The Ultimate Guide to Backpacking Goa, India (2025)

Goa is India’s smallest state, famous for it’s laid back lifestyle, beautiful tropical beaches and widely considered India’s party capital.

But there’s more to Goa than just beaches and partying – there’s old churches, temples, spice plantations and waterfalls to explore, as well as colourful markets and some of the best yoga centers in India too. Backpacking Goa is a unique experience and it’s one of the best and easiest places to backpack in India.

I’ve been backpacking India since 2013, and living in Goa since 2015, so I get a lot of emails and messages asking for my tips for visiting Goa. As I see more and more backpackers visiting Goa and new backpacker hostels opening all the time, I thought it would be good to put all my backpacking Goa tips into one handy guide.

So here you are – in this blog post I’ll tell you all the best things to do and places to visit, stay, eat and party in this backpackers guide to Goa!

The Ultimate Backpacker’s Guide to Goa, India

This Backpacker’s Guide to Goa is packed with tips on where to go and what to do, the best beaches, accommodation, eating out and nightlife suggestions, plus practical tips for applying for visas, getting around, saving money and so much more!

For more info you might also find it useful to check out all my other Goa blog posts and my series on backpacking India and exploring Thailand. 

But for now, let’s get on with GOA! 🙂

Backpacking Goa is Amazing – Here’s Why…

There’s nowhere else on earth quite like Goa. From the colourful beach huts of Palolem in the far South to the hippie and backpacker vibe of Arambol and the trance party central of Anjuna in the North. And with everything from basic beach huts to luxury resorts and laid back sands to the busy, party and package holiday central Baga and Calangute. Each beach in Goa has a different vibe and suits different people.

Goa is one of the best places for backpackers in India where they can easily meet other travelllers, enjoy the beaches, party until sunrise, shop till you drop, or just chill out and learn yoga. Many come for a few days a end up spending months here as they find it hard to leave – so watch out!

Goa is a great place to start your Indian backpacking adventure but many backpackers have spent their whole trip in Goa and never got round to leaving to explore the rest of India! Which is a shame because there’s SO much more to discover in incredible India!

Pin this guide to read later 🙂

Goa became famous in the 1960s and 1970s in the days of the ‘hippie trail’ and you can still soak up the hippie vibe on some of Goa’s beaches (and meet some of the hippies at a trance party!)

Goa has a bit of a reputation for psytrance parties and drugs (after all – this is where Goa trance started!) but, whilst there is a bit of that scene left, there is so much more to love about Goa!

Nowadays you really can have it all in Goa, from next to nothing beach shacks, family run homestays and affordable guesthouses to trendy backpacker hostels all the way up to luxury hotels, from thumping psytrance raves to techno parties to mellow yoga retreats and ecstatic dance, from spicy Goan curries to fine dining European cuisine – you’ll never get bored in Goa!

What makes backpacking Goa so interesting and captivating is that there is so much more to a holiday or visit to Goa than just beach bliss. Laid back Goa is much less of a culture shock than other parts of India and offers a good introduction to the subcontinent, combining the Portuguese influence and an international hippie community, whilst still having that special Indian magic – the fascinating, captivating Indian culture that sometimes frustrates or bewilders but never fails to surprise, endear and amaze.

And yes, this is India there are cows, dogs, and hawkers on the beaches, and crazy, honking traffic – it all adds to the unique Goan charm! There’s nowhere else quite like it!

Things To Do for Backpackers in Goa

There’s so much to do and so many places to explore in Goa. Here are some must dos:

Explore All The Beaches!

When backpacking Goa you’re first port of call will of course be the beach! Enjoy swimming, watersports or just lazing on the beach, sunbathing or eating and drinking at the super affordable beach shacks. Each beach has a different vibe and beach hopping to find your favourite one is fun.

Many people come to Goa just for the beach but make the effort to prise yourself from your sun lounger and get out and explore to find the real Indian culture and magic of Goa.

Read more: How to find the best beach in Goa for you. 

Practice Yoga and Alternative Therapies

Goa is a popular place to learn yoga. From Ashtanga to Hatha and everything in between, yoga is everywhere in Goa and with so many yoga schools every inclination is catered for – from beginners, drop in, casual classes to more intensive retreats and teacher training courses.

