Best things to do in Goa

Enjoy the vast strips of pristine white sand, along with a beachside candle-lit dinner, at Agonda Beach. Easy on the eye, the large, clean beach features characteristic rock formations poking out of the deep blue water. This doesn’t mean you’ll encounter hordes of tourists; on the contrary, it’s easy to find a secluded spot for some peace and quiet. Rows of bars and cottages line the coast, with restaurants even setting up tables on the beach during the evening for that additional romantic touch.

Lounge on the white sands of Baga Beach, a scenic Goa beach lined with palm trees and numerous shacks offering drinks, souvenirs, and water sports equipment. A popular hangout spot for locals, the beach can get crowded, especially during holidays. Head to the north end of the beach to where the Baga creek flows into the sea, rent a banana boat, or try your hand at parasailing. An array of bars and restaurants provide refreshments and entertainment, with the lively, laid-back atmosphere of the beach continuing into the night.

Rest and relax on Palolem Beach, a scenic Goa beach fringed with coconut palms. The crescent-shaped sandy stretch was featured in the movie “The Bourne Supremacy” as Jason Bourne’s home in Goa. Beach huts line the shore, providing accommodation to tourists and local fishermen, while many restaurants offer refreshing drinks and seafood dishes. Go for a swim, indulge in an invigorating massage, or sunbathe and take in the peaceful atmosphere.

A World Heritage Site, Basilica of Bom Jesus serves as the final resting place for widely revered Saint Francis Xavier. Consecrated in 1605, the church and its grand mausoleum housing the canonized Roman Catholic missionary are considered a landmark in Christian architecture. As you approach India's first minor basilica you will be struck by the simplicity of its Jesuit Baroque architecture, looming over the historic streets of Old Goa. Inside, an ornate gilded altarpiece greats you with a warm glow, to the right of which the mortal body of the saint lies, enshrined in the church since 1622.

At Calangute Beach, rest on a warm, sandy shoreline which shelters a small fishing town. Besides swimming, you can surf, paraglide, or parasail. Well-connected routes enable tourists to reach the beach either via taxi, state buses, or train. Explore the tropical ambience by hiring two-wheelers or rickshaws. If art and culture interest you, visit the local galleries where you can learn about this region's history and religious heritage. Be aware that during monsoon season (June through September), swimming is prohibited.

Shop for quality clothing at Sheek Emporium - Armanii Boutique Since 1950, specializing in formal wear and wedding attire. Visit tailor Sartaj Ahmad to order your dream wedding dress or tuxedo, get a bespoke suit, or pick out the perfect fabric and color for a garment of your choice--from jeans and T-shirts to elaborate ball gowns. The store also sells custom-made jewelry, with numerous precious and semi-precious stones to choose from.

Offering soft white sands and a feeling of solitude in a calm coastal environment, Varca Beach features rows of wooden fishing boats belonging to the local Christian community. Watch dolphins or go on boat trips up the River Sal, or treat your taste buds to some Goan cuisine, known for a variety of seafood delicacies. To add a bit of culture to your visit, drop by the nearby church, one of the oldest buildings in town.

At Candolim Beach, put your mind and body to rest and taste some of the best seafood in the region. Besides going for a swim, you can also try other water sport activities like water skiing or parasailing. Or, visit the stranded ship that became a tourist attraction after it got stuck on shore in 2000. When you arrive at this piece of coastline, check out the surrounding restaurants and cafes which serve all sorts of dishes and drinks. The beach offers many comfortable accommodation choices, just make sure to schedule your room early--especially during high season--because it can get crowded.

At Benaulim Beach, experience a quiet marine ambience suited for recreation and leisure. Go on dolphin spotting boat rides offered by the fishermen or attend live music performances on the beach. If you want a break from the sun, head to the beach in the evenings, as there is no shade here. The town offers bike, scooter, or car rental. If you want to try local food and purchase quality spices, visit the bustling market nearby.

A meandering stretch of snow-white sand lies in stark contrast to the deep black lava rocks at Cavelossim Beach. Remote enough for serenity yet developed enough for comfort, the beach sits in between the Arabian Sea and the Sal River. Take your pick of beachside activities, from dolphin watching tours to water sports. A selection of beach shacks serving up freshly cooked sea food is sure to tempt you, while the scattering of beach bars offer welcome refreshments.

At Arambol Beach, you can experience the hippy atmosphere that has made this spot popular since the 1960s. Today, the beach appeals to international tourists with a knack for the bohemian. Besides enjoying the sea, you can explore the surrounding scenery that includes a jungle valley, half-salty half-freshwater lake, and a pilgrimage destination called Money Stone. Local markets ensure nobody goes hungry here, while waterfront cafes keep everyone properly hydrated. Once you get accustomed to the overall vibe, consider attending a psytrance or reggae party, or take a yoga class or a few art lessons.

Experience the history of the once-Portuguese colony that rivaled European capitals with its splendor and wealth at Old Goa, a World Heritage Site. The city steadily grew long before the Portuguese arrived in 1510, but after the conquest, the port city simply bloomed. Visit the Se Cathedral, the largest church in Asia, which took 80 years to complete. The ancient market sites here represent that area where traders once came from China, Arabia, and Africa to trade in silk, spices, and incense. Walk through Rua Direita where shops and palatial villas once decorated the main avenue.

An old hippy haunt, Vagator Beach features dramatic red cliffs overlooking the shore and two freshwater springs. Most visitors come here to attend wild dance parties, which often last from sunset to sunrise. Feel free to try out a variety of dishes, since the area's restaurants cater to both Western and Eastern tourists.

Lined with leafy coconut palms and beach shacks, Colva Beach offers white powdery sand lapped by waves ideal for a range of water sports. To escape the crowds often congregating near the beach's entrance, head north or south and discover a more serene setting in which to catch some sun. A bustling selection of nearby restaurants and street vendors serve up tasty seafood and coconut curries.

Lapped by foamy waves and sheltered by tall palm trees, Anjuna Beach is mostly famous for its full-moon parties with trance music. The '60s hippies were the first to discover this spot and organize rave parties, which became a trademark of the area. Ideal for swimming, the southern end of the beach features a rocky promontory that keeps the sea waves calm. The north section of the beach offers a range of small cafes, bars, and stalls selling Kashmiri handicrafts. Note that many, mostly harmless stray dogs travel in packs along this stretch of the coastline.