Monsoon Goa: Panjim, Old Goa and green hinterland

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) → Calangute, Baga & Candolim

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

• Mapusa Friday market · 2 h. Goa's biggest local market fills on Friday mornings with chouriço sausages, spices, cashews and pottery.
• 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: Goa's biggest local market fills on Friday mornings with chouriço sausages, spices, cashews and pottery.

Open day 3 route in Google Maps

Day 4: Explore Calangute, Baga & Candolim

Calangute, Baga & Candolim

• Candolim beach and shack lunch · 4 h. Candolim is calmer than Baga; shacks usually let you use loungers if you order food. Swim between the lifeguard flags.
• 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: Candolim is calmer than Baga; shacks usually let you use loungers if you order food. Swim between the lifeguard flags.

Open day 4 route in Google Maps

Day 5: Depart from 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.

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.

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

Open day 5 route in Google Maps