20 Best Places to Visit in Goa

Goa is a unique blend of tropical environs, natural beauty, dazzling nightlife, and delectable foods. Contrasting to the frenetic pace of your daily lives, you can find a laid-back pace of life here. With the kaleidoscopic confluence of Indian and Portuguese culture, sea, sand, and spirituality, there is nowhere in the country like Goa.

Here are some of the best places to visit in Goa which will keep calling you for more. Scroll down to know about some known and lesser-known attractions of Goa.

The beaches of Goa have served as a magnet for everyone. While in the north, you will find tourist-centric scenes and travel to the south for stretches of unspoiled sand. Goa also offers several churches, temples, forts, and wildlife sanctuaries to take diversions from the beach.

Read along to know about them!

1. Fontainhas

Close to central Panjim city, Fontainhas is the oldest Latin Quarter in Goa. It is located at the foot of Altinho hills, bounded by the ancient Ourem creek. Moreover, the most intriguing feature here is that all the houses and cottages are painted yearly after monsoons to maintain the rule laid out by the Portuguese.  

• Best Time to Visit - September
• Average Expense: ₹ 1000 for 2 hour (Include a walking tour)
• Places to Visit - Chapel of St. Sebastian, Fonte Phoenix, Maruti Temple, Old Portuguese Houses, and Gitanjali Galley 
• Things to Do - Take a heritage walk among the narrow cobbled lanes on foot and enjoy local cuisines
• How to Reach - By road

2. Reis Magos Fort

This underrated tourist spot is located on the banks of River Mandovi in the Regis Magos village of Bardez. Reis Magos Fort houses Mario Miranda’s artwork, a stellar library, Portuguese-era cannons, and captivating views of the Arabian Sea. 

• Best Time to Visit - October to February
• Average Expense: ₹ 50 as entry fees for adults,  ₹ 25 for students,  ₹ 10 on Sundays and Goa Govt.
• Places to Visit - Sao Tome Old Quarter, Mae de Deus Church, Sinquerim Beach, Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, and Mandovi River
• Things to Do - Explore this oldest fort of Goa to witness the Portuguese architecture
• How to Reach - By road

3. Calangute Beach

Calangute Beach is unarguably one of the best places to visit in north Goa, fringed with coconuts and palm trees along the coastline. It forges the real attraction of Goa, courtesy of the water activities, nightclubs, restaurants, and shacks. 

Furthermore, though commercialised, its unstrained solitude and alluring views of locales enfold a serene ambience, making it an ideal hotspot for nature freaks. 

• Best Time to Visit - Late October to February
• Average Expense: ₹ 6,500 for 1 Night/ 2 Days (Include Car, Hotel, Sightseeing, Meal)
• Places to Visit - Our Lady of Piety, Kerkar Art Gallery, St. Alex Church, Tibetan Market, and Holiday Street
• Things to Do - Water sports such as parasailing, snorkelling, kayaking, jet-skiing, windsurfing, etc.
• How to Reach - By road

4. Baga Beach

Lined with sun decks, popular shacks, tarot shops, tattoo parlours, and spas, it offers you everything to enjoy the ultimate beach holiday. However, if you are a nature enthusiast, relish the scenic beauty of this place.

• Best Time to Visit - October to March
• Average Expense: ₹ 9,000 for 3 Nights/ 4 Days (Include Car, Hotel, Sightseeing, Meal)
• Places to Visit - Anjuna Beach, Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Casa de Retiros, Kesarval Springs, and Baga River
• Things to Do - Shopping at Ingo’s Night Market at Arpora and Wednesday Flea Market at Anjuna Beach, water sports like wakeboarding, kite surfing, etc., and dolphin sightseeing
• How to Reach - By road

5. Candolim Beach

Recognised as a beach lover’s paradise, Candolim beach is among the best places to visit in Goa, courtesy of its calm and relaxed setting. Decked with sun loungers and parasols, this beach is comparatively quieter and is perfect for lazing.

In addition, it makes a great base to explore the best places in North Goa and discover the highlights of Central Goa and fascinating landmarks of Old Goa.

• Best Time to Visit - April to November
• Average Expense: ₹ 1,500 for 7 hours (Include Car, Sightseeing, Meal)
• Places to Visit - Kegdole Beach, Coco Beach, Church of Our Lady of Hope, the Cabo Palace, and Chapel of St. Lawrence
• Things to Do - Water sports such as banana boat rides, parasailing, water skiing, visiting pubs, cafes, and restaurants
• How to Reach - By road

6. Chapora Beach

Chapora beach is among the best beaches in Goa, thanks to its white sandy unfold, sapphire expanse, and black lava rocks. Dotted with coconut trees along its stretch, you can take a lazy walk, soak in the sun’s rays, and rejuvenate your soul. Nestled at the Chapora River, you can easily assess the other tourist places in Goa via this beach.

