7-Day Goa Trip Itinerary – The Ultimate Travel Guide

Goa is one of those coastal destinations in India that almost every traveler has on their bucket list. As a passionate traveler, I have visited Goa five times, and every time I feel that no matter how many days you spend here, it’s never enough!

From the stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife to the historic churches, colorful Portuguese homes, and ancient temples, Goa has something for everyone. Whether you love the energetic party scene or seek peaceful retreats, this place never fails to amaze.

If you’re planning a trip to Goa, then you’re in the right place! Here on Yatrakaar, we bring you the ultimate Goa travel guide to help you make the most of your journey. 🌊✨

The most convenient way to reach Goa is by flight. Goa has two airports, making it easy for travelers to reach different parts of the state.

✈️ 1. Dabolim Airport (GOI)

• Located in Dabolim, this is the older and more well-known airport in Goa.
• From here, you can find taxis easily:
  • North Goa is about 40 minutes away.
  • South Goa takes about 1 hour to reach.

✈️ 2. Manohar International Airport (GOX)

• Located in Mopa, this is Goa’s new international airport.
• Travel times from Mopa Airport:
  • North Goa is around 30 minutes away.
  • South Goa takes 1 hour 15 minutes to 1.5 hours.

Both airports have plenty of taxis, rental cars, and airport shuttle options to help you reach your destination smoothly. Whether you’re heading for the lively beaches of North Goa or the serene landscapes of South Goa, flying in is the quickest way to start your adventure! 🚀🌴

You can also reach Goa by train from major cities across India. Goa has two main railway stations that connect it to the rest of the country:

🚆 1. Madgaon Railway Station (MAO)

• Located in South Goa, it is one of the busiest railway stations in the state.
• Well-connected with cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Hyderabad.

🚆 2. Vasco da Gama Railway Station (VSG)

• Situated near Vasco city, this station serves many long-distance trains.
• A great option if you’re heading toward North Goa.

Both stations offer easy access to taxis, buses, and rental services. You can reach Goa’s top attractions within an hour from either railway station, making train travel a comfortable and scenic way to explore Goa! 🚉🌴

If you prefer a budget-friendly and comfortable journey, you can take an overnight bus to Goa from major cities across India.

• Several private and government buses operate on this route, including seater and sleeper coaches for a relaxed journey.
• Goa is well-connected by road, so you can also opt for a road trip in your own car or hire a cab for a scenic drive.

Whether you choose a luxury sleeper bus or enjoy a long drive, reaching Goa by road is an easy and enjoyable option! 🚍🌴

• From Goa Airport: Taxi fares range between ₹1200 to ₹1500. You can easily find prepaid taxis just outside the exit gate.
• From Railway Stations: Taxis from Madgaon or Vasco da Gama railway stations cost around ₹800 to ₹1000.

Both prepaid and private taxi options are available, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free journey to your destination in Goa! 🌴🚕

Goa offers a variety of experiences depending on which part you explore. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide where to go:

1. North Goa

For first-time visitors, North Goa is often the starting point of their journey. It’s lively and bustling with activity, especially at its famous beaches. The bars, clubs, and beach shacks stay vibrant well into the night, and you’ll find lots of crowds, especially during peak seasons. However, if you want to experience the true spirit of Goa, a visit to North Goa is a must!

2. South Goa

On the other hand, South Goa offers a much quieter and more peaceful atmosphere. Here, you won’t find the same party vibe that North Goa is known for. The beaches are serene, making it perfect for those who want to relax and enjoy the sunrise and sunset in peace. If you’re looking for a calmer and more laid-back side of Goa, South Goa is where you should head.

3. Old Goa

The history of Goa is rich and full of stories, with the influence of Portuguese rule still visible in many buildings and churches. Old Goa is the perfect place to dive into Goa’s fascinating past. The old churches and colonial-era architecture offer a glimpse of Goa’s heritage. If you’re a traveler interested in history and culture, Old Goa should definitely be on your list.

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Now that you have an overview of Goa’s diverse attractions, you’re all set to plan your perfect trip! Whether you’re seeking adventure, history, or relaxation, Goa has something for everyone. 🌞🌴

You can start your Goa trip from North Goa. This area of Goa is famous for its beautiful beaches, vibrant atmosphere, nightlife, and parties. It is especially popular among Indian tourists.

• Day 01

You can begin your Goa trip by exploring North Goa. On the first day, you can book a hotel near Baga Beach. After resting and having lunch, you can head to Baga Beach in the evening.

Baga Beach
Calangute
Anjuna Beach

Baga Beach (Goa)
At Baga Beach, you can enjoy the waves of the sea while waiting for the sunset. The view of the sunset here is absolutely stunning. Sitting on the beach bed, watching the waves roll in and out while the sun sets is a truly beautiful experience. You can enjoy juices, beer, cocktails, and seafood or snacks according to your preference.

After enjoying the beautiful sunset, you can explore the vibrant nightlife at Baga Beach and the surrounding areas.

Tito’s Lane (Goa)
Tito’s Lane, near Baga Market, comes alive as the evening sets in. If you’re interested in bars, clubs, and pubs, Tito’s Lane is a must-visit. This narrow alley, leading from the market to Baga Beach, is famous for its vibrant nightlife.

