Having spent 5 years in Goa, I’ve explored every inch of both North and South Goa. Here’s my take on how to discover the best of both worlds. This itinerary for a 6-day tour around Goa features both popular and offbeat cultural experiences, all of which can be booked via the Agoda App.
First, I started with the popular places in Goa. One of my favorite stays is at Estrela Do Mar Beach Resort – A Beach Property. Staying here allowed me to be at a tourist hotspot, with access to three major beaches: Baga, Calangute, and Candolim. At these beaches, you can enjoy water sports like parasailing, jet skiing, and banana boat rides. During peak season, make sure to pre-book these activities.
At night, my friends and I walked around Tito’s Lane to experience the nightlife. Other great places to stay nearby are Fiesta Beach Resort and Shining Sand Beach Hotel in Baga, both of which offer good views and central locations.
Next, I explored the more hippie-ish locations in North Goa, known for their young crowd. I checked in at Anjuna Beach and headed to Chapora Fort, famously featured in the movie Dil Chahta Hai. It was an iconic experience!
At night, my group and I visited classy restaurants on Vagator Beach, such as Antares, and soaked in the party vibes with music from Hill-Top. Some cool places to stay around this area include The Grand Leoney Resort, Casa de Mor, and Whoopers Boutique Hotel Anjuna.
Time to take a break from beaches and enjoy the cultural side of Goa. After arriving in Panjim, I booked a day trip to Chorão Island (you can also visit Divar Island). Chorão Island offered a spectacular boat ride, a charming village atmosphere, and engaging activities!
The next day, I embarked on a cultural sightseeing tour of Goa, starting with a visit to the famous Fontainhas Street. The vibrant colors and picturesque streets were mesmerizing, offering ample opportunities for beautiful pictures. This was followed by exploring the churches and spice plantations to experience the rich history of Old Goa.
For accommodation in Panjim, I highly recommend Vivanta Goa, Casa Dos Rebelos, and Opierre for a memorable stay.
The last leg of this trip brought me to the peaceful and untouched beaches of South Goa. I opted to stay in Palolem, known for its tranquility, but Agonda Beach is another excellent choice for those seeking more peace, although network connectivity is better at Palolem. Some great places I recommend here are Coco Cabana, Vintage Beach Resort, Forget Me Not Resort, Club Palolem, and Sobit Sarovar Portico Goa.
On the first day, I visited the famous Butterfly Beach and then drove to Kakolem Beach, known for its beautiful waterfalls. At night, I joined my friends at Leopard Valley for the nightlife. For those who prefer not to pay an entry ticket, Palolem Beach itself offers a great dance and music scene.
The next day, if the weather permits, you can also visit Dudhsagar Falls or Savari Waterfall. Alternatively, you can explore more peaceful beaches like Talpona and Galgibaga, which feature stunning backwaters.
