Your Mini Guide To A Weekend Getaway In Goa

Goa is the place to go for a relaxing break from the busy cities of India.

Known for its beaches and seaside towns, the state of Goa has an interesting history. Before 1961, Goa was a Portuguese colony, and a lot of that history is still visible in Goa today. Goa is on the western coast of India along the Arabian Sea and is about a 2.5-hour flight from New Delhi- perfect for a weekend getaway!

SEE

Agonda Beach

Agonda, Goa, India
Agonda, Goa, India. UNSPLASH Shubham Amane

With Goa being a beachside state, it is only natural for a beach to be on a sites-to-see list, and if any beach in Goa is the one to see, it is Agonda Beach. Agonda is a large village in the South of Goa and is most well-known for its beach, which is one of four that is designated as a turtle nesting site. The pristine beach is dotted with shacks and restaurants making for a fun day by the water.

Basilica of Bom Jesus

Old Goa Rd, Bainguinim, Goa 403402, India

Basilica of Bom Jesus
Basilica of Bom Jesus. INSTAGRAM @sanmay_aphale

If you are looking to explore the Portuguese history of Goa, this is the place to start. The beautiful baroque style Roman Catholic Basilica is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is located in Old Goa, which is where the old Portuguese capital used to be. The Basilica famously holds the remains of St. Francis Xavier. The site was built in 1594, making it a historical must-see.

EAT

Bhatti Village

Bhatti Waddo, Nerul, Goa 403114, India

Bhatti Village
Bhatti Village. INSTAGRAM @bhatti_village_goa_official__

This local restaurant is the place to go for authentic Goan cuisine. If you want a friendly Goan atmosphere and delicious seafood, Bhatti Village will not disappoint. This popular seafood joint is known for its familial feel, as it is run by a husband and wife duo best known for their variety of fish dishes. If you are unsure what to go for, a popular choice is their White Bait Fry or their gaboi (a fish roe)- give it a try!

La Plage, Ashwem Beach

H. NO. 209, ASHWEM Beach, Katte Wada Road, Mandrem, Goa 403527, India

La Plage Goa
La Plage. INSTAGRAM @mandalay_designs_tours

There isn’t a list of places to eat in Goa that doesn’t include La Plage, and that is for good reason! This beach shack sells delicious french cuisine right by the water. This popular spot is complete with hammocks, beach chairs, a lively atmosphere, and most importantly, a gorgeous view. Must-tries include the sesame-grilled tuna and saffron rice.

DRINK

Guru Bar

H.no721, St. Anthony Praise Waddo, North Anjuna, Dmello Vaddo, Anjuna, North Goa, Goa 403509, India

Guru Bar & Restaurant
FACEBOOK Guru Bar & Restaurant

If live music, fun cocktails, and beach views sound good to you, then Guru Bar should be on your list. Popular for hosting both Goan and foreign musical guests, Guru Bar is a lively beach joint that is a joy for locals and tourists alike. Pets are welcome and boat trips are available upon request. This thatched-roof restaurant is sure to put a smile on your face.

Tease Bar

Vivanta Goa, Panaji Off DB Bandodkar, Road, Panaji, Goa 403001, India

Tease Bar
PHOTO Vivanta Hotel

Located in a luxury hotel, Vivanta by Taj, Tease Bar is popular for its stylish bar and nightclub. Known for its cocktails, music, and high energy, it is a prime location for a fun night with friends in Goa. Out of their great variety of drinks, ‘I Had a Tiring Week’ is the one to try with a blend of mint, white rum, sugar, and soda. If drinks aren’t up your alley, they also have small bites to try as well as vegetarian options.

SHOP

Anjuna Flea Market

10, St. Michael’s Vaddo South, Anjuna, Goa 403509, India

Anjuna Flea Market, Goa
Anjuna Flea Market, Goa. INSTAGRAM @antoniogemayel

Shopping in Goa is a whole new adventure- with dozens of markets it can be hard to decide which place to check out, but Anjuna Flea Market is a great start. Anjuna Flea Market opens every Wednesday and is one of the most popular shopping spots in North Goa. Dozens of stalls line the streets, offering a variety of items including jewelry, souvenirs, handicrafts, instruments, wooden crafts, and more. Feel free to bargain to get the item you want at the price you want!

Mapusa Market

Mapusa Market Area, Panaji, Goa, India

Mapusa, India
Mapusa, India. UNSPLASH Akhil Chandran

Mapusa Market is another top shopping location in Goa. This spot is a typical Goan market most of the week, but on Fridays, it is at its height. Here, you can buy a variety of antiques, handicrafts, spices, produce, textiles- everything! You can get lost in this market for hours exploring all the goodies it has to offer, and just like Anjuna, feel free to bargain!

STAY

L’Amore Beach Cottages

Survey No. 216, Ashvem Beach, Pernem, Goa 403527, India

Lamore Beach Cottages
Facebook Lamore Beach Cottages

This seaside resort is perfect for a luxury getaway. Located right by Ashwem Beach in Pernem, North Goa, this is a beach lover’s dream. All rooms are equipped for families or couples with each beach cottage boasting king-sized beds. Don’t worry about getting bitten up by mosquitos or intense heat because each hut has AC and mosquito nets. The rooms have balconies, modern bathrooms, and bamboo details to create a unique but chic living area.

Mayfair Hideaway Spa Resort

333/1 Rangali, Betul, Goa 403723, India

Mayfair Hideaway Spa Resort, Goa
Facebook Mayfair Hideaway Spa Resort, Goa

This is the perfect resort to get away from the hectic cities of India. With pools, beaches, and a spa, Mayfair has your relaxing getaway sorted. Known for its large beach view rooms, delicious cuisine, and restaurant, Mayfair is acing becoming the hotel of your dreams.

Goa is a wonder world of history, culture, seafood, and beaches, making it the perfect beachside getaway. It has so much more to offer, but this quick cheat sheet is a great place to start. Happy traveling!

Sophia Garcia

Contributor

Sophia has spent most of her life living abroad. Traveling has become second nature to her and the beauty of international experiences isn’t lost on her. Sophia enjoys writing, photography and cooking and hopes to one day publish books about her interests.

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