Luxury Vacations to Goa

Most people choose to head to the beach resorts lining the 60-mile coastline. The most popular beaches in North Goa are Calangute and Candolim due to their proximity to the airport. Traveling a little deeper into the state, the resorts of Baga, Anjuna, and Vagator are less crowded but still come with the traditional Goan charm of other more famous towns and villages.

Many visitors ignore central Goa – but you shouldn't. When you venture into the heart of the state, you can experience life by the riverside as well as the intricate colonial guesthouses.

Panaji is the state capital and displays its Portuguese heritage at every turn as well as boutiques and lively markets for browsing and shopping.

For history enthusiasts, a trip to Old Goa is a must. No longer the state capital, this abandoned town is UNESCO-listed and houses well-preserved landmarks and striking buildings in a sympathetic nod to a past era.

North Goa has plenty of magnificent beach resorts. Here are some of the best:

Baga

The popular Baga Beach is famous for its buoyant nightlife and picture-perfect beaches lined with shacks, restaurants, and bars. By day, you can enjoy a spot of parasailing, jet-skiing, and windsurfing before setting down for a sundowner by the Arabian Sea.

Dusting off your sandy feet, head to the flea market and shop for souvenirs, clothing, and local handmade crafts.

Anjuna

Anjuna Beach has become a trendy resort over the last few years but the charm of the village itself remains. As well as being a hippie paradise, Anjuna's golden sands are lined with shanties, flea markets, and chic nightclubs.

Vagator

If you're looking for a beach that looks as though it belongs on a postcard, you'll find it in Vagator. In a town lined with rugged red cliffs, coves, and palm-fringed beaches, you can have dinner on the clifftops, explore the remnants of a Portuguese fort, and head to the seafront for a party underneath the stars.

South Goa is much more easy-going than the North, so it's hard not to feel solace as you explore the region. If you're looking for beach resorts in South Goa, Palolem, Colva, and Agonda are serene, unspoiled, and sparsely populated.

All these towns have exquisite shops and flea markets where you can pick up some of the finest hand-crafted goods in India.

South Goa is also home to some impressive landmarks and natural attractions. It boasts gorgeous churches like Our Lady of Remedios Church and the supposedly haunted Three Kings Church that reward curious visitors.

This part of the country is relatively untouched, so nature lovers should spend time taking in the breathtaking sights. The best way to do this is by staying in the Goan village of Collem. Nearby, you'll find the Dudhsagar Waterfall, a must-see. You should also head to the Wildlife Sanctuary while you're in the area. Walk among acres of greenery, gazing at birds, leopards, and elephants.

Add into the mix the South's impressive roster of boutique and luxury hotels and it's easy to see why vacations to Goa are so appealing.

South Goa has some of the most untouched beaches in India. Bearing no resemblance to the chaos of the Golden Triangle, the wide sandy beaches are lined with coconut palms and colorful beach huts.

You're never far away from a stunning beach in these parts but there are a few standout contenders to visit during your South Goa vacation.

Palolem

Known for its remarkable beauty and sophisticated town center, Palolem has one of Goa's most outstanding beaches. Gently curving into a soft crescent shape, the palm-fringed beach is lined with bamboo huts clad with palm-thatched roofs.

As a sheltered bay, Palolem is one of the safest swimming spots in Goa. Naturally, you'll find a variety of water sports like paragliding, paddleboarding, and water skiing.

Patnem

Just a short tuk-tuk ride away from Palolem, Patnem Beach is an undiscovered gem. Stretching for as far as the eye can see, it's lined with restaurants, bars, and yoga resorts – but these tasteful establishments don't detract from its natural charm.

You won't be out of place unrolling your yoga mat for a morning vinyasa on the beach, but if you'd rather drop into a class there are plenty of dedicated practitioners who host casual drop-in classes and more challenging workshops.

Agonda

If you're looking for a reposeful, romantic beach, head to Agonda. It's an unpretentious beach that lets its natural beauty do all the talking. As Agonda Beach is rarely packed with people, it's a popular nesting site for the endangered olive ridley turtles.

You won't find extreme water sports on this beach as it can experience choppy conditions, but you can't beat Agonda for a romantic evening stroll through the white sand.