Goa comes as the apparent choice in being the best tourist destination for spending a long weekend with family and friends. There are must-visit places in Goa that attract maximum tourist footfall with a tropical atmosphere, natural beauty, sublime beaches, forts, temples, thrilling nightlife, churches, wildlife sanctuaries, and delicious seafood.
This Indian state stocks a perfect blend of attractive features, including beaches, sea, sand, spirituality, and a mix of Indian and Portuguese culture. Even though it is a famous tourist hotspot, you can travel here anytime, but the best season to visit Goa is from mid-November to mid-February.
Goa has many places to plan your staycation and experience rejoicing moments with your loved ones. If you have never been to this tourist paradise but have heard much about it from your relatives and friends, then it’s time you experience it personally. To help you make informed choices, we bring you the checklist of the top 20 places in Goa in this blog. The list includes both well-known and lesser-known sites.
Top 20 places in Goa to plan your summer vacations
1. Morjim Beach
Morjim Beach is one of the famous tourist spots to visit in Goa. Along with cottages for relaxing, you will also find many restaurants on this beach to dine out with your family and enjoy the delicious seafood and cuisines. Do plan a luxury staycation by finding the best hotels in Goa.
Top spots to visit
- Vagator Beach
- Chapora River
- Mandrem Beach
- ShriMorarji Temple
- ShriBhagavati Temple
Activities to explore
- Flyboarding
- Jet skiing
- Bumper ride
- Bird watching
- Watching endangered olive ridley turtles
- Exploring a wide range of fish at the Siolim fish market
When to visit
- November to February
2. Bogmalo Beach
Goa is famous for its beaches, and Bogmalo Beach is one great example. If you wish to experience a private beach holiday in Goa, this is one of the ultimate destinations to look for. It is one of the best places to visit in Goa.
During the peak season, only a few tourists throng at Bogmalo Beach. This allows you to spend more quality time with your partner in seclusion. With the onset of dusk, the beach turns out to be a great party hub with an exciting mood among the visitors.
Top spots to visit
- Naval Aviation Museum
- Sernabatim Beach
- Siridao Beach
- Chicalim
Activities to explore
- Enjoying nightlife at pubs and bars
- Water Surfing
- Scuba diving
- Swimming
- Shopping for souvenirs – shell jewellery or shell crafts
When to visit
- December to February
3. Fort Aguada Beach
Among many of the beaches in Goa to visit is Fort Aguada Beach. This winsome beach is named after the famous Fort Aguada, built-in 1612 by the Portuguese. Many Bollywood movie shoots have been hosted here.
So it is indeed a famous tourist spot to consider travelling. At Fort Aguada Beach, you can even enjoy the fantastic sights of sunrises and sunsets. Hence, this place in Goa should be on your travel bucket list.
Top spots to visit
- Fort Aguada lighthouse
- Candolim Beach
- Sinquerim Beach
Activities to explore
- Parasailing
- Banana boat riding
- Jet skiing
- Tasting Goan cuisine
- Shopping at local stalls
When to visit
- October to March
4. Divar Island
If you wish to spend quality time peacefully on a beach not thronged by heavy tourist footfall, you must visit Divar Island, the unexplored beach island of Goa. It stockpiles significant attractions, including pristine narrow lanes, ancient churches, clumsy old structures, and Portuguese architecture.
Top spots to visit
- Chorao Island
- Our Lady of Piety Church
- Vanxim Island
- St. Matthias Church
- Koti Tirth Tali
Activities to explore
- At Divar Island, you can enjoy the festivals of Bonderam, Feast of Our Lord Redeemer, and Potekar.
When to visit
- Any month
5. Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary
Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary in North Goa is a perfect weekend getaway for wildlife and nature freaks. The place is decked with enchanting lush greens, with a range of flora and fauna being its secured spots for animal breeding. This hidden gem of Goa is worth visiting with your family.
Top spots to visit
- Nature Education Centre
- Rehabilitation Centre
- Botanical Garden
- Deer Safari Park
Activities to do
- Observing wildlife from close range by climbing the Watchtower
- Relaxing at Bondla Wildlife Wildlife Sanctuary cottages
- Trekking
When to visit
- October to April
6. Chapora Beach
Like Chapora Fort, also known as Dil Chahta Hai Fort, due to the shooting of the latter film hosted here, there is a famous beach sharing a similar name, i.e., Chapora Beach. This is among the best beaches in Goa, famous for its white sand, coconut trees, black lava rocks, and sapphire expanse. It is the best spot for basking in the sun, refreshing yourself, and enjoying a relaxing beach walk.