You can also try mediation, Reiki, Tai Chi, Pilates, Acupuncture, Reflexology, Bollywood dancing or Indian cooking classes the list goes on….. Also don’t miss the chance to try an Ayurvedic massage – an ancient science of plant based natural medicine. Trying at least once yoga class is kind of mandatory when backpacking Goa to have the full Goa experience!

Read More: My Guide to Yoga in Goa

Dance until dawn at a psytrance party

Goa’s famous parties are a reason in themselves to go backpacking in Goa! Goa is famous as the home of psychedelic trance and no visit to Goa would be complete with attending one of the legendary parties where you can dance till sunrise on the beaches or in the jungles.

Goa is the nightlife capital of all of India and if psytrance isn’t your thing you can also dance the night away to live music, techno or commercial and Bollywood tunes. Check out my post on the best nightlife places in Goa and my tips for enjoying the epic Goa New Year parties!

Visit the colourful Flea Markets

Opportunities for shopping while backpacking in Goa are endless, from designer malls to hippie flea markets. If you can learn how to haggle, you can take home many bargains from souvenirs to hippie chic clothing.

Anjuna’s famous hippie Flea Market is held on Wednesdays by the beach, visit Saturday night markets in Arpora and Vagator complete with live music and food stalls or for something more local and authentic visit Mapusa’s local market on Fridays. There are also many stalls near the beaches to pick up hippie chic clothing and souvenirs.

Read more: 3 of the best markets to visit in Goa

Explore Goa by motorbike

One of the best ways to explore Goa is by hiring a scooter or motorbike (even a Royal Enfield!) (approx 300 Rupees per day) and set out to explore Goa. You don’t need to get far from the beach resorts to get an intoxicating taste of India’s incredible heritage.

Along the way you will probably stumble upon green paddy fields, wandering cows, white washed Portuguese churches and colourful Hindu temples, bustling market places, chilled out farms, colourful villages, crumbling colonial villas and forts, sari draped ladies, curious children and crumbling forts complete with stunning coastal views and feel the breeze along a riverside road – it doesn’t really matter where you go – just explore!

Visit the Churches of Old Goa

Don’t forget to explore some culture and history when backpacking Goa. The state spent over 400 years under Portuguese rule and the legacy of the Portuguese is still apparent today. Take a day trip to visit Old Goa, once the capital of Goa under Portuguese rule and once so grand and important that it was known as ‘the Rome of the East’ and rivaled Lisbon.

However, it was was blighted by illness and disease and was abandoned for the new capital of Panjim in 1843 and is now a Unesco World Heritage site. Marvel at the massive churches they left behind, including the largest church in Asia and the remains of an over 300 hundred year old, very slowly, decomposing corpse of St Francis Xavier in the Basilica of Bom Jesus.

Take in the view from a Fort

Everyone wanted a piece of Goa and her colourful history has left many crumbling forts. There’s not that much left of many of the forts themselves but whether it’s Cabo de Rama Fort in the South, Fort Aguada with it’s lighthouse and views over Panjim or Chapora Fort above rocky Vagator in the north the climb up is worthwhile for the views over the coast alone.

Visit a Spice Farm or Plantation

Delve into Goa’s Hindu Heartland and discover why spices were such a big deal they pretty much started empires. Near Ponda are many Hindu temples and spice farms, most are pretty touristy but well organised and include a buffet lunch and an enlightening tour of the spice plantation for a small fee.

Visit the wildlife sanctuaries and waterfalls

If you’re looking to get away from the beaches and parties and explore the nature, Goa has several wildlife sanctuaries to explore and also a couple of waterfalls worth visiting.

Head to one of Goa’s three wildlife sanctuaries – Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, and Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, or the Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary near Panaji.

You could combine a visit to the largest wildlife sanctuary, Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary which also contains Mollem National Park, Dudhsagar Waterfall and Tambdi Falls. This is also where you’ll find the Tambdi Surla Temple – a small but exquisite 12th-century Shiva temple.

