A Complete 7-day Goa Itinerary and Guide for First Timers

Goa is a tropical paradise with endless 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.

This travel 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, where to stay for your first visit, and how to get around. Also included is a 7-day Goa itinerary that offers you a glimpse into all the different sides of Goa, making for the perfect first trip to this beautiful place.

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-Goa Dabolim International Airport (GOI) and there is also a new airport in North Goa, Manohar International Airport (GOX). For your first trip to Goa, it’ll be slightly better to land at GOX rather than GOI since you’ll starting your trip in North Goa (itinerary below). But honestly, it doesn’t matter much.

You can land at either of these and hire a taxi to your hotel/hostel.

You can 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.

You can also opt for GoaMiles, Goa’s very own Uber/Ola. We’ve used the app a few times and found cabs at very good rates. However, beware that getting cabs via GoaMiles is not easy since availability is limited.

Bus

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.

Car

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 (mountain roads) 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

Anjuna or Vagator: While Baga and Calangute have the best central location for this itinerary, I would recommend you stay in Anjuna and Vagator, which are a bit north of Baga and Calangute. While Baga and Calangute have fab sandy beaches, they can be overrun by tourists and hawkers, making for an unpleasant experience. I’m instead recommending Anjuna and Vagator because they have some of the best parties, sundowner spots and definitely some of the best restaurants in Goa. In case you’re unable to find accommodation in this area within your budget, opt for Assagao, Arpora, or Parra.

However, if you prefer to stay right next to the beach, you can still choose Candolim, Baga or Calangute.

Stay Options (click to check prices and book your stay)

Hotels:

Casa Albuquerque: A beautiful Portuguese-villa-style-hotel in Vagator
Moyrah By Greenpark: A 3-star hotel just 200 m away from Anjuna Beach
The Westin Goa: A luxurious 5-star hotel in Anjuna

Apartments:

Jade by CasaFlip: We’ve stayed at this 2BHK in Anjuna. The location is excellent.
Canary By CasaFlip: 1BHK in Anjuna
Casa Cenica: 2BHK in Arpora
Casa De Mezzanine: Beautiful 1BHK in Arpora
Aqua Sol: A luxurious 3-bedroom villa in Assagao

Hostels:

The Bucket List Goa Vagator: A social hostel great for people looking to mingle and party
Dreams Hostel Vagator: A well-rated, laid-back hostel

South Goa

Palolem or Agonda: For your first trip to South Goa, you should stay at one of these two South Goa beaches and explore other beaches nearby. These beaches have restaurants but still maintain a relaxed vibe so you can enjoy time on the beach. The stays here are mostly beach huts, so you have splendid views, easy beach access and can spend all your time lounging on the beach. Remember that you should only stay in South Goa beaches from October to March, as the huts and shacks are mostly dismantled before the monsoons and built back up when the monsoons get over.

Stay Options

Beachfront resorts with huts:

Jardim-a-Mar, Agonda Beach: I’ve stayed here twice and loved it.
Simrose, Agonda Beach: this one is often open all-year round. I’ve stayed here as well and liked it.
Agonda Serenity Beach Villa, Agonda Beach: has a jacuzzi on porch right at the beach
The O2H Agonda Beach Resort: Another beautiful beachfront property
The Ark Comforts, Palolem: Situated right at Palolem Beach, you’ll have gorgeous views. This one has a pool too!

Hotel:

Sobit Sarovar Portico: This is a hotel-style property just 1.5 km from Palolem beach. One of the only hotels in the area.

Hostels:

BunkNBrew, Palolem: This is one of the only few hostels in the area
Whoopers Hostel: The Money Heist themed backpackers hostel is just a short walk from Palolem Beach

How to get around Goa?

Taxis are expensive in Goa and not ideal for getting around and sightseeing. The GoaMiles app has made it significantly cheaper to hire cabs but availability is extremely limited.

Buses are quite cheap but, again, inconvenient.

Scooters or motorbikes are the most popular way to get around in Goa. 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 Yamaha Fascino, low-end bikes like Bajaj Pulsar, or high-end ones, like Royal Enfield) and your haggling skills. If you rent a bike for this itinerary, you will have to rent separate vehicles in North and South Goa. To get from North to South Goa, take a taxi.

Renting a car is another great way to get around, especially since you’ll be covering both North and South Goa in this itinerary. 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. 1000–1500 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. You can also rent a car at the airport.

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 one size fits all because there is simply so much to see and do. We have visited Goa over 7 times and even stayed for 2 months and have yet to see 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: North Goa: Beach time, Water sports, Party

• Reach Goa and rent a car. If you’re planning to rent a bike, then check into your hotel in Goa and ask them to help arrange one for you or provide you with the contact number of a person from whom you can rent one.
  
  
• Lunch: Head to Pousada by the Beach for a delicious Goan meal right by the beach
  
  
• Water sports and sunset: You can spend the rest of the evening at Candolim Beach or Baga Beach. Try watersports if you’re going in during season time. However, beware that these beaches will probably be crowded.
  If crowded beaches are not your vibe, you can spend some time at the beach and head back for a sundowner at Thalassa or Pisco by the Beach
  
  
• Dinner
  Gunpowder in Assagao for great South Indian with delicious cocktails
  OR
  Avo’s Kitchen in Assagao for Goan/North Indian food
  
  If you’re staying near the beaches in the Baga area, then head for dinner closeby to Toro Toro (multi-cuisine) or Tuscany Gardens (Italian).
  