Top spots to visit
- Chapora Fort or Dil Chahta Hai Fort
- Chapora Village
- Vagator Springs
Activities to do
- Scuba diving
- Parasailing
- Snorkelling
- Hippy nightlife
- Tasting delicious local foods
When to visit
- November to March
7. Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary
Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary is an ideal tourist option for all wildlife lovers. Nestled at the foothills of Sahyadris, this tourist spot is the largest wildlife preserve you must visit in Goa, covering a distance of 240 square kilometres. This bushy forest area houses Mollem National Park, where you can watch some unique animal species, including spotted deer, leopards, pythons, sambar, slender loris, and Malabar Trogon.
Top spots to visit
- Tambdi Surla Temple
- Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary
- Tambdi Falls
- Devil’s Canyon
Activities to do
- Watching endangered animal species
- Hiking
- Trekking
When to visit
- November to March
8. Butterfly Beach
Butterfly Beach is one of the stunning beaches in Goa in its southern region. Nestled south of Palolem, this beach is surrounded by heavy forest, giving a fantastic landscape view. Going by its name, you will see countless butterflies flapping over its hilltop.
Top spots to visit
- Leopard Valley
- Himalayan Therapeutic Studio
- Yoga Land
- Conco Island
Activities to do
- Picnicking in beach
- Touring Palolem
- Watching dolphins
- Sightseeing
- Kayaking
- Boating
- Snorkelling
- The ferry ride to Agonda Beach
When to visit
- November to March
9. Calangute Beach
One of the top places in north Goa to experience great fun is Calangute Beach, adorned with palm trees and coconut trees on its coastline. There is much to do in this famous tourist spot, ranging from water sports to enjoying the electrifying nightclubs and tasting the delectable cuisines and local foods at restaurants. With its peaceful and attractive locales, Calangute Beach is an ideal tourist hotspot for nature buffs.
Top spots to visit
- Tibetan Market
- Our Lady of Piety
- Holiday Street
- Kerkar Art Gallery
- St. Alex Church
Activities to do
- Windsurfing
- Snorkelling
- Jet-skiing
- Parasailing
- Kayaking
When to visit
- October to February
10. Arambol Beach
If you are finding ways to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, we recommend you to visit Arambol Beach in Goa, as it is one of the famous tourist hubs known here. It is an ideal destination for those who want to escape from their exhausting work life and seek a solitary atmosphere. Besides experiencing mental peace, you can also visit the jungle valley that houses numerous wildlife species. Do explore its pool, which is known to have therapeutic properties.
Top spots to visit
- Kalacha Beach
- Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church
- Keri Beach
- Paliem Lake
Activities to do
- Jet-skiing
- Shopping at beach-side flea market
- Practising yoga and Reiki
- Enjoying the fire show at night
- Surfing
When to visit
- October to March
11. Shantadurga Temple
Goa is not confined to its natural beauty, beaches, and thrilling nightlife but is also home to holy temples. One such is Shantadurga Temple, nestled at the foothills of Kavelem village in Goa’s Ponda district.
The temple is dedicated to Shantadevi, an incarnation of Goddess Parvati, the consort of Shiva. According to a mythological tale, she was called on request by Lord Brahma to mediate and end the devastating fight between Shiva and Vishnu. She is also called Santeri, meaning the Goddess of Peace.
Top spots to visit
- Shri Mangeshi Temple
- Bandoda
- Shri Ramnathi Temple
- St. Roque Chapel
- Kapileshwar Temple
Activities to do
- Experience peace and solace at temples.
When to visit
- Any month
12. Fontainhas
Moving on from beaches and temples is the oldest Latin Quarter called Fontainhas in Goa. It is nestled at the foot of Altinho hills and encircled by ancient Ourem Creek. Close to central Panjim city, the most exciting features of this place include houses and cottages that are coloured every year after monsoons. This maintenance has been carried out per the rules set by the Portuguese.
Top spots to visit
- Maruti Temple
- Gitanjali Galley
- Fonte Phoenix
- Old Portuguese Houses
- Chapel of St. Sebastian
Activities to explore
- Visiting the narrow lanes of Fontainhas and viewing the coloured walls.
- Enjoying the local cuisines
When to visit
- September
13. Baga Beach
Baga Beach can be your perfect beach holiday destination to enjoy basking in the sun, visiting spas, tattooing, and exploring famous shacks. It is a must-place for nature lovers to experience its natural scenic beauty.
