Located on the west coast, Goa is India’s smallest state and is known for its endless beaches, fantastic nightlife, diverse seafood, and World Heritage-listed architecture, second to none are must visit places in Goa. Goa covers an area of just 3,702 km and is located in the Konkan region. Far from hippie paradise and beach vacations, he is one of the few destinations open 24 hours a day. Goa’s relaxed (Sousegado) atmosphere attracts as many foreign tourists as it does Indians, even more.
For those of us who continue to get confused between North Goa and South Goa, this may help – Goa is divided into North Goa and South Goa. North Goa is a nightlife hub with tourist beaches, flea markets, and beach shacks, while South Goa is a land of luxury resorts and laid-back beach vibes. Here we have listed top must visit places in Goa.
Top 5 must visit Places in Goa
Aguada Fort: beautiful surroundings
No visit to Goa is complete without a visit to Fort Aguada, strategically located at the mouth of the Mandovi River. To the north of the fort, a reddish-brown laterite rampart juts straight into the bay, forming a pier between two small sandy coves. This scenic spot is known as Sinquerim Beach is one of the top must visit places in Goa.
Location: Fort Aguada Rd, Aguada Fort Area, Candolim, Goa 403515
Open: Daily from 9 am to 6.30 pm
Creator: Portuguese
Years built: 1609-1612
Housing: Central Jail and his 19th-century lighthouse
How to get there: The fortress is located on the Aguada-Siolim road and is easily accessible by car.
Participation fee: Participation fee is free. This fort should be on the list of Top must visit places in Goa for every visitor.
Chapora Fortress: For Selfie Lover
Known for its history, Chapora Fortress is one of Goa’s major tourist attractions. In recent years, it gained notoriety when the Bollywood movie Dil Chafta Hai was filmed here. Located in a prominent position, you can see in all directions from here. This is one of Goa’s top attractions and from the top, you can enjoy stunning sea views.
Location: Chapora Fort Road, Chapora, Goa 403509
what’s special? Dil Chatta Hai was filmed here! The fortress offers a beautiful view of the Chapora River, which merges with the waters of the Arabian Sea. Producer: Adil Shah (Bijapur)
Year built: 1617
Nearby Attractions: Vagator Beach, Anjuna Beach
How to get there: The fortress is well-connected and easily accessible by car.
Participation fee: Participation fee is free.
Terekhol Citadel: Quiet Atmosphere
Terekhol Fortress is located on the northern edge of Goa, along the Terekol River, on a hill overlooking the Arabian Sea. The courtyard houses the centuries-old Church of St. Anthony, one of Goa’s top attractions. The remains of the fort have since been converted into a hotel. The fortress overlooks the Tiracol River and the sandy beach of Keri, offering mesmerizing views. Location: Pernem Taluka, Tiracol, 403524
Builder: King of Savanwadi, Viceroy Pedro Miguel de Almeida
Year of construction: 17th century
Residence: St. Anthony Chapel
Nearby attractions: Arambol, Palolem Beach
How to get there: Telekor Fort is easily accessible by taxi or car from anywhere in North Goa. Participation fee: Participation fee is free.
Reis Mogoth Fortress: For history buffs
The construction of this fortress was carried out by his 1551 Viceroy of Portugal Alfonso de Noronha. The fortress he rebuilt in 1707. This fortress served as a central location and defensive wall during the Portuguese war against the Marathas in 1739. The fortress is located 7 km from the Panjim Kadamba bus station on the banks of the Mandvi River. Location: Verem, Bardez, Goa 403114
Open: Daily from 9.30 am to 5 pm
Creator: Alfonso de Noronha
Installed: 1551
Nearby Attractions: Keri Beach, Lady Ganpati Temple
How to get there: Telekor Fort is easily accessible by taxi or car from anywhere in North Goa. Participation fee: Participation fee is free.
Cabo de Lama Fortress: A Mythological Site
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This fortress is also known as Cape Lama. This fortress is known for its historical and mythological importance. The fortress was rebuilt by the Portuguese in 1763 after being conquered by the Maratha Kings of Sonda. This attraction is located 60 kilometers from the Panjim Kadamba Bus Station in South Goa.
