After our years traveling to the coastal gems of India and traipsing along the shores as a means to guide other travelers to unique and authentic experiences, we know – there is nothing else like North Goa. It is a unique blend of Portuguese colonial history, pristine beaches, adventure, and cultural tradition. Whether you will be spending your time on a golden shoreline, discovering a historic architectural masterpiece from centuries ago, or chasing the thrill of exhilarating watersports, there are experiences for everyone in North Goa.
Everything that this amazing region has to offer can be found here in our guide to things to do in North Goa, along with ‘bucket list’ attractions and hidden nuggets of cultural treasure that exemplify and tell us more of the story of its individuality.
As you explore the forts of North Goa, including Chapora, Fort Aguada, etc., and enjoy the beaches, e.g., Anjuna & Vagator, Old Goa, the heritage & culture of Portuguese Goa, the various water sports, the nightlife, the local culture, e.g., heritage walks, flea market, etc.
Experience the amazing history of North Goa through its historic fortifications and architecture. These top things to do in North Goa demonstrate hundreds of years of Portuguese influence.
Fort Aguada is North Goa’s most recognized fort. Built in 1612, the lighthouse here has incredible views of the Arabian Sea, and the restoration of the ramparts reflects old colonial defence planning.
Chapora Fort is well-known through Bollywood films, but it deserves mention for its superb location and the sunset view over Vagator Beach. The ruins are excellent for photography.
Reis Magos Fort has been renovated recently and holds a cultural center and museum that shows Goan history, and is located where you can view the river meeting the sea.
The Basilica of Bom Jesus is a UNESCO World Heritage, and contains the mortal remains of St Francis Xavier. This baroque architecture is a masterpiece that reflects Goa’s spiritual history.
Se Cathedral houses the famous Golden Bell of a rich tone. It is a Gothic church that is one of the largest in Asia.
The North Goa coastline is miles long and, depending upon your wish list, does have a little bit of everything from party to family-friendly experiences at its beaches.
Anjuna Beach is probably the most famous hippie beach, known for its vibrant nightlife, wild atmosphere, and its famous Wednesday flea market. It’s especially typical for backpackers to party through the night to trance music, which is very popular here.
Vagator Beach, which consists of Big Vagator and Little Vagator, has stunning, twinkling red cliffs and some beautiful rooms for sunset viewing. Vagator Beach is a host to electronic dance music festivals and other major music festivals and events.
Candolim Beach has more of a family-friendly feel with water sports and beachside restaurants nearby. Candolim is great for families who want a beach location but want comfortable, parent-friendly surroundings.
Calangute Beach, “The queen of beaches,” is the most commercially developed beach with various water sports operators, shopping, and shacks.
Morjim Beach serves as a nesting beach for turtles and has a nice natural setting for nature lovers. Morjim has a less active nightlife atmosphere and is great for long, quiet walks or bird watching.
Ashwem Beach is still pristine with soft white sand and clear warm waters. While most beach clubs have expanded their places for higher-end yoga retreats and beach clubs, Ashwen remains largely untouched.
North Goa is situated on the coast, which elevates the level of water-based adventure and wildlife experiences to a new level.
Scuba diving at Grande Island allows divers to experience majestic underwater coral formations, exciting fish species, and dive wrecks. Professional diving schools hold courses and start diving for all levels of certified divers.
You can discover the Goan backwaters by kayak and explore tranquil mangrove forests, as well as bird watching. Sunset kayaking is especially special.
Surfing is available through lessons at many of the beaches, where Ashwem beach (and nearby Morjim beach) really offer the best learning environment for beginners. Local surf schools provide surfboards, clothing (wet & dry), and lessons.
Dolphin spotting boat trips run from Candolim & Calangute beaches, and if luck is on your side, you can meet some playful dolphins in their aquamarine watery home.
Banana boat rides, jet skiing, and parasailing are particularly exhilarating on Goa’s popular beaches. Water sports operators certify their safety procedures and follow strict operating practices on boats.
The Mandovi River has river cruises that include an evening of Goan folk dance, traditional music, and amazing sunset views of historical monuments in Old Goa.
North Goa’s food scene and entertainment all reflect its cosmopolitan vibe and reputation as the party center of India.
