8 Things you must do in Goa

1. Visit the Anjuna Flea Market

Once upon a time, back in the late 60’s, Anjuna was the gathering point for hippies visiting India’s coast line. Nowadays, it’s filled with trance ravers and domestic tourists, and there are far better beaches elsewhere. But the wonderful Anjuna flea market is definitely worth a stop by. Taking place every Wednesday in South Anjuna, the market sprawls a huge area, leading down to the sea. It’s filled with handicrafts, second hand clothing, jewellery, beautiful patchwork backpacks and fabrics from almost every part of India. Arrive early in the day to beat the crowds and avoid the heat!

2. Take a day to marvel at the Portuguese flair and stunning churches of Panjim and Old Goa

Goa was once a Portuguese settlement, and today, many remains of the past can be found up and down the coast. Most notably, with the huge churches you’ll find in Old Goa and Panjim, Goa’s lovely capital. It’s well worth taking a day away from the beach to see these beautiful buildings, which are very well preserved and offer a glimpse into some colonial history. Panjim can be easily reached on a day trip from many of Goa’s beach towns, and Old Goa is a short bus ride away.

3. Get your hippie on at Arambol beach

Each of Goa’s beaches has a different personality, and each cater for a slightly different crowd. Our pick of North Goa’s busier resorts is Arambol, a mecca for backpackers and soul seekers from around the globe. Although not the quietest beach, there’s so much to do here, and so many people to meet it more than makes up for the crowded sands. Check out some of the great international cuisines, join some other travellers for a game of volleyball or walk up the cliff side for epic views of the beach below.

4. Swim in the fresh waters of Sweet Water Lake

Not far from Arambol beach, behind Sweet Water Beach is the blissful Sweet Water Lake, a fresh water lagoon perfect for a peaceful afternoon swim. To get there, walk around the cliffside to the North of Arambol beach, and then keep asking shopkeepers for the lake! There are sun beds around and a place to get a few cold drinks. A perfect way to spend an afternoon!

5. Hire a motorbike and drive through coconut palms to secret beaches

The best way to get around Goa is by motorbike, and you can easily hire one at any beach resort anywhere in the state. Grab yourself a road map and get exploring! There’s so much to see, from secret beaches to old churches and spectacular countryside. The roads around the coast are generally quiet and well paved and scooters can be hired anywhere from 250 rupees a day.

6. Get off the beaten track, awake early and watch local fishermen bring in the days catch

Seafood is everywhere in Goa, but if you want to see where it comes from awake at dawn and head down to one of the states many fishing beaches. Here you can see the local men pull in the day’s catch from rainbow fishing boats onto the white sands. I found the men to be some of the friendliest people I met in the whole state, and they were really happy about my curiosity for their life work. If you are staying in North Goa, check out Baga Beach for the colourful harbour pictured above. 

7. Try some of the amazing selection of vegan, raw, healthy food restaurants

Goa has become a bit of a mecca for hippies, yogi’s, trance ravers and beach bums alike, but the raw and vegan health food scene is also booming. There’s so many delicious places to try a bowl of superfood almond porridge, raw chocolate balls or vegan ice cream. Even if you’re not into vegan food, you might be surprised how delicious some of these places really are! We recommend Bean Me Up in Anjuna, Shantaram in Arambol and The Space Goa just outside of Palolem.

8. Spend some time getting to know the relaxed, always smiling Goan people

Everyone will tell you that Goan’s are a unique breed of Indian, and that couldn’t be more true. Goan’s are friendly and very relaxed. Get to know your guesthouse owner, or the family who run the little Dosa shop down the road, you’ll be endlessly rewarded!

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