• Best Time to Visit - November to March
• Average Expense: ₹ 12,500 for 2 Nights/ 3 Days (Include Car, Hotel, Sightseeing, Meal
• Places to Visit - Vagator Springs, Chapora Fort, and Chapora Village
• Things to Do - Water activities including snorkelling, scuba diving, parasailing, etc., enjoy the hippy nightlife and delectable local foods 
• How to Reach - By road

7. Palolem Beach (South)

If you are looking for the best places to visit in south Goa, stay at Palolem Beach for one or two days for the ultimate Goan vibe. Enclosed by a dense forest of coconut and palm trees, this mile-long unadulterated beach is ideal for a laid-back holiday as well as partying.

• Best Time to Visit - November to February
• Average Expense: ₹ 14,000 for 3 Nights/ 4 Days (Include Car, Hotel, Sightseeing, Meal
• Places to Visit - Canacona Island or Monkey Island, Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, Patnem Beach, and Agonda Beach
• Things to Do - Rejuvenate yourself with Ayurvedic massages, practice yoga, go for dolphin sighting and the unique Silent Noise Party, and indulge in water sports like kayaking, fishing, etc.
• How to Reach - By road

8. Arambol Beach

Arambol beach is away from the hurly-burly of the other tourist hubs in Goa, making it an ideal pick for those seeking a secluded environment. One of the best attractions here is the jungle valley which is home to various species of wildlife and recognised for the pool that has therapeutic properties. 

• Best Time to Visit - October to March
• Average Expense: ₹ 12,500 approx. for 3 Nights/ 4 Days (Include Car, Hotel, Sightseeing, Meal)
• Places to Visit - Paliem Lake, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Keri Beach, and Kalacha Beach
• Things to Do - Practice Yoga or Reiki, witness the dazzling fire show at night, go shopping in the beach-side flea market, and enjoy surfing, jet skiing, etc.
• How to Reach - By road

9. Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary

Explore this hidden gem in North Goa to experience the soothing surrounding, encompassing within the enchanting hues of green. It teems with a range of flora and fauna and is among the safest grounds for breeding animals. 

• Best Time to Visit - October to April
• Average Expense: ₹ 10 as entry fees for adults,  ₹ 5 for children
• Places to Visit - Deer Safari Park, Zoo, Rehabilitation Centre, Botanical Garden, and Nature Education Centre
• Things to Do - Climbing the watch tower in the sanctuary to observe wildlife from a close range, trekking, and staying at Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary cottages 
• How to Reach - By road

10. Bogmalo Beach

Bogmalo beach is your ultimate destination to enjoy a private beach holiday in the mesmerising landscapes of Goa, as it remains secluded even during peak seasons. With dusk setting, Bogmalo beach transforms into a party hub and sets an electrifying mood in the air, making it one of the best places to visit in Goa.

• Best Time to Visit - December to February
• Average Expense: ₹ 1,500 for 0 Night/ 1 Days (Include Car, Drinks, Sightseeing, Meal)
• Places to Visit -Sernabatim Beach, Chicalim, Naval Aviation Museum, and Siridao Beach
• Things to Do - Party at the pubs and bars at night, go for water sports like scuba diving, water surfing, swimming, etc., and shop for souvenirs like shell crafts and shell jewellery.
• How to Reach - By road

11. BhagwanMahavir Wildlife Sanctuary

Settled at the foothills of the Western Ghats, BhagwanMahavir Wildlife Sanctuary is the largest wildlife preserve in Goa, covering 240 sq. km. This thick forest is rich in wildlife and contains the Mollem National Park. Here you can see some unique habitants include Sambar, Gaur, Slender Tories, Pythons, Spotted Deer, Leopards, and Malabar Trogon.

• Best Time to Visit - November to March
• Average Expense: ₹ 20 as entry fees for adults,  ₹ 10 for children
• Places to Visit - Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, Devil’s Canyon, TambdiSurla Temple, and Tambdi Falls
• Things to Do - Hiking, trekking, and safari to watch the endangered species 
• How to Reach - By road

12. Cabo de Rama Beach

Bewitch your mind with the lush greenery at this beautiful secluded beach in Margao, South Goa. If you are a nature-lover, take a walk into the wilderness to witness a breathtaking vista of palm trees where the backdrop of the Arabian Ocean will greet you. 

• Best Time to Visit - November to March
• Average Expense: ₹ 13,000 approx. for 3 Nights/ 4 Days (Include Car, Hotel, Sightseeing, Meal)
• Places to Visit - Cabo de Rama Fort, Saint Antonio Church, Chapel of Saint Anthony, and Pebble Beach
• Things to Do - Visit the fort to check out the stunning view of the Arabian Sea
• How to Reach - By road

13. Fort Aguada Beach

This beautiful beach in Goa is popular for the Fort Aguada, constructed by the Portuguese in 1612. If you are looking for the best places to visit in Goa for strolling and watching the enchanting sunsets and sunrises, add this beach to your bucket list.

