7-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary for Goa in December 2023

1. Day 1: Visit the Basilica of Bom Jesus and Se Cathedral
   30 minutes (10.3 km) from Dabolim Airport

   In the morning, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the Basilica of Bom Jesus and Se Cathedral. Explore the rich history and stunning architecture of these two historic landmarks. In the afternoon, take a leisurely walk around the nearby square and enjoy some local snacks. In the evening, explore the nearby Fontainhas neighborhood for a taste of Goa's Portuguese colonial past.

2. Day 2: Spend a day at Colva Beach
   1 hour 10 minutes (31.8 km) from Se Cathedral

   Head to Colva Beach in the morning to enjoy some sun, sand, and sea. Relax on the beach or take a dip in the water. In the afternoon, explore the nearby village and sample some local cuisine. In the evening, head back to the beach for a beautiful sunset.

3. Day 3: Visit the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary and Old Goa
   45 minutes (23.5 km) from Colva Beach

   In the morning, visit the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings and bird watching opportunities. In the afternoon, head to Old Goa to explore the many historic churches and landmarks, including the Church of St. Francis of Assisi and the Chapel of St. Catherine. In the evening, take a stroll around the nearby streets to experience the vibrant local culture.

4. Day 4: Enjoy some family fun at Anjuna Beach
   1 hour 10 minutes (29.3 km) from Old Goa

   Start your day with a visit to Anjuna Beach, known for its vibrant atmosphere and many water sports activities. In the afternoon, explore the nearby flea market and enjoy some souvenir shopping. In the evening, head to one of the many local restaurants for some delicious seafood.

5. Day 5: Visit the Dudhsagar Waterfalls and Spice Plantations
   2 hours 30 minutes (84.1 km) from Anjuna Beach

   Embark on a scenic drive to visit the Dudhsagar Waterfalls, known for their stunning beauty and picturesque surroundings. In the afternoon, head to one of the many spice plantations in the area to discover the many flavors and aromas of Goa. In the evening, relax at the hotel and enjoy some downtime.

6. Day 6: Explore the beaches of South Goa
   2 hours 20 minutes (78.9 km) from Spice Plantations

   Head to the beaches of South Goa in the morning and spend your day exploring the many beautiful beaches in the area, including Palolem Beach, Benaulim Beach, and Varca Beach. In the afternoon, enjoy some local cuisine at one of the many beachside restaurants. In the evening, take a stroll along the beach and enjoy the beautiful sunset.

7. Day 7: Visit Fort Aguada and Candolim Beach
   1 hour 15 minutes (30.7 km) from South Goa Beaches

   End your trip with a visit to Fort Aguada, a historic fortress with stunning views of the Arabian Sea. In the afternoon, head to Candolim Beach to soak up the sun and enjoy some water sports activities. In the evening, explore the nearby streets and enjoy some local nightlife.

Recommendations

Other local attractions worth considering are the Reis Magos Fort, the Museum of Christian Art, and the Goa State Museum. Side trips could include a visit to the nearby state of Maharashtra to explore the Ajanta and Ellora Caves or a day trip to the Dudhsagar Waterfalls. To maximize your fun, be sure to sample the local cuisine and attend a traditional Goan dance performance. For more suggestions and tips, speak with your hotel concierge or a local tour guide.