Goa is India’s coastal muse—once the capital of the Portuguese Estado da Índia (1510–1961), today a breezy blend of Indian warmth and Iberian heritage. Whitewashed churches, azulejo tiles, and Latin quarters mingle with centuries-old temples and palm-framed beaches. Its soul is a soundtrack of waves, Konkani chatter, and guitar-led retro night sets.

Beyond the beaches, Goa’s treasures run deep: the UNESCO-listed churches of Old Goa, the colorful lanes of Fontainhas, spice plantations perfumed with cardamom and clove, and rainforest corridors hiding thundering cascades like Dudhsagar Falls. Food is a headline act—think prawn balchão, sorpotel, xacuti, poi bread, and cashew feni cocktails.

Peak season runs Nov–Feb with the best beach weather and most nightlife. June–Sep brings the monsoon’s lush greens and rough seas; some water sports pause, though waterfalls swell magnificently and plantation visits shine. Move around by taxi or scooter; always ride licensed and helmeted. Fly into GOX (Mopa, North Goa) or GOI (Dabolim, central Goa) and split your week between vibrant North Goa and mellow South Goa.

North Goa (Anjuna, Calangute & Baga)

North Goa is the classic postcard: long sandy arcs, parasails skimming the skyline, and sunset drums on Anjuna. By day, hop between beaches, cafés, and markets; by night, chase live bands and retro nights in Assagao, Sinquerim, and Baga.

• Top sights: Fort Aguada, Candolim–Calangute–Baga beach strip, Anjuna’s cliffside sunsets, Chapora Fort views.
• Flavor radar: beach shacks for kingfish recheado, bakeries for croissants and poi, and modern Goan plates in Assagao.
• Fun fact: Anjuna’s flea market started with hippies in the 1970s; it still pops on Wednesdays in season.

Getting there: Book flights to Goa via Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. From Mumbai (~1h15) and Bengaluru (~1h10) are frequent; Delhi (~2h30) is common. Taxis from GOX to Anjuna take ~45–60 minutes; from GOI about ~60–80 minutes.

Where to stay (North Goa):

• Resort: Novotel Goa Resort & Spa (Candolim) — family-friendly pools, shuttle to the beach.
• Hostel: The Funky Monkey Hostel (Anjuna) — social, leafy, walkable to cafés.
• Homes: VRBO Anjuna or hotels on Hotels.com Calangute.

Day 1: Arrive, Sand Between Toes, Sunset Start

Afternoon: Land, check in, and decompress with a soft-landing swim at Calangute or Candolim. Grab late lunch at Souza Lobo (classic Goan seafood; try butter garlic calamari and prawn curry rice) or Pousada by the Beach (Calangute; relaxed, slightly upscale shack).

Evening: Sunset from Anjuna’s rocky outcrop. Dinner in Assagao at Gunpowder (modern Goan/Andhra; pork vindalho and pumpkin okra stew) or Vinayak Family Restaurant (homestyle fish thalis). Nightcap at Soro – The Village Pub (live bands; convivial) or Cohiba (Sinquerim; retro nights, salsa/rock).

Day 2: Beaches, Water Sports, and Fort Aguada

Morning: Coffee and fresh bakes at Baba Au Rhum (Anjuna; almond croissant, shakshuka). Hit Baga/Calangute for parasailing or jet ski runs (Oct–May best; verify flags and operators). Non-motor vibes? Walk to Candolim for quieter sands.

Afternoon: Fort Aguada and its lighthouse—panoramic Arabian Sea views and 17th-century Portuguese masonry. Lunch at Fisherman’s Wharf (Calangute outpost; rava-fried kingfish, bebinca dessert) or Fat Fish (Baga–Arpora; Goan thalis).

Evening: Vagator golden hour from Chapora Fort. Dinner at Thalassa (Siolim waterfront; Greek with sunset theatrics) or Mahé (Anjuna; coastal Indian, craft cocktails). If you want live music, swing by Cavala in Baga for their retro-night band.

Day 3: Panjim Heritage + Crocodile Creek

Morning: Head to Panjim for a guided walk through pastel lanes and azulejo art with the highly rated:

Viator Experience: Fontainhas Heritage Walk by Make It Happen — learn how this Latin quarter evolved, meet local artisans, and taste small bites. Book here

Breakfast ideas: Cafe Tato (Panjim; bhaji-pao and mirchi bhajiya) or Caravela Cafe & Bistro (excellent coffee, bebinca slices).

Afternoon: Swap lanes for mangroves: cruise the Cumbarjua Canal on a wildlife-focused:

Viator Experience: Crocodile spotting with walking tour of local plantation in Goa — saltwater crocodiles, birdlife, and a short plantation stroll with local insights. Book here

Prefer churches? Detour to Old Goa for the Basilica of Bom Jesus (St. Francis Xavier’s relics) and Sé Cathedral—the largest church in Asia.

Evening: Panjim dinner at Black Sheep Bistro (contemporary Goan; chorizo jam crostini, kokum-glazed pork) or Kokni Kanteen (vintage Goan thali, tisryo clams, sol kadi). Later, wander Rua 31 de Janeiro for photo ops and a quiet gelato at Cream Choc.