Dudhsagar Waterfall is the most famous attraction here – you can take a bumpy jeep ride through the jungle to swim in the refreshing waters of Dudhsagar – Goa’s highest waterfall and even see the train pass across the viaduct overhead.

To reach other parts of the park, like the Tambdi Falls. This is also where you’ll find the Tambdi Surla Temple you’ll have to trek a bit but this does mean you’ll have these magical places almost all to yourelf.

Visit the Capital Panjim (Panaji)

Make time to discover Goa’s historic, colourful and laid back and state capital – Panjim (Panaji) when backpacking in Goa. If you haven’t been to any other cities in India this will be an interesting taste of the hustle and bustle of India.

If you have visited the likes of Delhi and Mumbai then Panjim will be a pleasant surprise – a laid back, clean, calm, and beautiful Indian city!

Don’t miss the elaborate white Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, see the colonial buildings and take time to explore the old atmospheric and colourful Portuguese districts of Sao Tome and Fontainhas for some of the most instagrammble spots in Goa.

Read More: My Guide to Panjim (Panaji) 

Celebrate a Festival or Attend Goa Carnival

Especially in the dry/ tourist season there seems to be a different event or festival on every week. From photography, dance, art, food, music to religious festivals – there’s all something new going on in Goa.

If you can, try to time your Goa backpacking trip so you can check out the craziness and join in Goa’s biggest party on the streets of Panjim to celebrate the massive annual Goa carnival in mid February before the beginning of lent – it’s a free and fun way to celebrate and be part of the state’s unique heritage.

Where To Stay when Backpacking Goa

All of Goa’s beaches have their own unique vibe and different charms – so you want to give some thought to where you want to base yourself while exploring Goa.

Generally speaking, North Goa is where the action is – nightlife, markets, watersports and a bigger range of accommodation, entertainment and eating out options and is the most popular place to stay for backpackers in Goa, whereas, South Goa is quieter, less developed, more laid back and a perfect place to unwind and relax. The south is better for yogis than party people!

Map of Goa

The Best Beaches in Goa for Backpackers

It’s impossible to say which is the best beach in Goa really because every beach in Goa has a different vibe and attracts a different kind of traveller, it just a case of finding the best beach in Goa for you.

My pick of the best beaches for independent travellers, free spirits, hippies, and backpackers in Goa are Anjuna and Vagator, Morjim and Ashvem, and Arambol and Mandrem in North Goa and Palolem and Agonda in South Goa.

Here’s a run down of the best beaches for backpackers in Goa:

Arambol

Arambol is a backpacker and hippie haven has a long wide beach with loads of cheap beach huts, more hippie clothing stalls than Glastonbury, and every natural healing and alternative therapy you’ve ever heard of, plus some you never thought existed, the odd drumming circle and a laid back, friendly vibe.

Also make time to climb over the rocks and go paragliding over cute Kalacha beach and swim in the sweet lake. If you enjoy the traveller hangout/ hippie vibe then Arambol is for you.

Morjim and Ashvem 

Just north of the Chapora river, the beaches of Morjim and Ashvem, and the surrounding village, have developed from lonely sands into one of the more popular and up-market areas of North Goa. Many of the cute beach shacks and makeshift restaurants have made way for modern hotels, wellness resorts and nightclubs.

But it’s not all lost – some parts of Morjim beach are still one of the best kept and least developed in this part of Goa. As a protected nesting site for rare Olive Ridley Turtles, some of the beach is left to nature and is a beautiful spot to take a long stroll or relax while watching the sunset.

Alongside the pristine beauty of the protected areas of Morjim beach, the influx of tourists and money has led to Morjim developing a very lively nightlife scene, with new bars and clubs along the sands in the north Morjim beach and Ashvem beach area.

On Ashvem beach, next to the every popular and famous La Plage beachfront restaurant, there’s even a new branch of the infamous party place – Thalassa – which is also a fancy beach restaurant and resort. If you want to party, eat fine international cuisines, drink exotic cocktails and dance to famous DJs – Morjim and Ashvem give anywhere else in North Goa a run for the money.

The accommodation here is a mix of the very new, with the very old. Due to demand, prices are higher than average, but you can still find bargains if you don’t mind missing out on some of the comforts and facilities or being a bit further away from the beach.

