Goa is India’s pocket-sized coastal state with a big story: 451 years of Portuguese rule layered onto Konkan traditions, creating a unique blend of Baroque churches, tiled villas, and slow afternoons beneath coconut palms. It’s where spice routes met seafaring empires, and where today’s travelers come to breathe, wander, and feast.

Beyond its beaches, Goa rewards unhurried days: stroll Fontainhas, the Latin Quarter of Panaji; trace the river to Old Goa’s UNESCO-listed churches; cycle quiet islands by ferry; and day-trip inland to waterfalls and spice plantations. Between, linger over seafood thalis, prawn recheado, bebinca for dessert, and a chilled glass of locally distilled feni.

Practical notes: Goa now has two airports—GOX (Mopa, North Goa) and GOI (Dabolim, central). High season runs November–February; monsoon (June–September) brings lush green and big surf. Local taxis are plentiful; app-based options exist, but many hotels can arrange reliable cars. Carry some cash, though cards/UPI are widely accepted.

Panaji (North Goa)

Base yourself near Panaji, Candolim, or Anjuna for a mix of beaches, heritage, and great food. Panaji’s old quarters glow with azulejo tiles and bougainvillea, while nearby forts and coves offer easy viewpoints and soft-sand swims.

• Top sights: Fontainhas Latin Quarter, Miramar beach promenade, Fort Aguada, Chapora Fort sunsets, Old Goa’s Basilica of Bom Jesus and Se Cathedral.
• Taste: seafood thalis, xacuti, cafreal, poi bread, bebinca, and feni-based cocktails.
• Good to know: North Goa has the widest dining range—from heritage homes in Assagao to sunrise cafés in Anjuna—and spa options for true downtime.

Getting in: Fly into GOX (North Goa) or GOI (Dabolim). Search fares on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com. Typical flight times: Mumbai–Goa ~1h15; Delhi–Goa ~2h30. A private airport transfer runs ~INR 1,500–3,000 depending on distance (see transfer option on Day 7).

Where to stay (North Goa):

• Mid-range resort feel: Novotel Goa Resort & Spa (Candolim) — large pool, family-friendly, reliable spa.
• Budget & social: The Funky Monkey Hostel (Anjuna) — leafy garden hangouts near markets and cafés.
• Budget in the old quarters: The Old Quarter Hostel (Panjim) — simple, charming base for Fontainhas.
• More options: VRBO Panaji | Hotels.com Panaji

Day 1: Arrive, Settle In, and Fontainhas at Sunset

Afternoon: Arrive in Goa, check in, and refresh. Ease into Goa with the Fontainhas Heritage Walk by Make It Happen—an intimate guided amble through colorful lanes, Indo-Portuguese homes, and hidden chapels.

Evening: Sunset stroll along Miramar beach, then dinner at one of Panaji’s institutions: Ritz Classic (legendary seafood thali), Kokni Kanteen (home-style coconut gravies), or Viva Panjim (Goan staples in a heritage home). Nightcap at Joseph Bar—tiny, atmospheric, great for a feni cocktail.

Day 2: Forts, Beaches, and a Goan Cooking Class

Morning: Coffee and eggs at Café Bodega (courtyard art space), then head to Fort Aguada for sweeping views over the Arabian Sea. Wander down to Sinquerim or Candolim beach for a relaxed swim and a coconut water under the palms.

Afternoon: Lunch at Vinayak Family Restaurant (Assagao; fish thali and crab masala) or Gunpowder (contemporary South Indian plates in a lush garden). After, enjoy a spa session—SNIP Spa (Candolim) or your hotel spa—for a traditional Ayurvedic massage.

Evening: Join a hands-on Traditional Indian Cooking Class in Anjuna [vegetarian] to learn spice basics, tempering techniques, and Goan home recipes; it’s intimate, friendly, and delicious.

Day 3: River Islands by E-Bike, Old Goa Churches, and Feni & Tapas

Morning: Ride quiet lanes on the BLive Electric Bike Tours – Discovery of Divar Island, including a Mandovi ferry, village chapels, paddy fields, and viewpoints. It’s gentle, photogenic, and ideal for a relaxing pace.

Afternoon: Explore Old Goa: Basilica of Bom Jesus (St. Francis Xavier’s relics), Se Cathedral, and the Archaeological Museum. Cool off with tender coconut and poi bread from a local bakery.

Evening: Taste your way through Panaji on the Feni and Tapas – Food Trail with Tastings & Drinks, pairing small plates (ros omelet, choris, recheado) with classic and craft feni cocktails.

