Goa is two holidays in one. North Goa has lively beaches and nightlife; South Goa is quieter with long, clean beaches. Inland, Old Goa’s churches and Fontainhas’ Latin quarter show the Portuguese heritage.
Highlights
- Palolem, Agonda and Patnem beaches (south)
- Anjuna, Vagator and Morjim (north)
- Old Goa churches (UNESCO)
- Fontainhas in Panaji
- Dudhsagar falls (monsoon/post-monsoon)
- Spice plantation tour
What to eat
- Goan fish curry rice
- Prawn balchão
- Pork vindaloo
- Bebinca
- Feni
Where to stay
North (Anjuna, Assagao) for energy; South (Palolem, Agonda, Colva) for calm.
Getting there
Two airports: Dabolim (GOI) in the south-centre and Mopa (GOX) in the north. Trains on the Konkan Railway.
Tips
- Many beach shacks open from November to April.
- Rent a scooter only with a valid licence and helmet.
- Christmas-New Year is the busiest (and priciest) time.
Best time to visit
Nov-Mar. See what else is good in November and our best time to visit India guide.
Temples and shrines near Goa
- Basilica of Bom Jesus, Old Goa Tomb of St. Francis Xavier
Places to see in and around Goa
72 places within 40 km. Tap I’ve been to add them to your India passport.
- Old Goa Ancient site, 30 km
- Dudhsagar Falls Waterfall, 21 km
- Basilica of Bom Jesus Church, 32 km
- Se Cathedral Temple, 32 km
- Churches and Convents of Goa World Heritage Site, 32 km
- Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park National park, 17 km
- Church of Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 32 km
- Mahadev Temple, Tambdi Surla Temple, 21 km
- Mangueshi Temple Temple, 28 km
- Safa Masjid Mosque, 17 km
- Goa State Museum Museum, 38 km
- Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary Wildlife sanctuary, 37 km
- Church of St. Francis of Assisi Church, 32 km
- Palolem Beach Beach, 34 km
- Goa Chitra Museum Museum, 20 km
- Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. Wildlife sanctuary, 37 km
- Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary Wildlife sanctuary, 14 km
- St Catherine's Chapel, Old Goa Temple, 32 km
- Chorão Island, 36 km
- Archaeological Museum and Portrait Gallery Museum, 32 km
- Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church Temple, 38 km
- Church of St. Cajetan Temple, 32 km
- Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary Wildlife sanctuary, 31 km
- Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary Wildlife sanctuary, 26 km
And 48 more on our Goa map.
Food to try in and around Goa
Goa favourites to look out for.
- Kingfish
- Prawns
- Crab
- Mackerel
- Pomfret
- Goan Khaje GI: sweet
- Goan Bebinca GI: sweet
- Khola Chilli GI: spice or chilli
- Harmal Chilli GI: spice or chilli
- Myndoli Banana GI: fruit
The full food passport, state by state.
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Tips from travellers
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Questions from readers
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