• Best Time to Visit - October to March
• Average Expense: ₹ 29,000 approx. for 3 Nights/ 4 Days (Include Car, Hotel, Sightseeing, Meal)
• Places to Visit - Sinquerim Beach, Fort Aguada, and Candolim Beach
• Things to Do - Try out water activities like banana boat riding, jet skiing, parasailing, etc., check out the local stalls for jewellery, clothes, and Kashmiri carpets, and enjoy the true taste of the Goan cuisine
• How to Reach - By road

14. Shantadurga Temple

Shantadurga Temple is located on the foothills of Kavelem village in the Ponda district of Goa. The temple is dedicated to Shantadurga, colloquially recognised as “Santeri,” the Goddess of peace, mediating between Vishu and Shiva. 

• Best Time to Visit - Throughout the year
• Average Expense: Entry is free of cost
• Places to Visit - Kapileshwar Temple, Shri Ramnathi Temple, St. Roque Chapel,Shri Mangeshi Temple, and Bandoda
• Things to Do - Witness the pious aura of the temple 
• How to Reach - By road

15. Divar Island

If you want to avoid the beaches of Goa that are thronged by tourists almost the entire year, visit the unexplored Divar Island. Here, you can explore old churches, Portuguese architecture, old structures in shambles, and clean narrow lanes.

• Best Time to Visit - Throughout the year, especially during the festivals
• Average Expense: ₹ 1,800 for 2 hours (Include Car, Sightseeing, Meal)
• Places to Visit - Our Lady of Piety Church, St. Mathias Church, Koti Tirth Tali, Vanxim Island, and Chorao Island
• Things to Do - Enjoy the festivals of Potekar, Bonderam, and Feast of Our Lord Redeemer
• How to Reach - By ferry

16. Ashwem Beach

One of north Goa’s best-kept treasures, Ashwem beach is tucked away from the hordes, making it ideal for travellers seeking peace and serenity. Additionally, the resorts at the beach provide meditation and Yoga sessions and are thus recognised as one of the best places to visit in Goa for relaxation.

• Best Time to Visit - October to March
• Average Expense: ₹ 13,500 for 2 Nights/ 3 Days (Include Car, Hotel, Sightseeing, Meal)
• Places to Visit - Harmal Beach, Arambol Mountain, and Morjai Temple
• Things to Do - Water sports like jet skiing, paragliding, surfing, etc., visit the local shacks and cafes and shop from Mapusa market, Anjuna Market, and Calangute Market Square
• How to Reach - By road

17. Morjim Beach

A poet’s paradise, Morjim beach is among the most tranquil beaches in Goa. It is recognised as ‘Little Russia’ due to the Russian expatriates visiting and leaving. The beach is lined up with restaurants and cottages for relaxation and dining out.

• Best Time to Visit - November to February
• Average Expense: ₹ 2,500 for 1 Nights/ 2 Days (Include Hotel)
• Places to Visit -ShriMorarji Temple, Chapora River, ShriBhagavati Temple, Vagator Beach, and Mandrem Beach
• Things to Do - Water sports like the bumper ride, flyboarding, jet skiing, etc., check out a wide range of fish in the Siolim Fish Market, bird-watching, and see the endangered Olive Ridley Turtles
• How to Reach - By road

18. Shri Mahalasa Temple

ShriMahalasa Temple is built in the conventional Hindu temple architecture, characterised by a copper roof, granite mandap, and an ancient bell. It is dedicated to Goddess Mahalasa, who is worshipped in two traditions.

• Best Time to Visit - Throughout the year, especially on Sundays
• Average Expense: Entry is free of cost
• Places to Visit - Tomb of St. Francis Xavier, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Utorda Beach, St. Cajetan’s Church, and Church of St. Francis of Assisi
• Things to Do - Visit the temple to witness the serenity and peace 
• How to Reach - By road

19. Dudhsagar Waterfalls

The next on the list of best places to visit in Goa is the glorious Dudhsagar Waterfalls, meaning Sea of Milk. The waterfall is nearly 1017 ft high and around 100 ft wide, attracting thousands of tourists annually to its bounty. The gushing water from the streams exudes power and beauty, subduing the chaos of city life.

• Best Time to Visit - July to October
• Average Expense: ₹ 1,700 for 0 Night/ 1 Days (Include Entry Fee, Transportation, Jeep Safari)
• Places to Visit -TambdiSurla Temple, the Spice Plantation, and Mollem National Park
• Things to Do - Trekking to the Dudhsagar Falls from Castle Rock, camping and swimming
• How to Reach - By train and road

20. Butterfly Beach

Another beautiful beach in south Goa is Butterfly beach, located south of Palolem. The beach is enclosed by a dense forest on one side, offering a unique and picturesque landscape. It occupies a small semi-circular bay where you can spot thousands of butterflies flying over the hilltop blossoms.

• Best Time to Visit - November to March
• Average Expense: ₹ 2,000 for 0 Night/ 1 Days (Include Car, Activities, Sightseeing, Meal)
• Places to Visit - Himalayan Therapeutic Studio, Conco Island, Leopard Valley, and Yoga Land
• Things to Do - Two-hour trek from Palolem, taking a ferry from Agonda beach, enjoying a beach-side picnic, water sports, such as boating, kayaking, snorkelling, and dolphin sightseeing
• How to Reach - By ferry