Location: Talca Cabo da Lama, Canacona, Goa 403702
Open: Daily from 9 am to 5.30 pm
Creator: Portuguese
Year built: 1763
Nearby Attractions: Kakorem Beach, Agonda Beach
How to get there: The fort is easily accessible by public transport from the main hubs of South Goa. Participation fee: Participation fee is free.
How many beaches in Goa?
With an enormous coastline, Goa has hundreds of beaches, but there are few famous beaches among tourists, some beaches are not so popular so one can’t tell the exact number of beaches. Here we have listed some popular beaches which are must visit places in Goa.
Calangute Beach
Best time to go: After the monsoon for water sports
Amenities: Changing rooms are available for him at 25 INR per person.
loungers and sunbeds
beach house
water sports
The parking lot for a two-wheeled vehicle, four-wheeled vehicle
Water Sports Fees (approximate): Jet Ski: INR 300 for a ride without a professional driver
Banana Ride: INR 450 per person
Parasailing: INR 1000 (includes boat + parachute)
Baga Beach
This one of the most popular beaches in North Goa, Baga Beach is located near Calangute Beach about 30 km north of Panjim. Baga is the perfect place to experience Goa’s glamorous nightlife as it is close to famous places such as Brit’s, Tito’s, and Mambos. One of the most visited beaches in the North, Baga also offers a wide range of water sports.
Anjuna Beach
Located 21 km from Panjim, Anjuna Beach is one of the most popular beaches in North Goa with a length of about 2 km. This is a hippie paradise of sorts, famous for its rocky outcrops. From family outings to adrenaline-pumping adventures, Anjuna Beach is famous for its golden shoreline, nightclubs, beach huts, water sports, full-moon parties, and flea markets.
Arambol Beach
This is one of the northernmost beaches of Goa, bordered by Keri Beach or Kerim Beach on one end and Morjim on the other. Arambol Beach is a rocky sandy beach flanked by the jungle on one end and the sea on the other.
Wellness activities like yoga classes on the beach, drum circles and weekend markets on the beach at sunset, mystical baba on the hills, cliff jumps for paragliding or walks down kitschy market alleys. Arambol has something for every soul.
Vagator Beach
The northernmost beach of Bade Starka, Vagator Beach, is one of the most beautiful beaches in Goa. Located 21 kilometers from Panaji, it is famous for its soft white sand beaches and imposing rocky cliffs. This beach is divided into two main parts, Little Vagator, also known as Ozran Beach and Big Vagator. Vagator Beach is known for its breathtaking panoramic views, beach huts, and trance parties.
Top 10 beaches in South Goa for the perfect beach holiday
Palolem Beach — “A gem in the south of Goa”
Located about 38 km from Madgaon in Cancona, South Goa’s white sand paradise Palolem Beach is one of the most popular tourist attractions for travelers visiting Goa. Unlike other popular beaches in Goa, Palolem Beach is known for its quiet and peaceful atmosphere. The highlight of Palolem Beach is the dolphin-watching cruise.
Palolem’s other main attractions are its clean shores, beach huts, and some souvenir shops. Surrounded by plateaus on both sides, Palolem Beach offers a tranquil setting. The entire beach can be explored on foot in 15-20 minutes. Palolem Beach is also known for its quiet parties.
Colva Beach
South Goa’s enchanting Colva Beach is one of Goa’s most visited beaches. The 2.5-kilometer stretch of beach is known for its white sands and swaying coconut trees that add to its beauty. Shacks, nightclubs, and souvenir stalls make it look even more inviting. Colva Beach is also popular for water sports such as paragliding, jet skiing, snorkeling, speed boats, and banana boats. Tourists come here for the beautiful sunsets and soothing blue waves. Colva Beach is quiet for peace lovers, but it gets lively at night for party lovers. With its casual atmosphere, mesmerizing views of endless beaches, and vibrant people, Colva Beach is one of Goa’s most popular beaches.