Top spots to visit
- Kesarval Springs
- Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
- Baga River
- Anjuna Beach
- Casa de Retiro
Activities to do
- Dolphin sightseeing
- Wakeboarding
- Kite surfing
- Shopping
When to visit
- October to March
14. Cabo de Rama Beach
Lose yourself in the captivating lush green natural beauty of a secluded beach in Goa named Cabo de Rama Beach. If you call yourself a nature enthusiast, you must visit this site and watch the stunning view of the palm trees and the backdrop of the Arabian Ocean.
Top spots to visit
- Chapel of Saint Anthony
- Cabo de Rama Fort
- Pebble Beach
- Saint Antonio Church
Activities to do
- Visiting Cabo de Rama Fort
- Viewing the breathtaking vista of palm trees and the Arabian Sea at the backdrop
When to visit
- November to March
15. Ashwem Beach
Ashwem Beach is the most treasured site to visit in Goa, as it is ideal for travellers seeking mental peace and relaxation from the hustle and bustle of the city. You can even join meditation and Yoga sessions at this place. All these make Ashwem Beach a noted tourist spot in north Goa.
Top spots to visit
- Morjai Temple
- Harmal Beach
- Arambol Mountain
Activities to do
- Paragliding
- Jet skiing
- Surfing
- Visiting local cafes and shacks
- Shopping at Mapusa Market, Calangute Market Square, and Anjuna Market
When to visit
- October to March
16. Shri Mahalasa Temple
Another famous temple to experience peace in Goa is Shri Mahalasa Temple. Its formation has been done with traditional Hindu temple architecture. It features a granite mandap, a copper roof, and an ancient bell. As the name suggests, the pilgrims come here to take blessings of Goddess Mahalasa.
Top spots to visit
- Basilica of Bom Jesus
- Church of St. Francis of Assisi
- Tomb of St. Francis Xavier
- Utorda Beach
- St. Cajetan’s Church
Activities to do
- Visiting holy temples
When to visit
- Any month
17. Dudhsagar Waterfalls
Among many top-notch tourist destinations in Goa, Dudhsagar Waterfalls is worth visiting for those who want to experience the incredible sight of cascading waterfalls. The name of the waterfall clearly states Sea of Milk. Flowing from 1017 ft high speed and 100 ft wide, it is hard to miss the fantastic sight of gushing water that will make you forget city life’s chaos.
Top spots to visit
- Mollem National Park
- Tambdi Surla Temple
- The Spice Plantation
Activities to do
- Swimming
- Camping
- Trekking from Castle Rock to Dudhsagar Falls
When to visit
- July to October
18. Assagao
Assagao in Goa is a trendy place to visit. Popularly known as Flower Village due to the plantation of Marigold flowers that are sold in Mapusa market, this village is also called Goa’s Valley of Flowers. There are many hotels in Goa to plan your luxury and comfortable staycation in Assagao.
Top spots to visit
- Cheshire Cat Jewellery Gallery
- Yog Ved Shala
- Swan Yoga Retreat
Activities to do
- Visiting Kouze spa for body and facial treatment
- Watching the Marigold Flowers plantation
- Shopping at Red Brick Shop and Rangeela
- Visiting the mysterious Kattor monument, rumoured to be 1000 years old.
When to visit
- August
19. Palolem Beach
Experience the ultimate Goan vibe by visiting Palolem Beach in south Goa. Encircled by a thick forest of coconut and palm trees, this pristine Beach is worth visiting to party with friends or partners.
Top spots to visit
- Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary
- Monkey Island
- Patnem Beach
- Agonda Beach
Activities to do
- Refreshing yourself with Ayurvedic massage
- Practice yoga
- Dolphin sightseeing
- Enjoying at Silent Noise Party
- Fishing
- Kayaking
When to visit
- November to February
20. Reis Magos Fort
Besides visiting the famous Chapora Fort, you must also see Reis Magos Fort, nestled on the banks of River Mandovi. No matter if it is a lesser-known tourist spot, you must visit it to explore the outstanding library, artwork of famous artist Mario Miranda, and cannons from the Portuguese era it houses. Besides all these attractions, you would love to experience the breathtaking view of the Arabian Sea.
Top spots to visit
- Mae de Deus Church
- Sao Tome Old Quarter
- Sinquerim Beach
Activities to do
- Visiting the ancient Reis Magos Fort in Goa
- Watching the remarkable Portuguese architecture
When to visit
- October to February
Conclusion
So this ends our list of Goa’s famous places. The top 20 places in Goa mentioned in this blog will help you make an informed decision regarding spending your vacations. If you visit Morjim Beach in Goa, you can plan your staycation at jüSTa Morjim Beach Resort. There is another top luxury hotel to find in Assagao. It is jüSTa Casa Frangipani.