  
• At night, go partying at Hammerz (popular music) in the Baga Area or Las Olas (Bollywood music) at Baga Beach. Or go to both, as they’re close by! Start at Hammerz and end at Las Olas. Las Olas is open till early morning and situated right at the beach, making for the perfect spot for a late-night party.

Day 2- North Goa: Cliffside Restaurants, Fort, Sundowner, and Party

You don’t need to do all of the 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:  If you’re looking to have a good lunch with a great view, head to Antares OR Casa Playa at Little Vagator or if you’re looking for a traditional Goan Thali meal, then head to Vinayak or Anand Bar at Anjuna.
  
  
• Shop: Spend some time shopping at the Anjuna Flea Market
  
  
• Explore Chapora Fort: The movie ‘Dil Chahta Hai’ was shot here so expect it to be crowded. It’s a great spot for sunset.
  
  OR
  
  Sundowner at Thalassa or Pisco by the Beach: At both these restaurants, I highly recommend having a table booked prior, especially if you want a good spot with beach and water views.
  However, these restaurants can be pricey, so if you’re not in the mood to spend a lot, head to Anjuna Beach (rocky beach) or Ozran Beach (beautiful small beach but need to take a lot of stairs down to it) for an amazing sunset!
  
  
• Dinner at Ida in Vagator: Ida is a quaint family-run restaurant and bar with amazing food and drinks! You simply can’t miss going here.
  
  
• Party at one of the following: Soro (Siolim) or Noah (Little Vagator). If you’re not interested in partying, head to the speakeasy at the Fat Sandwich for evening cocktails.

Day 3-North Goa: Culture and Heritage

Today you’re taking a day trip to Panjim and Old Goa—the current and erstwhile capitals of Goa. You’ll get a good glimpse of Portuguese influence on Goan heritage. It’s a must-visit on your first Goa trip.

Breakfast: Start your day with breakfast at Padaria Prazeres in Panjim. It’s a small bakery with delicious food. Don’t forget to try the Pastel de Nata, a Portuguese custard tart.

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 and all the stories behind them. It is highly recommended. We’ve taken several tours by this company and loved all of them.

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Lunch: Head for either a local Goan lunch at Kokni Kanteen or for continental food at Cafe Al Fresco By Cantina Bodega. 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, architecture, and all the stories.

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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 accordingly. You could also go for a fun pub crawl instead.

Night: Later, you could head to a Deltin Royale Casino, which is on a Mandovi River (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-North Goa: Nature and Heritage

Chorao Island and the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary: Do this either on a tour or 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:

1. 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).
2. Aguada Fort (great for sunsets but crowded) OR Reis Magos Fort (relatively less known but beautiful).

Dinner: Have dinner around Baga or Assagao. There are plenty of good restaurants.

A Reverie: Fine Dining
Toro Toro: Continental/Goan
Yazu – Pan Asian Beach Club: Asian

OR

Suzie’s: Try a 5-course set meal at the cosy restaurant. You’ll have to book this prior.

Day 5-South Goa: Spice Plantations, Iconic Restaurants, Relaxation

Today, you’ll be heading to South Goa to stay at Agonda or Palolem Beach—both are fantastic beaches for your first time in Goa.

If you’ve rented a bike, return it. Hire a taxi to South Goa. On reaching your hotel, you can rent another bike to get around. Or else you can also opt to rent a car for the remainder of your trip.

If you’ve rented a car, make a few stops on your way to South Goa.

1. 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, and more. 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 learnt a lot. You can buy the ticket on reaching there.
   
   
2. Iconic Restaurants: If you’re not in the mood for the above, stop at Martin’s Corner in Betalbatim or Fisherman’s Wharf in Cavelossim for lunch. They are both mega renowned and the food is delicious.
   

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-South Goa: Beaches and Viewpoints

Breakfast: Fuel yourself for a long day of beach hopping. You can have breakfast either at your own hotel or head to The Mill in Palolem.

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.).

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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 The Cape Goa restaurant near the viewpoint before heading back to your hotel.

If you’re in the mood to party, you can head to Leopard Valley. It’s probably the only place to party in the area.

Day 7-South Goa: Butterfly Beach and Palolem/Agonda Beach

On your last day in Goa, check out these beautiful beaches.

1. 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, because now a lot of people know about this beach.
   
2. Palolem/Agonda Beach: For lunch, head to either of these beaches that you’re not already staying at. At Palolem, you can have lunch at Dropadi by the beach or The Mill and at Treetop Tava at Agonda. Walk around the beach later.

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 travel 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.

1. Don’t hitchhike.
2. If you’re a woman travelling solo, preferably rent a car. If you’re a woman travelling in a group, bikes will do. 
3. Always get a video of the vehicle you hire to avoid being ripped off on returning the vehicle.
4. Don’t go out with people you don’t know and never go to parties alone.
5. Watch your drink.
6. Try to stay vigilant, even when drunk.
7. Be cautious of theft at your accommodation. Huts can easily be broken into.
8. Drugs are available abundantly in Goa. Avoid getting stuck in the middle of a drug racket. 
9. Avoid drunken driving. It is being monitored by the police more strictly than before. Always hire a cab for when you go partying.

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 travel tips should be adhered to anywhere in the world. Here is a complete list of ways to stay safe while travelling alone.

Also, read these must-knows before travelling to India if you’re visiting this incredible country for the first time.

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. I 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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