Relax and Explore Goa: A 5-Day Hidden Gems Itinerary with Foodie Delights

Day 1: Anjuna & South Goa Gems

Anjuna, North Goa, India on May 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Artjuna Café

Start your day with fresh, organic options in this charming garden café nestled in Anjuna, offering a calm vibe and wholesome meals.
INR400, 1h

9:30am

Explore Anjuna Secret Beach

Visit the less accessible Secret Beach near Anjuna, a hidden gem with scenic cliffs and quieter sands for a peaceful beachfront experience.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Travel to South Goa - Cola Beach

Head south to Cola Beach, a hidden lagoon beach with crystal-clear water and tropical greenery, perfect for swimming and relaxing away from crowds.
Free, 3h

3:00pm

Lunch at Ekdum! Bistro, Palolem

Hidden away near Palolem, this bistro serves excellent local and continental dishes in a laid-back environment, a must-try for good food lovers.
INR700, 1h

4:30pm

Visit Galjibaga Beach

Explore this pristine turtle-nesting beach with soft sands and solitude offering a tranquil late afternoon by the sea.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Dropadi, Agonda

A hidden local favourite, Dropadi is famed for authentic Goan seafood and charming ambience without tourist crowds.
INR800, 1.5h

Day 2: South Goa Secluded Beaches

South Goa, India on May 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café del Mar, Palolem

Enjoy a fresh breakfast with beach views at this serene café focusing on healthy and delicious options.
INR400, 1h

9:30am

Kakolem Beach Trek

Experience a trek to one of Goa’s most secluded beaches, known as Tiger Beach, famous for its untouched beauty and peacefulness.
Free, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Hidden Shore, Canacona

A small beach shack serving fresh seafood and Goan dishes with an intimate and relaxed vibe, perfect for a midday break.
INR600, 1h

2:30pm

Discover Butterfly Beach

Accessible by boat or trek from Palolem, Butterfly Beach is an unspoiled paradise where you can relax and spot dolphins in the sea.
INR600 (boat ride), 2.5h

5:30pm

Sunset at Agonda Beach

Wind down at the quiet and scenic Agonda Beach, an ideal spot to watch the sunset in South Goa far from busy tourist beaches.
Free, 1.5h

7:30pm

Dinner at Martin’s Corner

Dine at this legendary yet charming local spot known for fresh seafood and authentic Goan flavours away from main tourist strips.
INR1000, 1.5h

Day 3: Mandrem & North Goa Hidden Spots

Mandrem, North Goa, India on May 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Starlight Café

Start your day with wholesome, healthy breakfast options at this cosy Mandrem café favored by locals and travellers alike.
INR350, 1h

9:30am

Mandrem Beach Relaxation

Spend your morning soaking in the calm vibes of Mandrem Beach, less crowded and lined with beautiful coconut palms and soft sand.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Babushka Garden

Enjoy Mediterranean and Russian infused dishes at this hidden wellness garden restaurant popular among regular travellers.
INR800, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Ashvem & Vagator Beaches

Explore quiet stretches of Ashvem Beach followed by a short visit to the cliffs and scenic viewpoints of Vagator’s less crowded areas.
Free, 3h

5:00pm

Sunset at Arambol Sweet Water Lake & Banyan Tree

Discover this peaceful freshwater lake and the famous Banyan Tree art site near Arambol, great for nature lovers and photographers.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Gunpowder, Assagao

Experience Southern Indian coastal cuisine with authentic flavours in a quiet garden setting, a true hidden gem in North Goa.
INR1200, 1.5h

Day 4: Mandrem and Nearby Exploration

Mandrem, North Goa, India on May 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Mandrem Beach Shack

Enjoy a simple and fresh breakfast at one of the local beach shacks with fresh juices and light snacks amidst the soothing sound of waves.
INR350, 1h

9:30am

Hiking to Chorla Ghat

Embark on a nature trek in the less frequented Chorla Ghat area near Goa’s border, featuring lush greenery and waterfalls (early start recommended).
Free, 4h

1:30pm

Lunch at Café Alchemia, Vagator

Relax with a quiet meal in this artsy café offering farm-to-table dishes in a peaceful countryside setting near Vagator.
INR700, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Keri or Querim Beach

Visit Querim (Keri) Beach, a quiet beach known for its vast sandy stretches and peaceful environment, ideal for afternoon relaxation.
Free, 2h

5:30pm

Visit Monsoon Valley Vineyard

Tour this offbeat winery and vineyard close to Mandrem to taste local wines and enjoy scenic landscapes (closes at 6:30pm).
INR500, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Mandrem Inn

Enjoy a variety of Goan and continental dishes at this cozy local restaurant known for quality and good service.
INR800, 1.5h

Day 5: Leisure Morning & Departure

Mandrem, North Goa, India on May 15, 2025

7:30am

Early Breakfast at Café Starlight

Start your last day with a light breakfast and freshly brewed coffee in the tranquil garden atmosphere of this Mandrem café.
INR350, 1h

8:30am

Morning walk and beach time at Mandrem

Take a soothing walk along Mandrem Beach to soak in the last quiet moments in Goa’s serene northern coast.
Free, 2h

11:00am

Visit Arambol Flea Market

Browse this lively and lesser-known flea market for local handicrafts and souvenirs in Arambol to pick up unique gifts.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Chillout Café, Arambol

Enjoy a relaxing lunch with international and Goan specialties in a laid-back café just before your bus departure.
INR700, 1h

2:00pm

Pack up and relax at accommodation

Return to your Mandrem stay, prepare for departure, and enjoy a final moment of peace before heading to the bus station.
Free, 2h