South Goa (Palolem, Colva & Cavelossim)

South Goa is the exhale: sweeping crescents, lazy kayaks, and candlelit shacks. Palolem, Agonda, and Cavelossim are for long swims, yoga mornings, and seafood dinners under fairy lights.

• Top sights: Palolem’s calm bay, Agonda’s sunset, Cavelossim’s riverside dining, Colva’s palm colonnades.
• Nature escapes: butterfly boat trips, quiet coves, and backroad villages shaded by coconut groves.
• Food mood: grilled catch of the day, poee with recheado, and spice-forward Saraswat curries.

Getting between North and South Goa: Taxi or app cab ~1.5–2 hours (60–80 km), typically $20–35 depending on season and car. Buses connect but are slower; self-drive scooters/vehicles are common—carry license and ride defensively.

Where to stay (South Goa):

• Luxury: Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Goa (Benaulim; grand lawns, sunset pier).
• Luxury: The Leela Goa (Cavelossim; river-meets-sea setting).
• Great value: Holiday Inn Resort Goa (Cavelossim; beachfront, good for families).
• Hostel (Panjim, if you extend in the capital): The Old Quarter Hostel.
• Homes and hotels near Palolem: VRBO Palolem and Hotels.com Benaulim.

Day 4: Dudhsagar Falls and Spice Plantation (Full Day)

Viator Experience: Full-Day Old Goa Dudhsagar Falls and Spice Plantation — jeep into Mollem National Park, swim below a sky-high cascade (season permitting), then stroll a spice farm with a Goan lunch. Book here

Note: During peak monsoon, access can close or require re-routing—your guide will advise. Pack reef-safe sunscreen, a quick-dry towel, and sturdy sandals.

Day 5: Shift South—Palolem Postcard

Morning: Depart North Goa by taxi to Palolem (~2 hours). Check in and decompress with coffee at Zest (healthy bowls, cold brew) or The Mill (rustic courtyard, eggs and pancakes).

Afternoon: Kayak the calm Palolem bay or take a boat to Butterfly Beach when tides allow. Lunch at Dropadi (tandoor seafood by the sand) or Fisherman’s Wharf (Cavelossim; river breeze, live music evenings).

Evening: Sunset barefoot on Palolem’s curve. Dinner at Art Resort’s restaurant (global-leaning, candlelit) or Magic Italy (handmade pasta if you crave a break from spice). Later, a quiet drink at Café Del Mar or a stargazing stroll.

Day 6: Cook, Swim, Siesta

Morning: Learn to cook your favorites so the trip comes home with you:

Viator Experience: Authentic Indian Cooking Classes at Palolem Beach Road Goa — hands-on Goan and Indian classics, market insights, and recipes to keep. Book here

Fuel up beforehand at German Bakery (Palolem; muesli bowls, cinnamon rolls).

Afternoon: Slow beach hours: swim, read, and nap. If you want a change of scene, tuk-tuk to Agonda for a quieter beach vibe and coconut water under the palms.

Evening: Sunset from Cavelossim’s quieter sands. Dinner at Martin’s Corner (Betalbatim; prawn peri-peri, crab xec xec) or The Fisherman’s Wharf (Cavelossim). Try a feni cocktail—ask for a kokum or pineapple mixer if you’re new to it.

Day 7: Last Lazy Morning and Departure

Morning: Sunrise yoga on the beach or a gentle walk to Colomb Bay. Breakfast at Zest (smoothie bowls) or Little World (chai, masala omelet). Pick up cashew nuts, kokum, and bebinca to take home.

Afternoon: Check out and transfer to GOI (Dabolim, ~1–1.5 hours from Palolem) or GOX (longer from the south). Book flights via Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. If continuing in India by rail, browse options on Trip.com Trains (Konkan Railway panoramas are beautiful).

Optional Swap: North Goa Cooking Day

If you prefer your cooking day up north, consider:

Viator Experience: Traditional Indian Cooking Class in Goa, Anjuna [vegetarian] — community-led, hands-on vegetarian favorites near Anjuna. Book here

Pair it with an Anjuna brunch at Artjuna (smoothies, Middle Eastern plates) and a sunset from Vagator’s red cliffs.

Local bites cheat sheet (save this):

• Breakfast/coffee: Baba Au Rhum (Anjuna), Caravela Cafe (Panjim), Zest and The Mill (Palolem).
• Lunch: Ritz Classic (Panjim; fish thali), Souza Lobo (Calangute), Vinayak (Assagao), Dropadi (Palolem).
• Dinner: Gunpowder (Assagao), Mahé (Anjuna), Fisherman’s Wharf (Cavelossim/Calangute), Martin’s Corner (Betalbatim).
• Drinks/live music: Soro – The Village Pub (Assagao), Cohiba (Sinquerim), Cavala (Baga).

Practical tips: ATMs are widespread; cards accepted at most midrange and above. Dress modestly in churches/temples; carry a light cover-up. Beach flags matter—swim only in lifeguard-patrolled zones. For scooters, helmets are mandatory; carry your license and avoid night riding on unfamiliar roads.

In just one week, you’ll sample Goa’s best: North Goa’s beach energy, Panjim’s time-capsule lanes, rainforest waterfalls and spices, and South Goa’s serene sands. Come for the sun, stay for the stories—and take home recipes, new rhythms, and a taste for the Goan good life.