Your Passport to Goa’s Best Tourist Places: The Ultimate Guide to Sun, Sand & Stories

Goa is a mood — a green flag for travel throughout the year. From the Portuguese influence showing up in every nook and regional cuisine to indulge in to an array of beaches for letting loose — it’s a cult favourite with a massive fan following.

Spending the night away yapping with your besties by a beach bonfire, relaxing in a luxurious villa, or exploring the legacy of Portuguese colonialism through historic sites, there is no place for judgment and rules here. Whatever the agenda of your trip, keep this guide to the best Goa tourist places handy for the ultimate experience.

Best Time to Visit Goa for Sightseeing

Goa is a gift that keeps on giving. Whether you’re looking to reconnect with your partner or bring the ‘roaring 20s’ mood board to life, the city is a haven for everything, every time. 

But before you pack your bags and slip into the #BeachMode, here’s the best time to visit Goa for sightseeing:

March to May (Spring and Summer) – The sun and vitamin sea — it’s a remedy for every situation (and situationship). So, if you’re on a quest for a Goan vacay that is all about basking in the sunshine at one of the best beaches in Goa whilst sipping on your favourite cocktails, this is the perfect season for you.

But the temperatures may rise to 35°C, which can be pretty warm to be out and about. So, you may also consider exploring indoor museums, artsy cafes, or unwinding in a private property with loved ones.

June to September (Monsoon) – A spell of rain during these months ushers in greenery, transforming Goa into a misty tropical spot — ideal for a romantic retreat. If the memo of your visit is to explore the history and heritage of the state, this may not be the best time to visit Goa for sightseeing as many places are shut down during monsoon.

Here’s what you can do instead: Book a private luxury villa and spend some quality time with your favourite humans. 

November to February (Winter)- With festive Christmas decorations, pleasant weather hovering between 25-30°C, and good vibes from flocks of tourists — Goa during this season is ideal for every kind of activity. This is also the best time to visit Goa for sightseeing, as the overall atmosphere and temperatures make exploration feel like a breezy, enjoyable experience instead of burning you out.

3 Best Beaches in Goa

Now that you know what is the best time to visit Best Goa Tourist Places for sightseeing, let’s move on to the hero element of the state — beaches. From taking a refreshing dip in the ocean to getting hooked on a great summer read by the sun, sand, and water, these are the best beaches in Goa to do it all:

Anjuna Beach

Located in North Goa, Anjuna Beach is renowned for its history of attracting hippies in the 1960s, which still seeps through the beach with a calming, laid-back vibe that will help you switch off. This is one of the best beaches in Goa if you’re in the mood to relax, enjoy the chic bar and food scene, venture into quirky markets, and love a bohemian energy.

Where to Stay: A luxurious 4-BHK private villa in North Goa curated by ELIVAAS, the Laguna Aura serves as the perfect spot to host a fun party with loved ones or live a tropical life with no barriers. From a lush garden with a patio and an outdoor private swimming pool to a chef-on-call and a dedicated 5-star hospitality team — the top-notch facilities in this villa promise to let you do Goa the right way. 

Vagator Beach

Introverts, listen up. We’ve scoured through the state to introduce you to Vagator Beach, one of the best beaches in Goa, if your getaway vibe is all about pausing, breathing, and adopting slow living (while it lasts).

Popular for its iconic red cliffs, sure to make it to your Instagram story, the Vagator Beach is where rugged terrains marry greenery most beautifully. This makes the spot perfect to enjoy your company as the beach is often less crowded than others.

Where to Stay: Carry this calmness into the Mirai Villa Sukoon, a luxury villa in Goa featuring three bedrooms, each with a king-sized bed. With floor-to-ceiling windows that allow ample sunlight to enter the space, it is an ideal spot to unwire your mind and reset. Moreover, the shimmering private outdoor pool acts as a great amenity to take a dip, do a few laps, or enjoy splashing water for XXXL fun. 

Calangute Beach

Love a great party? Here’s the right address to join in the revelry. 

Calangute Beach is amongst the best Goa tourist places known across the globe for its golden sand, clear blue waters, and bubbling nightlife. Located in North Goa, this spot is known as the ‘Queen of Beaches’ and rightly so, owing to its picturesque views and good vibes.

Where to Stay: A great party never ends early. Enter the night with the same energy in a luxurious private property — Vacasa by ELIVAAS. Blending modern elements with traditional Goan aesthetics, this 5-BHK villa has an outdoor private pool (with loungers and a bar), a spacious terrace with city views, a skilled chef-on-call, and a dedicated 5-star hospitality team that will all make it a vacay to remember!

History Buffs, Bookmark these Historical Places to Visit in Goa

If beaches don’t entice you, fret not; Goa has a lot for you in store. Here are the top historical places to visit in Goa that’ll make you travel back in time:

Aguada Fort

Situated on the banks of the Mandovi River, this mesmerising fort (along with a lighthouse) was built by the Portuguese in the 17th century. Built of durable laterite stone, the Aguada Fort is well-preserved and offers breathtaking views of the confluence of the Mandovi River and the Arabian Sea.

Basilica of Bom Jesus

One of the best historical places to visit in Goa and the most important landmark in Old Goa, the Basilica of Bom Jesus houses the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier, a famed Christian missionary. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this Roman Catholic church has a blend of impressive Indian and baroque architecture.

Chapora Fort

Overlooking the Vagator Beach, Chapora Fort should be on your itinerary if you’re on a quest to capture beautiful sunsets and stunning views of the Arabian Sea. Built in 1717 by the Portuguese, this iconic fort is famed for its panoramic sunsets and Bollywood fame (Dil Chahta Hai, anyone?).

Takeaway

A place where old-world Portuguese charm, peaceful vibes, local delicacies, and a bustling party scene meet each other — Goa is a getaway spot for everyone. From partying the night away and exploring the best Goa tourist places to recentering yourself, the tropical paradise moulds itself to fit every bill.

Heading soon? Check out our handpicked collection of luxury villas in North Goa at ELIVAAS and elevate your getaway in no time.