Day 4: Full-Day Dudhsagar Falls and Spice Plantation

Set out on the Dudhsagar waterfall wildlife & spice plantation Tour in Goa, a day of forest tracks, emerald pools, and a fragrant plantation lunch. This is your active day—wear sturdy sandals and bring a towel and insect repellent.

Back in North Goa, keep dinner light: Burger Factory (Anjuna) for a casual bite, or an early seafood thali at a neighborhood spot.

Palolem (South Goa)

Slow down in South Goa’s crescent bays and fishing villages. Palolem and nearby Agonda are postcard-pretty, with calm waters, palm-fringed sands, and beach cafés that open for sunrise smoothies and close after candlelit dinners on the sand.

• Top sights: Palolem and Agonda beaches, Cola lagoon, Cabo de Rama Fort, Cavelossim riverfront.
• Vibe: quieter, more laid-back, perfect for reading, yoga, and long swims.

Getting there from Panaji: Private taxi ~2 hours (70–80 km), ~INR 2,000–3,500. Budget option: Konkan Railway to Canacona station (1.5–2 hours, ~INR 80–300 in standard classes; check schedules on Trip.com trains) plus a short rickshaw/taxi to Palolem. Buses take ~2.5–3 hours.

Where to stay (South Goa):

• Splurge-worthy serenity: Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Goa (Benaulim) — wide lawns, top-tier Jiva spa, refined dining.
• Great value resort: Holiday Inn Resort Goa (Cavelossim) — direct beach access, good pool, consistent service.
• High-end hideaway: The Leela Goa (Cavelossim) — lagoon landscapes and a beautiful beach stretch.
• More options: VRBO Palolem | Hotels.com Palolem

Day 5: Transfer to Palolem and Beach Afternoon

Morning: Depart North Goa after breakfast. If you’re taking the train, aim for a late morning Konkan Railway service to Canacona; otherwise, book a taxi for a door-to-door 2-hour ride.

Afternoon: Check in and exhale on Palolem’s crescent beach. Rent a kayak to paddle along the headland or simply read under a palm. Coffee and banana bread at Little World Café are local favorites.

Evening: Sunset from the southern rocks, then dinner on the sand: Dropadi Restaurant (tandoor seafood, coastal curries) or Magic Italy (thin-crust pizzas and handmade pasta) for a change of pace.

Day 6: South Goa Highlights and Spa Time

Morning: Easy outing to Cabo de Rama Fort for coastal views and sea breeze; bring a hat and water. On the way back, dip at Cola’s blue-green lagoon (road is bumpy; go slow).

Afternoon: Long lunch at Martin’s Corner (Betalbatim; butter garlic prawns, rawa-fried fish) or Zeebop by the Sea (Utorda; beach shack classics). Follow with a restorative spa—Jiva Spa at Taj Exotica or the spa at The Leela for Ayurvedic abhyanga or a soothing back-and-neck sequence.

Evening: Prefer a guided overview instead? Book the Highlights of South Goa with Spice Plantation Tour to combine temples, beaches, and a plantation stop in one relaxed day. Otherwise, dine riverside at The Fisherman’s Wharf (Cavelossim) with live music on select nights.

Day 7: Lazy Morning and Departure

Morning: Sunrise beach walk, a gentle swim, and smoothie bowls or masala omelets at Zest Café (Agonda) or a beachfront shack in Palolem.

Afternoon: Airport transfer to GOX or GOI. For a stress-free ride, pre-book Goa airport to hotel smooth transfer with private car. If you still need flights, check Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com.

Optional Add-Ons If You Want More

• City and forts overview: Capital City, Churches & Forts Of Goa for a guided North Goa circuit.

Daily Food & Coffee Shortlist (save for reference)

• Panjim: Ritz Classic (seafood thali), Kokni Kanteen (Goan homestyle), Viva Panjim (heritage Goan), Café Bodega (courtyard coffee), Joseph Bar (feni cocktails).
• Assagao/Anjuna: Vinayak Family Restaurant (thali), Gunpowder (modern South Indian), Artjuna (breakfast & salads), Burger Factory (casual).
• South Goa: Martin’s Corner (Betalbatim), The Fisherman’s Wharf (Cavelossim), Zeebop (Utorda), Little World Café (Palolem), Magic Italy (Palolem), Dropadi (Palolem).

Budget tips: With a mid-range budget, mix beach shacks and thali houses for value, reserve one or two resort spa treatments, and use trains or shared taxis for inter-town moves. Most paid tours include transport; always confirm hotel pickup points.

In one mellow week you’ll have sunned on India’s most beloved beaches, tasted its spiciest seaside cuisine, and traced a centuries-long story through churches, forts, and island villages. Goa’s rhythm is unhurried—exactly the pace you’ll carry home.