Start your first morning in Goa with a leisurely stroll and fresh coconut by Calangute Beach, soaking in the lively shacks and surf vibes before booking a short introductory lesson with a local surf school. Afterward, wander over to nearby Baga Beach to rent a paddleboard or try banana-boat rides, then refuel with a seafood brunch at a popular beach shack serving Goan curry and fried fish while you watch the colourful boats bobbing on the water.
After a relaxed beach morning, head to the charming riverside village of Anjuna for a wander through its bohemian lanes and a late-afternoon visit to the eclectic stalls near the old chapel; pause at Curlies or Thalassa (for those preferring sunset views with a lively crowd) to sip a chilled drink as the sky softens. Follow with a short drive to Vagator Beach to explore the dramatic red cliffs and hidden coves, then climb up to the viewpoint by Chapora Fort for sweeping coastal panoramas that set up an easy transition into an evening of seafood and music in nearby Baga.
As daylight fades, head to Thalassa for a lively cliffside dinner of Greek-influenced small plates and sunset views, then wander down to Bambolim Cove for a quieter moonlit stroll along the shore. Finish the night with live music and cocktails at Titos Lane-sample a local feni-based cocktail and soak up the bustling nightlife before returning to your Calangute-area hotel.
Begin your morning exploring the commanding coastal bastion of Aguada Fort, where ramparts, the old lighthouse and sweeping Arabian Sea views set the tone for a day of history; linger at the fort's freshwater spring and imagine Portuguese sailors preparing to set sail. Afterward, stroll down to the nearby Sinquerim Beach for a gentle walk along the shore and a light breakfast at a beachfront café, then visit the nearby Cabo Raj Bhavan viewpoint (for classic panoramas) before heading inland toward Chapora for the afternoon.
After exploring Aguada and Sinquerim in the morning, head inland to the leafy Portuguese-era streets of Ponda to visit the fragrant spice plantations and sample fresh cashew and kokum at a family-run farm, then continue to the ornate Se Cathedral in Old Goa to admire vaulted ceilings and gilded altars. Finish the afternoon with a scenic riverboat ride from Divar Island (for a quieter, rural contrast) or stroll the shaded lanes of Fontainhas in Panjim, pausing at a café for a Goan xacuti and espresso before making your way toward Chapora for sunset.
As twilight deepens, head to the charming riverside village of Mandrem for a peaceful seaside dinner at a beach shack serving fresh Goan fish curry and steamed rice while watching local fishermen bring in their catch. After dinner, enjoy a relaxed nightcap and acoustic music at Gunpowder (known for its lively but intimate atmosphere and South Indian-influenced menu), then take a short drive back toward Chapora to pause at the illuminated viewpoint near Chapora Fort for a final panoramic look at the coast before retiring.
Start early with the bustling colors and aromas of Mapusa Market, where you can haggle for spices, local cashew sweets and handloom textiles while sampling freshly fried chorizo or bhaji from street stalls. From there, stroll along the riverside to Miramar Beach for a gentle walk and sea breeze, then cross into Panjim's Portuguese quarter to explore the pastel lanes of Fontainhas, stopping at a café for a strong Goan espresso and a pastel de nata before the afternoon crowds arrive.
After a spicy market morning, drift to the riverside for a languid lunch at Ritz Classic (known for Goan fish thali) before boarding a short ferry to Divar Island to cycle quiet lanes past coconut groves and visit the quaint Our Lady of Compassion Church; pause at a riverbank kiosk for kokum juice as village life passes by. Return to Panjim to explore the art-lined promenade of Mandovi Riverfront, take a sunset cruise that views the colonial skyline, and finish the afternoon with a stop at Fountainhas Gallery Café for local art and an iced cold coffee.
As dusk settles, drift toward the charming riverfront and enjoy dinner at Viva Panjim, savouring traditional Goan vindaloo or prawn balchão in a heritage home setting, then catch an evocative sunset from the deck of a short Mandovi River cruise that lights up the colonial skyline. After the cruise, wander the lantern-lit lanes to Mundinho Square for live music and a gelato, or finish the night with craft cocktails at Vinayak Family Bar-a low-key local spot perfect for reflecting on the day's market finds and planning your final beach day.
