Goa is without doubt India’s West Coast paradise. From the glorious sands of Anjuna beach to the electric nightlife of Tito’s Road, there are many well-loved places to visit in Goa that has long been popular with holiday goers. There’s so much to experience in this special part of India that it can be hard to know where to begin.
Featuring exclusive insight from some of the world’s top travel writers, this Expedia guide is here to help you get the best out of your Goa trip. Goa is a destination friendly to different travel tastes and budget, from quiet family retreat to adventure-fuelled vacation. With the help of our expert travel writers who have different travel styles, we’ve put together tips on enjoying the different sides of Goa. Hit the best backpacker spots in Goa on a budget, or check in to luxury beach resorts for a relaxing time with the family.
Click the sections below to travel through Goa with us and discover the best places to visit in Goa and fun things to do. Alternatively download the full guide at the bottom of the page for offline access.
GOA FOOD
Goan food is wonderfully diverse and one of the world’s original fusion foods. Although fish curries, fruit rice and other staple dishes shouldn’t be missed, there are many more distinct tastes and flavours to experience in the culinary treasure trove that is Goa. Indeed, seafood is usually a must on the menu for Goans, who take as much pride in their dishes as they do their siestas. However it is the pleasure of eating, and not just how the food is cooked, that defines cuisine and culture alike.
Goa’s Portuguese heritage and traditional Indian cooking complement each other perfectly to create one of the best food experiences the South-West coast paradise has to offer. The traditional saying of ‘Prodham bhookt, magi mookt’ (‘You can’t think until you’ve eaten well’) is a mindset reflected in the wealth of dishes available in Goa food. So whether you’re looking for a mild introduction to Goa or a spice adventure to excite your taste buds, there’s a fantastic assortment of restaurants, shacks and street vendors to choose from when you’re hungry for food in Goa.
Places to Visit in Goa
PALOLEM Beach
Let’s start with Palolem beach, Goa’s fashionable tourist hangout. Although busy during the peak summer months, don’t let this deter you from lazing the day away under the gorgeous sunsets. An idyllic stretch of shoreline, Palolem was popularised in the 1970s as an ‘off the beaten track’ sanctuary, and although the impact of mass tourism can be seen in abundance, Palolem is still the best place for first-time holidaymakers to experience Goa’s natural beauty.
Morjim and Ashvem beaches
For those looking to get in touch with nature, Morjim and Ashvem beaches are nothing short of breathtaking. Only a short drive from the tourist hubs of northern Goa, Morjim and Ashvem are protected beaches home to Olive Ridley turtles who lay eggs here every year. The surrounding landscape has thankfully managed to fend off any major construction too, meaning the shoreline and shallow waters are certainly some of Goa’s cleanest. For an atmosphere that’s a world away, Morjim and Ashvem have to be seen to be believed!
Anjuna beach
Located about 18km from Panaji, Anjuna beach is the unconventional and original hippy hangout of Goa, home to the famous Wednesday flea market and destination of choice for first timers visiting Goa. With beachfront accommodation and a variety of traditional dining, Anjuna’s soft white sands are only a short walk away from the historic highlights of Chapora Fort and the Albuquerque Mansion, for those looking to do some sightseeing.
Because of the rocky headland towards the quieter, southern end of Anjuna beach, the sea is a lot calmer here and safer to swim in, an important consideration if you’re visiting Goa with a young family. However if you’re looking for something a little more exciting, the northern end of Anjuna beach offers bungee jumping and an array of water sports, perfect for keeping you active.
Beach Safety
Although most beaches in Goa are attended by lifeguards during the day it isn’t recommended to swim at night time, or visit the beach alone in the evenings. It is also important to be mindful of swimming during the months of October and November, as the seabed will still be settling from monsoon season and may be unstable. Always look out for warning flags along Goa’s beaches that indicate unsafe swimming conditions.
Nightlife in Goa
For decades Goa’s nightlife has been attracting holidaymakers in their millions. The intersection of beach and party is where the sweetness of Goa tourism lies, pulling visitors year after year. From the hippie communities of the 1960s to the current hipster youth, psychedelic music and ambient live performances have cemented Goa’s nightlife above all else in India. For a more spiritual approach to partying there are numerous bars, retreats and secluded sands that offer a mellow start to the evening.
Party in Baga
There’s a real continental feel about Baga’s nightlife, with holidaymakers gravitating between popular chart music and the alternative DJ scene. The main clubbing strip here is Tito’s Road, populated by pubs, bars, food stalls, tattooists and souvenir shops, tightly compact but very loud and lively. The busiest days here are Friday and Saturday as large numbers of Indians from the surrounding states come to enjoy the party atmosphere, therefore if you would like a quieter introduction to Baga’s nightlife, Tito’s Road is a lot calmer at the beginning of the week.
Fashionable bars to begin the evening are Cocktails and Dreams, and Hype, both open air and great for sitting back and taking in the electric vibe. A little further up the strip is Café Mambo, an institution in Baga rather than a bar. Cocktails here are made with the freshest ingredients and the bar staff are very welcoming, even offering free food to sober up those still dancing at closing time!
Quietly placed between the beach and the main strip is Cavala, an enchanting resort offering the best of live music, stunning gardens and quality cuisine – an honourable alternative to the eccentric buzz of the strip.
Party on Anjuna Beach
Time seems to stop on Anjuna beach during the day. While chilled music drifts out of quirky bars, fruit sellers stroll along the shoreline keeping tourists hydrated, ready for the night ahead. But when the sun goes down Anjuna beach lights up, and the dreamy sands are transformed into markets of trippy artwork and psychedelic dance floors. The rave scene is huge in certain parts of Goa, and in peak season tourists travel from all over the world to experience the infamous atmosphere.
Best Time to Visit Goa
Although visited by tourists all year round, the best time to experience Goa is after the monsoon season, which typically lasts from the beginning of June until late September. The weather in Goa is best at this time.
High season for Goa tourism begins in November until late March, and although this is classed as the ‘coolest’ time of the year, temperatures can still reach over 30 degrees with a low of around 20 degrees. Traditionally there’s a huge influx of tourists just before Christmas too, and therefore accommodation, food and travel prices skyrocket.
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