenica (2BHK in Arpora)
Onastay (2BHK in Candolim)
Casa De Mezzanine (Beautiful 1BHK in Arpora)
Jade by CasaFlip (2BHK in Anjuna)
Beach Villa With Private pool (luxury)
Canary By CasaFlip (1BHK in Anjuna).
South Goa
Palolem or Agonda: For your first trip to South Goa, you should stay at one of these two beaches and explore other beaches nearby. These beaches have restaurants but yet maintain a relaxed vibe so you can enjoy time on the beach. Remember that you should only stay in South Goa beaches beach from October to March as the huts and shacks are mostly dismantled before the monsoons and built back up when the monsoons get over. Click to know more about South Goa Beaches.
Stay Options:
Jardim-a-Mar (Agonda Beach- I’ve stayed here twice)
Simrose (Agonda Beach – this one is often open all-year round)
Agonda Serenity Beach Villa (has a jacuzzi on porch at Agonda Beach)
Agonda Island View (Agonda Beach)
BunkNBrew (hostel in Palolem)
How to get around Goa?
Taxis are expensive in Goa and not ideal for getting around and sightseeing. Buses are quite cheap but again, inconvenient. Instead, opt for a scooter or motorbike for the duration of your stay in Goa. There is no better way to get around, as it will give you the utmost freedom. The best bit is that it is inexpensive at about Rs. 500–800 a day, depending on the season (off-season or peak), type of bike (scooters like Honda Activa, low-end bikes like Bajaj Pulsar or high-end ones, like Royal Enfield) and your haggling skills.
If you don’t want to ride a bike or moped, you can hire a car. Most offer stick shifts so if you don’t know how to drive these, finding an automatic may not be easy. However, we have always managed to find one and so should you. Economy cars usually cost about Rs. 1000–1200 per day but may go up depending on the season.
You can get a bike or car on hire easily by talking to your accommodation host or hotel.
The perfect 1 week Goa Itinerary: North and South Goa
The Goa experience is different for every individual depending on their style of travel. It’s never a one size fits all because there is simply so much to see and do. We have stayed in Goa for 2 months and have yet not seen it all. Your personalised Goa itinerary would largely depend on what you enjoy – nature, culture, beaches, partying, etc. In this 7-day Goa itinerary, we’ve tried to include a bit of everything so you can get a true feel of the different sides of Goa and decide for yourself which aspect of Goa you enjoy the most!
Day 1-2 North Goa – Watersports, Shopping, Partying
Stay near the Baga Beach/ Arpora area. Despite being crowded, it is close to a lot of North Goa tourist spots you’ll be visiting. And also, hire a scooty, bike or car. You’ll need it to get around. Prior reservations for restaurants are needed!
Day 1: Beach, Water sports, Party
- Reach Goa and check into your hotel or Airbnb
- Rent a vehicle
- Calangute Beach for lunch at Pousada by the Beach
- Water sports and sunset at Baga Beach
- At night go partying at Hammerz (popular music) in the Baga Area or Las Olas (Bollywood music) at Baga Beach. Or both as they’re close by! Start at Hammerz and end at Las Olas.
Day 2: Cliffside Restaurants, Fort, Sundowner, Party
You don’t need to do all of these things mentioned below. Select the ones you wish to do based on your preferences and how much time you have. I’d recommend not partying till late this night so you can be fresh to explore Goa the next morning.
- Wake up late this day since you’ve partied the previous night
- Lunch: Titlie OR Antares OR Casa Playa at Little Vagator or Felix OR Artjuna or Vinayak at Anjuna.
- Shop: Now go shop at Anjuna Flea Market!
- Explore Chapora Fort (The movie ‘Dil Chahta Hai’ was shot here so expect it to be crowded)
- Stay for sunset or go for a sundowner to Thalassa closeby
- Dinner at Ida in Vagator
- Party at one of the following – Soro (Siolim) or Romeo Lane (Little Vagator).
Day 3-4: North Goa – Culture, Heritage and Nature
Day 3: Culture and Heritage
Head for a day trip to Panjim and Old Goa. On this day, you’ll get a good glimpse of Portuguese influence on Goan heritage.
Old Goa Churches: Start with Old Goa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and see the following churches in this order:
- St. Augustine Church Ruins
- Basilica of Bom Jesus (the most renowned)
- Convent of Santa Monica and The Museum of Christian Art (optional but good)
- Se Cathedral
- Church of St. Cajetan
- Viceroy’s Arch
- Our Lady of Mount Chapel (optional- for panoramic views of the Panjim area)
Going on a tour will help you make the most of your time and understand the significance of Old Goa and its churches. It is highly recommended. We’ve taken several tours by this company and loved all of them.
Lunch: Head for either a local Goan lunch at Kokni Kanteen or Cafe Al Fresco By Cantina Bodega for continental food. Both are close to your next stop.
Fontainhas: After lunch, take a walk in Fontainhas, Asia’s largest Latin Quarter, which has lanes lined with houses built in the colonial style and painted in bright shades of red, yellow, green, and blue. We highly recommend seeing this area on a Latin Quarter walking tour; only then will you truly be able to appreciate the history and architecture. However, if you don’t wish to take a tour, start your walk at Maruti Mandir or Phoenix Springs, ending at the Church of Immaculate Conception. See the colourful houses, click a lot of photos at the colourful wall of Old Quarter Hostel, buy some Azulejo tile décor at Velha Goa Galleria, admire the white façade of St. Sebastian Chapel, and have some bebinca (Goan Dessert) at Confeitaria 31 De Janeiro.
