Easy South Goa for families: Benaulim and Palolem

Day 1: Arrive in Colva, Benaulim & Varca

Colva, Benaulim & Varca

• Colva and Benaulim beach day · 4 h. Long, flat sand that is good for walking; swim between the lifeguard flags in season.

Local tip: Long, flat sand that is good for walking; swim between the lifeguard flags in season.

Open day 1 route in Google Maps

Day 2: Explore Colva, Benaulim & Varca

Colva, Benaulim & Varca

• Sal river and dolphin boat trip at Mobor · 2 h. Boats from Cavelossim and Mobor run along the Sal river mangroves and out to sea for dolphins in calm weather.
• Braganza House at Chandor · 1.5 h. A 17th-century mansion split into two family-run wings, each shown separately for a donation; arrive in the morning.
• Goa Chitra ethnographic museum · 1.5 h. Thousands of everyday farm, kitchen and church objects from rural Goa, shown on guided visits at Benaulim.

Local tip: Boats from Cavelossim and Mobor run along the Sal river mangroves and out to sea for dolphins in calm weather.

Open day 2 route in Google Maps

Day 3: Explore Colva, Benaulim & Varca

Colva, Benaulim & Varca

• Margao municipal market · 1.5 h
• Loutolim village and Casa Araujo Alvares · 2 h
• Ayurvedic spa afternoon at a Varca resort · 2 h

Open day 3 route in Google Maps

Day 4: Colva, Benaulim & Varca → Palolem & Agonda

Palolem & Agonda · Colva, Benaulim & Varca to Palolem & Agonda, Taxi ~1h (Konkan Railway Madgaon–Canacona ~40 min)

• 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.
• Boat to Butterfly and Honeymoon beaches · 3 h. Fishermen run shared boats from Palolem, often with a dolphin detour; agree the pick-up time before they leave you on the beach.

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

Open day 4 route in Google Maps

Day 5: Explore Palolem & Agonda

Palolem & Agonda

• Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary walk · 3 h. Forest trails and watchtowers about 30 min from Palolem; best early in the morning.
• 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: Forest trails and watchtowers about 30 min from Palolem; best early in the morning.

Open day 5 route in Google Maps

Day 6: Explore Palolem & Agonda

Palolem & Agonda

• Agonda beach afternoon · 3 h. A quieter, longer bay 20 min north with turtle nesting areas fenced off in season.
• Sunrise yoga at Patnem · 1.5 h

Local tip: A quieter, longer bay 20 min north with turtle nesting areas fenced off in season.

Open day 6 route in Google Maps

Day 7: Depart from Palolem & Agonda

Palolem & Agonda

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