First trip: North Goa beaches, Panjim and Old Goa

Day 1: Arrive in Calangute, Baga & Candolim

Calangute, Baga & Candolim

• Fort Aguada and the lighthouse · 1.5 h. The 17th-century Portuguese fort above Sinquerim has views over the Mandovi mouth; go late afternoon for the light, and avoid the midday heat.
• Museum of Goa (MOG) at Pilerne · 1.5 h. A contemporary art museum about 15 min inland; a good rainy-day or midday stop.

Local tip: The 17th-century Portuguese fort above Sinquerim has views over the Mandovi mouth; go late afternoon for the light, and avoid the midday heat.

Open day 1 route in Google Maps

Day 2: Explore Calangute, Baga & Candolim

Calangute, Baga & Candolim

• Water sports at Calangute and Baga (parasailing, jet ski, banana ride) · 2 h. Operators sell packages on the sand; agree what is included and the ride lengths before paying. Rides stop when the red flag is up and through the monsoon.
• Morning dolphin-spotting boat ride · 1.5 h. Short boat rides from Sinquerim, Candolim or Baga; dolphins show most mornings in calm seas, but sightings are never guaranteed.
• Saturday Night Market at Arpora · 3 h. Runs on Saturday evenings in season (roughly Nov–Apr) with live music, food stalls and clothes; parking fills up early.
• Ayurvedic massage at a Candolim spa · 1.5 h. Choose a spa with trained therapists and clear price lists over beach-side touts.

Local tip: Operators sell packages on the sand; agree what is included and the ride lengths before paying. Rides stop when the red flag is up and through the monsoon.

Open day 2 route in Google Maps

Day 3: Grand Island boat trip with snorkelling

Calangute, Baga & Candolim

• Grand Island boat trip with snorkelling · 6 h. Boats leave from Sinquerim or Coco Beach with lunch included; visibility is best Dec–Mar. Check life jackets and the boat licence.

Local tip: Boats leave from Sinquerim or Coco Beach with lunch included; visibility is best Dec–Mar. Check life jackets and the boat licence.

Open day 3 route in Google Maps

Day 4: Calangute, Baga & Candolim → Panjim (Panaji)

Panjim (Panaji) · Calangute, Baga & Candolim to Panjim (Panaji), Taxi ~30 min (local bus ~45 min)

• Fontainhas Latin Quarter walk · 2 h. Painted Portuguese-era houses, azulejo tiles and the Chapel of St Sebastian; go early before the heat. Ask before photographing people on their balconies.
• Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church · 0.5 h. The white zig-zag staircase church in the centre of town; dress modestly if you go inside.
• 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: Painted Portuguese-era houses, azulejo tiles and the Chapel of St Sebastian; go early before the heat. Ask before photographing people on their balconies.

Open day 4 route in Google Maps

Day 5: 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 5 route in Google Maps

Day 6: Depart from Panjim (Panaji)

Panjim (Panaji)

• Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary at Chorao · 2.5 h. Take the ferry from Ribandar and walk the mangrove boardwalk early; canoe trips with forest staff are sometimes available.

Local tip: Take the ferry from Ribandar and walk the mangrove boardwalk early; canoe trips with forest staff are sometimes available.

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

Open day 6 route in Google Maps