The lane got its name from the popular club-bar, Tito’s. Along this alley, there are several pubs, bars, and clubs where you can hear loud music from afar. The fun and dancing continue well into the night.

At the end of this alley, you’ll reach Baga Beach, where cafes adorned with colorful lights stay open late into the night.

• Day 02

You can start your morning by visiting Calangute Beach to witness the beautiful sunrise. You’ll find people taking morning walks or strolling along the beach, and locals fishing or catching seafood. The calm waves of the sea in the morning are very peaceful, and there will be fewer crowds at this time.

It gets quite hot during the day in Goa, so you can relax in your hotel or enjoy some fun time in the pool. After lunch, you can head towards Anjuna Beach in the evening.

Anjuna Beach
Near Anjuna Beach, there is a great café called Artjuna where you can have lunch if you’d like.

Vagator Beach
Before the sunset, you can visit Vagator Beach. Watching the sun set between the rocks here and sitting by the shore enjoying the sea breeze as the day winds down is a unique experience.

Tibetan Market
In the evening, you can explore the colorful atmosphere of Tito’s Lane or visit the nearby Tibetan Market. The lane is full of cafes and hotels where you can enjoy dinner before heading back to your hotel.

• Day 03

Dolphin Spotting in Goa
In Goa, there are several boat ride options for dolphin spotting. You can start your third day with one of these rides. You’ll find ticket counters for this ride along the way to Sinquerim Beach.

This ride lasts for about one and a half to two hours. If you’re lucky, you might spot some dolphins. If not, you can enjoy the surrounding attractions. Beaches like Coco and Palolim also offer similar rides.

Candolim Beach
On this day, you can have breakfast near Candolim Beach and spend some time relaxing on the beach. You can even spend the whole day enjoying the beach shacks.

Aguada Fort
After lunch, you can visit Aguada Fort. This fort was built during the Portuguese rule to protect their naval ships. It also served as a source of water supply for the navy. The fort is divided into two parts.

You can first visit the upper fort to learn about its historical significance and then head down to the lower fort. From the lower fort, you’ll get beautiful views of Sinquerim Beach.

Sinquerim Beach
From the fort complex, you can walk down the stairs to reach Sinquerim Beach. Relax here and enjoy the stunning sunset views.

• Day 4 

Mendrim Beach
Ashwem Beach
Morjim Beach
Chapora Fort
Arambol Beach

On the fourth day, you can explore some of the lesser-known and quieter beaches in North Goa. These beaches are mostly favored by foreign tourists, and fewer Indian tourists visit them, so you’ll find them much less crowded.

Some of these beaches include Mendrim, Ashwem, and Morjim. You can also visit Arambol Beach and Chapora Fort nearby. These are great spots to visit in North Goa.

• Day 5 

If you’re looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of Goa’s lively scene, with dance, pubs, and clubs, South Goa is perfect for you. Here, you can spend peaceful moments on serene beaches. Here are some places to visit in South Goa.

Colva Beach
Colva Beach is primarily a fisherman’s village. You can learn a lot about the local Goan culture here. Additionally, Colva Market offers a variety of shopping options. There are also cafes and bars where you can enjoy a fun evening with friends. After spending the morning at Colva Beach, you can explore nearby beaches.

Varca Beach
Varca Beach is one of South Goa’s lesser-known beaches, but it’s a great place to spend the day.

Mobor Beach
Further ahead, you can visit Mobor Beach for a relaxing time. You can even enjoy lunch here. There are several large hotels nearby where you can indulge in a luxurious meal. If you’re interested in a spa or massage, it is also available here.

Betalbatim Beach
On this day, you can enjoy a spectacular sunset at Betalbatim Beach. Further along the beach, you’ll find Sunset Beach, which, as the name suggests, is also famous for its breathtaking sunsets.

• Day 6

Cola Beach
Cola Beach is a secluded beach where you’ll find complete peace and tranquility. The beach is accessible via a rough, unpaved road through the forests, so getting there might be a little challenging. However, once you arrive, you’ll realize that the difficulty is worth it. The beautiful combination of the sea in front, a lake formed by backwaters behind, and the beach in between makes it truly special.

Agonda Beach
Agonda Beach is one of the famous beaches in South Goa. It’s a great place to relax, and you’ll find excellent accommodation options here. During your Goa trip, you can spend a few days at the beach resorts here to enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Palolem Beach
Palolem Beach is one of the favorite beaches for tourists visiting South Goa. It’s known for its quality tourism experiences. You can spend a wonderful time by the sea here, enjoying the scenic beauty and calm atmosphere.

• Day 7 

You can dedicate this day to exploring the famous historical landmarks of Old Goa. At the Basilica of Bom Jesus, you can view the famous mummy. You can also take pictures in front of the Fontainhas with its beautiful Portuguese architecture. At Reis Magos Fort, you can explore the stunning buildings, which once housed a prison. There are also several other cathedrals and buildings in the area that you can visit to learn about Goa’s history.

If you like, you can also take a boat trip to Divar Island on this day.

If you have a few more days, you can also visit Dudhsagar Falls, which is a stunning waterfall and a popular attraction among tourists visiting Goa.

Once someone visits Goa, they often prefer to return again and again, as there is so much to explore. Even though no matter how much time you have, it always feels less. However, in seven to eight days, you can cover a significant portion of Goa and experience its beauty.