Agonda Beach
Agonda Beach in South Goa is one of the pristine beaches ideal for those seeking solitude and tranquility. With crystal-clear blue water and coconut trees, this beach is perfect for nature lovers. Agonda Beach is less popular with tourists but is relatively quiet and less crowded. It is also very popular as a nesting ground for olive ridley sea turtles.
Benaulim Beach
Just 2 km from the tourist center of Colva in South Goa is the quiet beach of Benaulim. With long, deserted sands dotted with charming beach chairs, this scenic beach is the perfect place for a relaxing holiday away from the crowded beaches of North Goa. Water sports activities and dolphin-watching tours are popular.
Benaulim Beach is known for its fishing, so many makeshift beach huts are serving delicious seafood. This beach is deserted even during the tourist season, making it a quiet and quiet place. The party scene is not a bustling night scene like North Goa’s party beach. But there is live music playing in the many huts and restaurants that line Benaulim’s beach.
Betalbatim Beach
Located between Colva Beach and Majorda Beach in South Goa, Betalbatim Beach is one of the quieter beaches in Goa. The beach is lined with dozens of fast food outlets, local restaurants, and spas, and easy dolphin watching is the beach’s highlight. Ask a local fisherman if he or she will take you out on the water for a glimpse of dolphins.
The northern part of Betalbatim Beach is known as Sunset Beach because it stretches for 1 km and has a great view of the sunset. This beach is relatively clean and quiet due to the lack of tourists. Betalbatim Beach is also lined with pine trees, unlike other beaches in Goa that are lined with palm trees.
Putnam Beach
Patnem Beach in Canacona, South Goa, is one of Goa’s most secluded and quiet beaches. The perfect place to do nothing and just laze on the beach. Alternatively, you can sign up for one of the many yoga retreats and teacher training courses offered in the area. The water is fairly safe for swimming and offers spectacular unobstructed views of the sunset.
Cabins and small cottages line the long stretch of Putnam Beach. Try local seafood specialties and authentic Goan dishes such as vindaloo, charkha, and delicious fried fish. Putnam Beach is perfect for those looking for a quieter beach than North Goa’s more popular beaches as it offers a relaxed and luxurious beach experience without sacrificing Goa’s essentials.
Majorda Beach
One of the most crowded beaches in South Goa, Majorda Beach is golden sand between Utruda Beach and Betalbatim Beach. Surrounded by swaying palm trees and calm azure waters, this beach is one of South Goa’s most beautiful. Majorda Beach is usually popular with Russian tourists and offers a wide range of water sports activities. The beach, dotted with sun loungers, is perfect for sunbathing and relaxing.
Majorda Beach has stalls selling quirky souvenirs that are famous for Goa. Majorda Map has a large number of churches and is a fine example of Portuguese architecture scattered throughout Goa. Paintball and go-karting facilities are located near the highway. For those who want to try something quirky, the Ashbek Vintage Car Museum is worth a visit.
Butterfly Beach
Butterfly Beach is located just south of Palolem in the Cancona region of Goa. Also known as Honeymoon Beach, this beach forms a small bay surrounded by dense trees. One of Goa’s most secluded and lesser-known beaches, Butterfly Beach is often accessible by boat (ferry) from nearby beaches, which adds to its appeal.
Vehicles do not lead directly to Butterfly Beach. Getting here by land requires a hike through the forest. But this is also a great opportunity to hike through the woods. Interestingly, Butterfly Beach gets its name from the fact that the trees around it are sometimes visited by a variety of butterflies. Maybe it’s because the beach itself is shaped like a butterfly! Either way, it’s equally beautiful, especially at dusk.
Mobber Beach
Mobah Beach is a quiet beach in South Goa, just a few minutes walk from the famous Cavelossim Beach. This beach is a unique beach with water on three sides and is an extension of Cavelossim Beach on the southern side of the confluence of the charming Sal River and the Arabian Sea. The most popular activities at Mober Beach are water sports, dolphin-watching cruises, bird watching, and cruising along the Sal River.
Mobber Beach is often mistaken for a private beach, partly because it is owned by a well-known luxury hotel chain. Mober Beach also offers visitors the opportunity to participate in more exclusive water activities such as underwater fishing and oyster fishing which makes it one of the top must visit places in Goa.