Christmas and New Year in Goa

Day 1: Arrive in Panjim (Panaji)

Panjim (Panaji)

• Mandovi River sunset cruise · 1 h. Hour-long boats leave from the Santa Monica jetty with Goan folk dances on deck; book the sunset sailing.
• Reis Magos Fort · 1 h. A restored fort facing Panjim across the Mandovi, with small exhibits; check opening days before you go.

Local tip: Hour-long boats leave from the Santa Monica jetty with Goan folk dances on deck; book the sunset sailing.

Open day 1 route in Google Maps

Day 2: Old Goa churches: Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral and St Francis of Assisi

Panjim (Panaji)

• Old Goa churches: Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral and St Francis of Assisi · 4 h. The Basilica of Bom Jesus holds the relics of St Francis Xavier; the churches are free to enter, with modest dress expected. Mornings are cooler and quieter.

Local tip: The Basilica of Bom Jesus holds the relics of St Francis Xavier; the churches are free to enter, with modest dress expected. Mornings are cooler and quieter.

Open day 2 route in Google Maps

Day 3: Panjim (Panaji) → Anjuna & Vagator

Anjuna & Vagator · Panjim (Panaji) to Anjuna & Vagator, Taxi ~40 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.

Open day 3 route in Google Maps

Day 4: Explore Anjuna & Vagator

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.
• Assagao and Anjuna café trail · 3 h. Assagao's old Portuguese houses now hold bakeries and brunch places; a scooter or taxi links them.
• Chapora river kayaking · 2 h. Guided paddles through mangroves near Siolim; go early for birds and calm water.

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

Open day 4 route in Google Maps

Day 5: Explore Anjuna & Vagator

Anjuna & Vagator

• 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.
• Drop-in yoga class in Anjuna · 1.5 h

Local tip: Clubs on the cliffs and in Anjuna host DJ nights in season; outdoor music must stop at 10pm, so many move indoors after that.

Open day 5 route in Google Maps

Day 6: Depart from Anjuna & Vagator

Anjuna & Vagator

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