Goa is small enough that you can see both halves in five days. You start with two days of beaches and markets in the north and spend a day in Panaji and the old Portuguese capital, then move south, where the beaches are quieter.
Goa itinerary for 5 days: day by day
Day 1: Arrive and settle into North Goa
Base yourself around Anjuna, Vagator or Assagao. From there you’re close to the busy beaches and the quiet ones. In the evening, climb up to Chapora Fort and watch the sun set over the river mouth and Vagator beach.
Day 2: North Goa beaches and markets
Head north to the quieter beaches at Ashwem, Morjim and Mandrem, and stay on for sunset at Arambol. A drum circle often gathers on the sand there.
If you’re here in season, plan your days around the markets. The Anjuna flea market is on Wednesdays, and the night market at Arpora is on Saturdays.
Day 3: Panaji and Old Goa
Spend the morning walking the lanes of Fontainhas, Panaji’s Latin Quarter, with its brightly painted Portuguese-era houses. Then climb the steps to the white Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception.
Old Goa is a 20-minute drive away, so go over in the afternoon. The Basilica of Bom Jesus holds the remains of St. Francis Xavier, and the Sé Cathedral stands across the square. Both are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Afterwards, take the short ferry across to Divar island to walk its village lanes and fields, and spend the night in Panaji.
Day 4: Spice farm and South Goa
On the way south, stop at a spice plantation near Ponda for a guided walk and a Goan lunch. Then carry on to Palolem or Agonda, about two hours from Panaji in all. Palolem is a curved bay lined with palms, and Agonda, next to it, is quieter still.
Day 5: Cabo de Rama, Butterfly Beach and departure
In the morning, take a boat from Palolem to Butterfly Beach, which is hard to reach by land, or drive up to the ruins of Cabo de Rama fort above the sea. From Palolem it’s about an hour and a half to Dabolim airport and about three hours to Mopa.
North Goa or South Goa?
- North Goa is the busier half, with beach shacks, nightlife, markets and more going on after dark. Pick it if you’re with friends or want people around.
- South Goa moves at a slower pace, and its beaches are longer, cleaner and calmer. It suits families and couples, or a trip that’s mostly rest.
- Both: this plan spends two nights in the north, one in Panaji and one in the south. For a first visit, that’s a good split.
Which Goa airport: Mopa or Dabolim?
Goa has two airports, about an hour and a half apart by road. Manohar International Airport at Mopa is in the far north of the state, so it’s closest to North Goa beaches such as Arambol and Morjim. Dabolim (Goa International Airport), near Vasco da Gama, is better for Panaji, Old Goa and South Goa. Check which one your flight uses before you book.
Best time to visit Goa
- November to February is dry and sunny, and the best time for the beaches. The days around Christmas and New Year are the busiest and most expensive of the year.
- March to May gets hot and humid. It’s quieter, though, and stays cost less.
- June to September is the monsoon. The sea is rough, swimming isn’t safe and many beach shacks close. On the other hand, Goa turns green and Dudhsagar Falls is at its strongest. São João, in late June, is a monsoon festival.
- Carnival fills the streets in February or early March, before Lent.
How to reach Goa
- By flight: direct flights from most large Indian cities land at Mopa or Dabolim.
- By train: the Konkan Railway runs down the coast from Mumbai. Get off at Thivim for North Goa, Karmali for Old Goa and Panaji, or Madgaon (Margao) for South Goa.
- By road: Goa is a long day’s drive from Mumbai or Bengaluru.
How many days are enough for Goa?
Three days is only enough for one half of Goa, so pick one. Five covers both at an easy pace. If you have seven, add a day trip to Dudhsagar Falls after the monsoon or a boat trip up the Mandovi, or just spend more time on the beach.
What affects the cost of a Goa trip
- Dates: the last two weeks of December cost the most by a long way. November, February and March are better value.
- Location: beachfront stays cost more than ones a short walk inland.
- Getting around: a rented scooter is the cheapest way to get around. Taxis add up quickly over a day.
- Food: beach shacks and local Goan restaurants are often better value than hotel restaurants.
Goa travel tips
- Scooters: carry your driving licence, wear a helmet and don’t drink and ride. Police checks are common.
- Swimming: swim only where lifeguards are on duty, and follow their flags. Currents can be strong.
- Taxis: agree on the fare before you set off.
- Churches: cover your shoulders and knees inside.
- Sun: even in winter the midday sun is harsh, so keep beach time for the morning and evening.
Updated . Roads, ferries and rules change, so check the latest before you book.