Wake slowly and head to Palolem Beach for a calm sunrise yoga session on the sand, followed by a beachside breakfast of fresh fruit, Goan poi and coconut water at one of the shacks; afterward rent a kayak to glide through the gentle bay and spot fishing boats and casuarina-fringed coves. Mid-morning, take a short boat trip to the nearby Butterfly Island (local operators run quick excursions) for snorkeling in clear shallows, then return to Palolem for a lazy lounge at a beachfront café with a steaming cup of Indian filter coffee.
Head to the quieter southern stretch and wander the tidal pools and rocky outcrops at Cola Beach, then grab a laid-back lunch of fresh crab xacuti and coconut rice at the beachfront shack Art Resort Café. Afterward, take a short drive north to Sinquerim Beach for an easy late-afternoon swim and a stroll past the Portuguese-era ramparts, finishing with a sundowner at the relaxed cliffside bar Fisherman's Wharf as the light softens over the Arabian Sea.
As the sun softens, drift to Cabo de Rama for a dramatic cliffside walk and a sunset picnic amid the ramparts, then descend to the sheltered cove of Agonda Beach for a relaxed seafood dinner at a beachfront shack serving Goan prawn curry and coconut rice. Finish the night with chilled cocktails and live acoustic music at Silent Shores Beach Lounge, where lanterns and moonlight make for an easy, unhurried end to your South Goa day.
| Place / Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Calangute Beach (stroll & coconut) | Free |
| Intro surf lesson (local surf school, Calangute) | ₹800 |
| Baga Beach paddleboard rental / banana boat | ₹600 |
| Seafood brunch at beach shack (per person) | ₹500 |
| Anjuna village & markets (wandering) | Free |
| Curlies (drink for sunset) | ₹400 |
| Thalassa (sunset drink/dinner) | ₹900 |
| Vagator Beach & cliffs (explore) | Free |
| Chapora Fort viewpoint (entry/walk) | Free |
| Bambolim Cove moonlit stroll | Free |
| Titos Lane (drinks / live music) | ₹700 |
| Aguada Fort (entry / visit) | Free |
| Sinquerim Beach (stroll & breakfast) | Free |
| Cabo Raj Bhavan viewpoint | Free |
| Spice plantation visit (Ponda, guided tour & tasting) | ₹500 |
| Se Cathedral (Old Goa) | Free |
| Divar Island riverboat ride (short ferry) | ₹150 |
| Fontainhas walking (Panjim) | Free |
| Mandrem seaside dinner (beach shack meal) | ₹600 |
| Gunpowder (dinner/drinks) | ₹800 |
| Mapusa Market (shopping / street snacks) | ₹300 |
| Miramar Beach (walk) | Free |
| Fontainhas café espresso / pastel de nata | ₹200 |
| Ritz Classic lunch (Goan fish thali) | ₹450 |
| Divar Island cycling (rental) | ₹200 |
| Mandovi Riverfront sunset cruise (short cruise) | ₹400 |
| Viva Panjim (dinner) | ₹700 |
| Mapusa to Panjim ferry / local transport (per trip) | ₹100 |
| Palolem sunrise yoga (class) | ₹350 |
| Kayak rental (Palolem) | ₹300 |
| Butterfly Island boat trip + snorkeling | ₹700 |
| Cola Beach visit & tidal pools | Free |
| Art Resort Café lunch (crab xacuti) | ₹600 |
| Sinquerim Beach swim (second visit) | Free |
| Fisherman's Wharf (sundowner) | ₹600 |
| Cabo de Rama (cliff walk & sunset picnic) | Free |
| Agonda Beach dinner (beach shack prawn curry) | ₹550 |
| Silent Shores Beach Lounge (cocktails / live music) | ₹700 |
| Estimated Total (per person) | ₹12800 |