Agreed, Goan thalis are the ultimate; they are a complete traditional meal with fish curry, rice, vindaloo, and dessert, all at your neighborhood restaurant. The truly authentic experience can be gained at a family-run business.
Beach shacks provide plenty of freshly prepared seafood, cold drinks, and international dishes while you sit in the sand. Each beach shack develops its own personality and loyal customer fan base.
Music events like Sunburn and VH1 Supersonic lure international DJs and thousands of partying patrons. Live music venues are plentiful, showcasing local and travelling bands.
Casino cruises on the Mandovi River set out each day, offering fans gambling, entertainment shows, and dinner cruises. Many suppliers and operators provide varying themes and pricing.
Party spots like Anjuna, Vagator, and Arambole continue Goa’s legendary nightlife tradition. Beach clubs and hillside venues have dancing until sunrise with ocean views.
For those exploring the vibrant attractions of North Goa, adding Hammerzz Nightclub to the itinerary guarantees a taste of the region’s legendary entertainment scene. Hammerzz Nightclub is North Goa’s leading destination for luxury nightlife, combining world-class DJs, state-of-the-art lighting, and an electrifying atmosphere to deliver unforgettable party experiences every night.
During the monsoon season, Goa is a completely different destination – one that shows off the state’s natural beauty beyond the beaches. It is also the cheapest time to visit, with the best discounts on everything from hotels to restaurants.
Shopping in North Goa is a lively mix of eclectic flea markets and upscale boutiques that offer funky souvenirs and clothing.
The Anjuna Flea market has dedicated Wednesdays in which the beach is turned into a multi-coloured bazaar featuring everything from custom-made bracelets to vintage Indian throwback clothing.
Are you ready to barter? The Saturday Night Market at Arpora is even better, combining shopping with night entertainment, including live music, and food stalls with merchants and handmade crafts. For all intents and purposes, it is a carnival, not a market.
If vintage flea style has little appeal, try the Mapusa Friday Market and immerse yourself in the local marketplace. This market is also popular with tourists searching for fresh vegetables and fruits, spices, textiles, household utensils, and countless other things. This is the perfect opportunity to see how the average Goan lives!
Additionally, in Panaji and Anjuna are boutiques offering designer clothes, locally made accessories, and modern items made by the many local and international artists who now live here.
Craft centres also sell traditional Goan fare, like cashew nuts, feni (local liquor), coconut products, and handmade textiles.
North Goa is amazing if you want to host a trip with leisure and adventure, history with modern experiences, and a local with international culture. North Goa has it all. From the golden beaches of Calangute to the history of Fort Aguada’s walls, buzzing flea markets of Anjuna to the serenity of the backwaters on Chorao Island, it’s all there and more. Each day is a different adventure, and new, unforgettable memories await.
If starting a romantic getaway, family vacation, or simply cramming all of your favorite things into one trip with friends is something you’re currently considering, you can bet your plans will be unlike anyone else’s, as North Goa is sure to provide you with something different that fits with your likes. Begin your North Goan adventure today and discover for yourself why so many people from around the world are enchanted by this coast.
From golden beaches and historic forts by day to pulsating dance floors and signature cocktails by night, North Goa seamlessly blends relaxation and adventure with premier nightlife options like Hammerzz Nightclub. Discover why Hammerzz Nightclub is considered the pinnacle of Goa’s clubbing landscape, and make your North Goan trip truly memorable.
I would recommend historic forts Chapora & Aguada; beaches such as Anjuna and Vagator; UNESCO heritage churches and monuments in Old Goa; classic water sports; heritage walks in Fontainhas; and nightlife.
Candolim & Calangute beaches are family-friendly because of their decent general infrastructure, swimming safety, closeness to where you may be staying, and food availability for kids.
Adventure activities are scuba diving, day trips to Grande Island, boat trips looking for dolphins, backwaters kayaking, parasailing, jet skiing, and surf lessons offered at Ashwem Beach.
You will experience Goan culture with a heritage walk in Fontainhas, visiting the markets such as Mapusa or Anjuna flea market, food festivals, many old churches in Old Goa, and eating at an authentically local restaurant.
Some offbeat experiences would be visiting Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary on Chorao Island, quiet and deserted Ashwem, Morjim beaches, going on spice plantation visits, taking bike tours of traditionally local villages, and enjoying early morning walks through the Fontainhas Latin Quarter.
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