Goa Holidays

Destination Highlights

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Beaches | Hotels | Nightlife | Food | Events | Things to do | Weather | Important information | Reviews |

What are the best beaches in Goa?

Whether it’s north or south, Goa holds an impressive 65 miles of stunning coastline. So, for the perfect Arabian sunset, mark these seaside spots on your map.

• Cola Beach - With a range of retreat-style cabins, keep this beach in mind for your next private getaway.
• Butterfly Beach - Considered by some to be the best beach in Southern Goa, you’d be a fool to miss this picturesque paradise.
• Morjim Beach - A common nesting spot for olive ridley sea turtles, why not make this your annual getaway too?
• Palolem Beach - Known for its yoga classes and silent discos, this spot is more than just the go-to destination for holidaymakers.
• Mobor Beach - With the soothing sounds of rolling waves and a limitless horizon for miles around, nothing beats this instant beach classic.
• Sinquerim Beach - In close proximity to Fort Aguada, this is the first beach in Goa designed specifically for tourism.

What are the top hotels in Goa?

With a rich mix of Indian and colonial-era Portuguese architecture, Goa offers a selection of breath-taking hotels.

• Jasminn by Mango - Suited for large family holidays to Goa, this hotel can become your own personal paradise, with a pool-side grill and live music.
• Keys Ronil Beach Resort - Just a stone’s throw from Baga’s renowned party scene, this place is perfect for the wild at heart.
• Beleza By the Beach Hotel - Looking like a modern hacienda, this hotel earns its reputation as one of Goa’s top places to be.
• Aldeia Santa Rita Hotel - Surrounded by luscious vegetation and a quick stroll to Sinquerim Beach, there’s no reason not to make the most the weather.
• Palmarinha Resort - An affordable stay in the heart of Calangute, what more could you ask for?
• Lazy Lagoon Hotel - Peace, quiet and a beautiful view of the Baga Lagoon. All you need for a relaxing getaway.

What's the food like in Goa?

The many Goan spice plantations ensure that no dish will ever be bland. Here’s a few dishes to check out while visiting.

• Pork Vindaloo - A simple but hearty curry dish made with wine, garlic, and chili peppers.
• Chouris Pao - This flavourful finger food is chili sausage stuffed inside bread dough and baked to perfection.
• Kingfish - Whether fried as fillets or sauteed in a coconut curry, kingfish are a must try.
• Bebinca - If you thought coconut was just found in the curries, you need to try this sixteen-layered traditional Goan dessert.
• Prawn Balchão - A spicy, sweet alternative, try this prawn pickle combo for a unique taste.

If this list has whetted your appetite, allow us to recommend a few choice spots to enjoy the cuisine.

• Gunpowder - The go-to spot for working artists, we can see why they take such pride in their cocktails.
• Bomras - Known for its creative menu, there’s a reason why this place is often packed to the gills.
• Silly Souls Café - A fantastic little spot serving a blend of Asian and European flavours.
• Suzie’s - This place will continue to keep you guessing, as it’s known to change its menu every six weeks.

Where’s the best nightlife in Goa?

Between the bars, boozers and beach shacks, there’s no better place to dance the night away than India’s party capital. Here’s some of what Goa has to offer.

• Club Cabana - With a musical selection of hip-hop, R&B and house, this multileveled nightclub comes with a choice of swimming pools and Jacuzzis.
• LPK Waterfront - Situated along the Nerul river, this rock-carved hotspot runs morning, noon, and night.
• Cantare - Affordable drinks, live music, and a warm, comfortable atmosphere, all housed within a delightful vintage aesthetic.
• Britto’s - For a choice beach bar experience with great food to boot, look no further. One of Baga’s local legends.
• Hill Top - Goa’s open-space party central is known for two things: Its iconic neon lit atmosphere and New Year raves.

What events can I go to in Goa?

Although there are plenty of things on in March, Goa has a rich, shared Hindu and Christian heritage, so Christmas and Easter are periods of beautiful ceremonies unlike any you’ve seen.

• Zatra of Shantadurga (January) - This five-day festival sees villages from Fatorpa to Cuncolim open their streets to carnivals, market stalls and all-round good fun.
• Maha Shivratri (March) - In celebration of Lord Shiva’s dance of creation, people from all over India come together for feasts.
• Holi (March) - An iconic favourite around the world, this celebration sees plumes of rich colours filling the air as people throw powered paint at each other.
• Shigmo (March) - Colour fills the streets as lavish parades and floats celebrate Goa’s entering into Spring.
• Diwali (November) - Known as the festival of lights, this ceremony sees whole swathes of paper lanterns and tea light lamps lit across the country.
• Feast of St Francis Xavier (December) - A chance to visit the basilica of Old Goa and take part in a morning mass to pay homage to the patron saint of Goa.
• Sunburn Festival (December) - Asia’s largest electronic music festival, held in Vagator, it sees popular acts from all over come together to make some noise.

Things to do in Goa

Climb the Dudhsagar Waterfalls

Over 1,000 feet tall, these four-tiered waterfalls overlook the stunning, rich vegetation below. So, take a trip with family or friends and trek through the undergrowth of Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary to reach that heavenly peak.

Maharaja Night

There’s so much as you can do in Goa, but sometimes it’s nice to enjoy a moment to relax. Well, look no further. With your own private safari tent, you can relax to the soothing sounds of the cool Arabian waves.

Take a trip through history

Anyone with a head for history will know that Goa used to be a Portuguese colony, and nothing shows this more than the former colonial capital, Old Goa, which as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, still remains beautifully maintained for all to see.

Take a spell on the river

Sit back, relax, and let the Chapora River take you through the rural side of Goa in a traditional houseboat. There you’ll catch a glimpse of village life and spot a sea of fishermen and fishing birds catching their dinner.

What's the weather like in Goa?

Unlike the UK, Goa really only has two seasons throughout the year: dry and rainy. The rainy season can sometimes last months. So, to help you make the most of the sun, we’ve listed the average temperature through the year in Goa.

Important Information about travelling to Goa

How long does it take to fly to Goa?

It takes about 9 hours to fly to Goa from the UK.

What’s the time difference between the UK and Goa?

Goa is 5 hours and 30 minutes ahead of the UK.

What currency do they use in Goa?

The local currency is the Indian Rupee.

What language do they speak in Goa?

The official language spoken in Goa is Hindi.

Do I need any vaccinations to visit Goa?

Please check with your healthcare provider for all up to date vaccination advice before booking your holiday.

Do I need to pay tax on my holiday to Goa?

Customers may be required to pay a tourist tax when staying in Goa. This tax is deemed as a 'luxury tax' and can be between 6% and 12% of the accommodation cost.

Do I need a visa to travel to Goa?

You will need a visa to enter Goa. For more details on traveling to Goa please visit the FCO website.

Will Covid-19 affect my holiday to Goa?

We are currently closely following the Covid-19 situation and how it affects travel. You can find out the most up to date information about travel to Goa on the FCO website.

Customer reviews

At On the Beach, we’ve sent many satisfied customers to Goa for a bit of sunshine. But don't just take our word for it, read some of their 5-star reviews below.