Backpacker Goa: Arambol, Anjuna and Palolem

7 days, 6 nights: Morjim, Mandrem & Arambol (2N), Anjuna & Vagator (2N), Palolem & Agonda (2N). Best time to go: Nov–Mar.

Day 1: Arrive in Morjim, Mandrem & Arambol

Morjim, Mandrem & Arambol

Arambol beach and Sweet Water Lake · 3 h. Walk north over the rocks to the freshwater lake behind the beach; the path is easy at low tide.

Local tip: Walk north over the rocks to the freshwater lake behind the beach; the path is easy at low tide.

Morjim, Mandrem & Arambol

Arambol sunset drum circle · 1.5 h. Drummers gather on the sand most evenings in season, busiest on Sundays.
Tandem paragliding at Arambol · 1.5 h. Flights launch from the cliffs near Sweet Water Lake in the afternoon sea breeze, Nov–Apr only; ask about the pilot's licence and insurance.
Yoga or meditation class at Mandrem · 2 h. Mandrem and Ashwem have many shalas running daily drop-ins and week-long courses in season.
Olive ridley turtle nesting site at Morjim · 1 h. Forest staff fence off nests roughly Nov–Mar; stay outside the barriers, avoid lights at night and follow the guards' instructions.

Local tip: Drummers gather on the sand most evenings in season, busiest on Sundays.

Anjuna & Vagator · Morjim, Mandrem & Arambol to Anjuna & Vagator, Taxi ~30 min

Anjuna Wednesday Flea Market · 3 h. Every Wednesday in season (roughly Nov–Apr) on the bluff above the beach; bargain politely and carry cash.
Chapora Fort sunset · 1.5 h. A short steep walk to the ruined ramparts above Vagator; sunset is crowded but worth it. Wear proper shoes.

Local tip: Every Wednesday in season (roughly Nov–Apr) on the bluff above the beach; bargain politely and carry cash.

Anjuna & Vagator

Vagator and Ozran beaches · 3 h. Ozran (Little Vagator) has the carved Shiva face on the rocks; walk down the steps and watch the tide.
Club night on the Vagator cliffs · 4 h. Clubs on the cliffs and in Anjuna host DJ nights in season; outdoor music must stop at 10pm, so many move indoors after that.

Local tip: Ozran (Little Vagator) has the carved Shiva face on the rocks; walk down the steps and watch the tide.

Palolem & Agonda · Anjuna & Vagator to Palolem & Agonda, Taxi ~2.25h

Kayaking around Palolem bay · 1.5 h. Rent a sit-on kayak by the hour and paddle to the rocky island at the north end; mornings are calmest.
Cabo de Rama fort · 2 h. Clifftop fort ruins with a small chapel, about 45 min north of Palolem; stay for sunset over the sea.

Local tip: Rent a sit-on kayak by the hour and paddle to the rocky island at the north end; mornings are calmest.

Palolem & Agonda

Cola beach lagoon · 3 h. A small cove with a freshwater lagoon behind the sand; the last stretch of road is rough, so go by taxi or ride carefully.
Headphone (silent) party · 3 h. Because outdoor music must stop at 10pm, Palolem's parties use wireless headphones with several DJ channels; usually one night a week in season.
Sunrise yoga at Patnem · 1.5 h

Local tip: A small cove with a freshwater lagoon behind the sand; the last stretch of road is rough, so go by taxi or ride carefully.

Palolem & Agonda

Keep a buffer before your flight; check-out is usually noon.

Morjim, Mandrem & Arambol (2 nights): Ashwem and Mandrem cottages. Wooden cottages and small hotels on quiet beaches, near yoga shalas.
Anjuna & Vagator (2 nights): Assagao and Anjuna boutique villas. Restored Portuguese homes with pools in green lanes, 10 min from the beaches.
Palolem & Agonda (2 nights): Agonda and Palolem cottages. Better huts and small hotels with private bathrooms and sea views.