Goa Holidays 2023/2024
Holidays to Goa mix up an incredible combination of Indian and Portuguese culture with a plethora of activities to make your Goa holiday one to remember. One of the main attractions in Goa is of course the golden sand beaches where you’ll find everything from sunbathing hot spots, enticing beach shacks, thrilling watersports and some seriously late-night parties.
With a range of fantastic hotels and amazing views, book your holidays to Goa today and get that holiday countdown started!
Goa Holiday Deals
When the east meets the west
When it comes to fun-filled breaks in India, holidays to Goa are in a league of their own. It’s the smallest region in the entire country, found along India’s western coast, but don’t let its size fool you – you’ll never run out of things to do. For keen history buffs and those who love to explore different cultures, holidays to Goa are exceptional because a rich history and culture means there’s plenty to learn
Up until 1961, Goa was ruled by the Portuguese for around 450 years, so its blend of western and eastern culture is unique and still very apparent today. It has forever left an imprint in Goa with European-style buildings and churches, as well as a strongly Portuguese-influenced cuisine.
Old Goa was the capital of Goa pre-independence, which has now been replaced by Panjim. Even so, Old Goa is destination number one for history buffs, as it’s circa 15th century and is packed with elaborate Catholic churches and whitewashed structures. Here you’ll also find two UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the Bom Jesus Basilica, which holds the remains of St Francis Xavier, and the Churches and Convents of Goa.
Steeped in a year-round tropical climate, Goa holidays are one-part music, two-parts local markets and history and about 10-parts beach. Once you set your sights on these golden sand shores, the rest of your holiday will be set in stone. There’s a reason why so many expats make this sun-drenched sliver their forever home.
Holidays in Goa
Resorts
Golden sands on the Arabian Sea
A cooling breeze from the Arabian Sea might be just what you need when basking under the Indian sun on the gorgeous beaches in Goa. The beaches are also where you’ll find a number of beach bars, clubs and parties, not to mention watersports and hotels that put you right in the thick of the action.
Baga Beach is easily the most popular beach in Goa, and plays host to holiday crowds. It’s where you’ll find sun loungers and umbrellas covering the length of the beach, along with water sports like paragliding, kayaking, snorkelling and jet skiing. And if you’re looking for variation, Baga Beach shares eight kilometres of shore with Calangute and Candolim, so there’s room for everyone.
Holidays in Goa can be that busy, holiday vibe some love or you can find the secluded spots and soak up the peace and quiet for those who love their own holiday bubble. Varca Beach lays claim to its own 10 kilometres of sand, which tends to lean on the less crowded side. There are less beach facilities than bustling spots like Baga, but that keeps other holidaymakers at bay, leaving you to bask in peace and tranquillity.
Beach parties dusk ‘til dawn
Goa isn’t your average nightlife spot, and we aren’t just saying that. We can think of few places with as varied an after-hours selection as the all-night parties and neon-lit clubs found in Goa. A former hippy haven, its peace-and-love roots are still going strong with laid-back beach parties that extend well into the night.
You’ll have your pick of easy-going cocktail bars but the real fun is in big time clubs like the jaw-droppingly massive Club Cubana in Arpora where, after you’ve paid the entrance fee, it’s free drinks for the night and access to the pool.
Baga Beach has its own strip of clubs where DJ sets and young party-goers reign supreme, while Candolim is home to SinQ, a party paradise with a pool, lounge, nightclub and microbrewery all to its name. Holidays in Goa are certainly the underdog when it comes to party holidays but once you’ve been, nothing else will quite compare.
Keeping things spicy
Just like Goa’s surroundings reflect its heritage, the same goes for its delicious cuisine. Traditional Goan fare is a mouth-watering blend of curries, spices characteristic of classic Indian cuisine and Portuguese flavours and vegetables, like peri-peri chillies, potatoes, guavas and cashew nuts.
Coconut milk, rice, seafood and local spices dominate the dishes here, in everything from curries to stews. Don’t be afraid to dine in the ramshackle beach huts, as some of the most authentic Indian cuisine can be found there, but you’ll find garden restaurants and seaside spots too to be just as delicious too. Be sure to try as many dishes and flavours as possible for the full Goa holiday experience.
Alluring local markets
Indian markets take shopping to whole new heights, and Goa’s marketplaces are no different. With spices, music and local wares, it’s sensory overload – but in a good way!
One of the region’s top markets is the Saturday night market in Arpora. You’ll find an abundance of shopping here, but also plenty of dining options and even nightlife here too. This is a popular hotspot for tourists on holiday in Goa and with its exotic atmosphere there’s no question as to why. A sprawling collection of stalls are gathered around a central stage, where live music plays. Within the throng of shops, you’ll find jewellery, clothing, lanterns, artwork and tea in between food stalls and bars.
Another popular market in Goa is the Anjuna Flea Market, hosted every Wednesday, it boasts a fun and lively vibe perfect for a day out. You’ll find incredible local handicrafts, including jewellery, as well as everything from clothes and footwear to spices. Try your luck with some bargaining and get the best deal possible on some holiday goods.
Goa holidays for all
Goa may sound like a luxury and exotic holiday destination – and it is – but you can holiday in Goa your way. With our cheap holidays to Goa you can experience everything Goa has to offer without breaking the bank, or alternatively if you’re looking for that particularly luxurious holiday, our luxury Goa holidays will give you the ultimate retreat.
If a Goan adventure does sound right up your street, be sure to check out our full range of All Inclusive deals to Goa because you can often find a bargain when it comes to All Inclusive. Plus, unlimited Indian cuisine – yes please.