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, or learn. For keen history buffs and those who love to explore different cultures, holidays to Goa are exceptional.

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. A good year round climate means it’s also the perfect destination to save some pennies and avoid the crowds.

Golden sands on the Arabian Sea

A cooling breeze from the Arabian Sea will 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 the perfect 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 give that bustling 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. It’s also a pretty dreamy way to spend low, or no spend days for your cheap Goa Holiday.

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 plenty 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. This is the perfect venue for those seeking out a cheap holiday in Goa.

Baga Beach has its own strip of clubs too, where DJ sets and young party-goers reign supreme, while Candolim nightlife 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, as well as 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, and they’re just as delicious. Whether you’re staying All Inclusive, on a budget with a cheap Goa holiday, or indulging in all the luxuries possible, be sure to try new things – you never know, it might become your new favourite dish!

Alluring local markets

Indian markets take shopping to whole new heights, and Goa’s marketplaces are some of the best. With spices, music and local wares, it’s certainly 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 those 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, serenading you as you go by. 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. Even if you’re just interested in window shopping, the markets are truly alluring and certainly worth a visit – it can be a fun but cheap day out.

A little bit of history

Maybe the beach parties, delicious dishes and market delights all seem good, but you’re still waiting for more- history buffs, this is for you.

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.