Idyllic and peaceful, yet also exotic, with its colourful culture and Portuguese heritage, Goa offers an east meets west at the beach experience which draws in about two million travellers a year. Goa is edged by a long stretch of coast along the Arabian Sea, so as well as the party beaches there are also empty lengths where it's just you and the sea eagles. Behind some of these quieter pockets are some of the best places to stay in Goa if you're looking for a serene escape. That said, Goa really does fulfil the cliché of having something for everyone, and for every budget.
Some of our Goa Collections:
Panjim (or Panaji as it's also known) is the state capital and it's a good place to base yourself if you want to explore Goa's culture (Old Goa is just six miles away) as well as the beaches.
Anjuna was the original hippy hang out, but has become less popular as a beach party desination in recent years.
Goa is awash with crumbling (but still grand), Portuguese architecture - the Portuguese were here for more than 500 years so they very much made their mark in Goa's looks, flavours and even the sounds of the place.
Local Spots
Most of Goa's main towns have at least one beautiful old church, and a number of them are quite something - including the Basilica of Bom Jesus, which is where the remains of St. Francis Xavier are interred, and the Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, which was the first port for all the sailors crossing from Lisbon. And if you're looking for colonial treasures, you'll definitely want to explore Old Goa.
As well as the Catholic contribution, Goa also has a number of very beautiful Hindu temples and monuments. Plus, for a small state, Goa has an excellent collection of museums and galleries.
Most of the cultural sights can be found in Panaji, but when it comes to living artists (many who have moved here for the bohemian lifestyle), you'll find their galleries dotted throughout the small fishing villages.
Goa is also a great place for animal lovers, there are several wildlife sanctuaries in which you might see elephants, wild boar, Indian bison and sambar.
And of course there's that 70kms worth of near perfect beaches, some of which is also great for diving.
What Not To Miss
- Visit the historic Basilica of Bom Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which holds the remains of St Francis Xavier. This stunning red brick spot is one of the only examples of baroque architecture in India, and is brimming with history.
- Head off on a Jeep to the spectacular Dudhsagar Falls and go diving into the natural pools. What's more, the tours are a wonderful way to explore the dense jungle in which it's located. Take in the wonderful views and get back in touch with nature.
- A visit to Reis Magos Fort is a great way to learn about Goa's Portuguese colonisation. This recently refurbished spot, located atop a hill offering splendid sea views, is incredibly picturesque and also far quieter than a number of other tourist sites in the area.
- Museum of Goa sheds light on the region's history with a fabulous collection of local art. What's more, it often hosts a number of workshops, lectures and musical evenings.
- The idyllic Shantadurga Temple is a must see if you're in the area. Boasting stunning architecture and an incredibly peaceful atmopshere, this 450 year old spot is bound to impress.
Don't forget that the best places to stay in Goa are always popular, especially those with a swimming pool or a beach front location. So get organised and book early!