Evening: Get drinks and small bites at Antonio@31 or head for a full-fledged dinner at Black Sheep Bistro. Please check the prices of these restaurants beforehand to see if they fit your budget and make reservations beforehand. You could also go for a fun Pub Crawl instead.
Night: Later you could head to a Deltin Royale Casino (buy tickets online for the best deals) OR go back home to rest for an early morning the next day.
Book Tours in Goa
Day 4: Nature and Heritage
Chorao Island and the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary: Do this either on a tour or go by yourself. You’ll have to take a ferry from Ribandar. Don’t miss the famous Mangrove Broadwalk. It is beautiful. We haven’t been here yet but can’t wait to go!
Lunch: Lazy Goose, Nerul. Reserve the table with the lake view if you can.
Depending on the time you start the day, see one/two of the following attractions. Choose one museum and one fort:
- Houses of Goa Museum (do this only after a walking tour of Fontainhas; otherwise, nothing will make any sense) OR Museum of Goa (modern art tinged in Goan history).
- Aguada Fort (great for sunsets but crowded) OR Reis Magos Fort (relatively less known and beautiful).
Have dinner in the Candolim, Calangute, or Baga area. There are plenty of good restaurants.
A Reverie: Fine Dining
Toro Toro: Continental/Goan
Yazu – Pan Asian Beach Club: Asian
Day 5-6: South Goa – Beaches and relaxation
Day 5: Spice Plantations, Iconic Restaurants, Relaxation
Now, head to South Goa. Stay at Agonda or Palolem Beach- both are fantastic beaches for your first time in Goa.
But on your way, you have the option of making a few stops.
- Sahakari Spice Plantation: Wonder why the Portuguese were so fascinated by Goa? The answer lies in the tantalising smell and flavours of spices like Cardamom, Cinnamon, Cloves, Allspice, Cumin, etc. See how these spices grow and learn about them. End with a local buffet lunch at the plantation. I found the experience very interesting and learned a lot. You can buy the ticket on reaching there.
- Iconic Restaurants: If you’re not in the mood for the above, stop at Martin’s Corner or Fisherman’s Wharf for lunch. They are both very renowned.
Check into your hotel and use this day to do nothing and just relax on the beach, see the sunset, etc. Otherwise, you could also choose to head to Sundowner Palolem (Bar) for a sundowner!
Day 6: Beaches and Viewpoints
Today is going to be a long day of beach hopping.
Cola Beach: Start your day at Cola Beach. It’s a bit of a hike down to the beach. You can even take the jeep to the beach to save time and effort but it’ll cost a bit. Cola Beach is famous for its lagoon, where you can swim and kayak. You can have lunch here before heading to your next stop.
Kakolem Beach: This beach has a waterfall. Yes, you read that right. ( you can skip this beach if you’re running short on time or want to take it a bit slow).
Cabo De Rama Fort and Cabo De Rama Viewpoint for sunset. Both are gorgeous spots with fantastic views – you’ll love the sunset here. You can also choose to have a meal and drink at the Cape Goa restaurant near the viewpoint before heading back to your hotel.
Day 7: Butterfly Beach and Palolem/Agonda Beach
- Butterfly Beach: It’s a beautiful secluded beach. You can hike it to the beach or go via boat but I’ll suggest going as early as possible to avoid crowds.
- Palolem/Agonda Beach: For lunch head to either of these beaches that you’re not staying at. At Palolem, you can have lunch at Dropadi by the beach and at Treetop Tava or Zest (vegan cafe) at Agonda. Walk around the beach later afterwards.
Depart for home this evening or the next morning!
But do not forget to book your tours in goa before you get there!
Tips to Stay Safe in Goa
This guide to Goa would be incomplete if I didn’t mention tips to stay safe there. Goa is really welcoming and local-friendly. But because it is a thriving party location and has people travelling from all over, you should take care of the following, especially if you’re a woman.
- Don’t hitchhike.
- If you’re a woman travelling solo, preferably rent a car. If you’re a woman travelling in a group, bikes will do.
- Always get a video of the vehicle hired to avoid being ripped off on returning the vehicle.
- Don’t go out with people you don’t know and never go to parties alone.
- Watch your drink.
- Try to stay vigilant, even when drunk.
- Some Indian men can assume friendliness as flirting.
- Be cautious of theft at your accommodation. Huts can easily be broken into.
- Drugs are available abundantly in Goa. Avoid getting stuck in the middle of a drug racket.
- Avoid drunk driving. It is being monitored by the police more strictly than before.
Don’t let these scare you. I (Trisha) have travelled solo to Goa and also with my girlfriends and had an absolutely fantastic time. Most of these tips should be adhered to anywhere in the world. Here is a complete list of ways to stay safe while travelling alone.
Wrapping up
Goa is a place that you can never get enough of. With each visit, you discover something new – a secret beach, a quaint café, a shack with amazing music, a magnificent fort, and so on. We have visited Goa about five times for short periods – with different people, as different people in different phases of our lives, or wanting something different from our trip- and Goa has never let us down. We are sure you will be taken by the charm of Goa and not want to leave just like the hippies in their heydays. Hope you found this Goa Travel Blog useful and have an amazing first trip to Goa. Tell us how it went!
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Amazing blog!!Thank you for sharing with us.