Idyllic beaches, sleepy fishing villages dotted with pretty white-washed churches, grand Indo-Portuguese mansions, mouthwatering coastal cuisine and lively nightlife heighten Goa’s appeal as one of the country’s most popular holiday destinations. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed beach holiday or a cultural break, this enticing destination will offer you an experience, quite simply, like no other. With Eyewitness Top 10 Goa, it’s yours to explore.
India’s sunshine state has a distinct culture with ample evidence of the 400-odd years of Portuguese rule still apparent in the people’s dress, language, cuisine and music. Its capital, Panaji, and Central Goa are at the historic and cultural heart, home to the Latin-influenced old quarter, Fontainhas, Old Goa’s glorious Baroque churches, the exotic spice plantations of Ponda, Molem’s wild nature reserves and the spectacular Dudhsagar Falls.
Goa’s splendid beaches stretch over 105 km (65 miles), drawing around two million visitors every year. From Querim in the north to Mobor in the south, each beach has a distinct character. The continuous string of bustling North Goa beaches, including Baga, Candolim, Calangute and Anjuna, are packed with upscale resorts and have a bohemian vibe while the serene South Goa beaches offer a more relaxed atmosphere. A study in contrasts, Goa is simultaneously traditional and modern, noisy and serene.
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or a week, our Top 10 guide brings together the best of everything Goa has to offer, from palm-fringed golden beaches to a vibrant nightlife. The guide has useful tips throughout, from seeking out what’s free to avoiding the crowds, plus six easy-to-follow itineraries, designed to tie together a clutch of sights in a short space of time. Add inspiring photography and detailed maps, and you’ve got the essential pocket-sized travel companion. Enjoy the book, and enjoy Goa.