Anjuna and Vagator

Anjuna and Vagator were the beaches that became popular back in the days of the hippie trail in the 60’s, they still offer a great choice for backpackers and budget travellers today and some of the hippies are still here! It’s also the best place for psytrance parties – you can’t miss the chance to experience these parties when backpacking Goa!

Vagator has 3 beaches, they are a bit rocky but the views over the charismatic red Goan cliffs are pretty mesmerizing especially at sunset, whereas Anjuna’s beach is more sandy and better for swimming (although a lot of the sand has eroded in recent years.)

Anjuna and Vagator have a the most backpacker hostels in Goa and also a good choice of cheap guesthouse accommodation, great eating options, a friendly, hippie vibe that attracts a lot of long stayers. You will also find psy trance and techno parties and the infamous Anjuna flea market and that special Goan hippie charm.

Palolem

Palolem is blessed with calm turquoise seas that are perfect for swimming, the white crescent beach backed with palm trees and colourful, affordable beach huts and plenty of laid back, beachside eating and drinking options.

Palolem is a laid back paradise on one of Goa’s best beaches although it is getting increasingly busier, and more mainstream every year and it does not have so much the hippie or party scene that you find up north making it the best place for backpackers who just want to chill. You could also try Patnem next door which is beautiful, and a little quieter and popular with yogis.

Agonda

Agonda has a great wide sandy beach that sometimes feels like you’ve got it all to yourself and a rustic, laid back vibe that is a good quieter alternative not too far from Palolem.  Agonda has only been recently discovered so the beach is often pretty empty.

There is a good choice of yoga schools and beach huts to choose from, which seem to go more upmarket each season, but not nightlife to speak of yet but I feel like this place will get more popular and busier every season.

Other Popular Beaches in Goa

Baga, Calangute and Candolim are the most famous and busiest beaches in Goa and this is where most of the package holiday tourists (Indian and international) come.

These beaches offer the best choice in everything (apart from peace and quiet that is) including restaurants serving food from all over the globe, lively Saturday Night markets nearby that go on till the early hours, strips of bars and pubs on famous Titos Lane where you have live music bars and nightclubs like Mambos, Titos and Club Cubana.

There is budget accommodation here but these beaches and busy, crowded and over developed – if you want to everything in all one place and not have to worry about getting expensive taxis around or battling the traffic then these are good beaches in stay at but if you come to Goa and only see these beaches then you are kinda missing out!

Not on the beach, but still worth a mention, the colourful state capital Panjim (Panaji) is also a nice place to stay for a couple of days. Panaji is the new name but most people still just call it by it’s older name – Panjim.

Whatever you want to call it – the Goan capital has some historic churches and temples, colourful streets, cafes, restaurants and a lovely riverside where you’ll find the floating casinos.

Panjim is a pleasant place to spend a few days and makes a good base from which to explore central Goa – the UNESCO listed churches of historic Old Goa, the spice plantations, Hindu temples, wildlife sanctuaries and waterfalls. There is also a very long stretch of beach nearby, Miramar Beach, and a nice viewpoint at Dona Paula.

So, if you want the full Goan experience, don’t skip Panjim when backpacking Goa! 🙂 

The Best Backpacker Hostels in Goa

Goa has come a long way from it’s history as a hippie haven with just beach shacks, homestays and family run guesthouses – but those are still there for those who look hard enough.

Traditionally, travellers, backpackers and hippies in Goa would stay in basic beach huts, cheap guest houses and family run homestays – these weren’t available to book online so it used to be best to just show up in the morning, walk around, take a look at a couple and then negotiate the price.

It was hard to recommend the best beach huts in Goa to stay in as many of these get taken down for the monsoon and can change from season to season.

However, times have changed, and nowadays many more things stay open during the monsoon season and with everyone booking online nowadays, I would recommend pre-booking accommodation to avoid disappointment (especially during the super busy peak season (Dec – Feb)

Nowadays, there are many budget, mid range, and luxury resorts as well as backpacker hostels in Goa. These backpacker hostels and mid range hotels are a relatively new concept in Goa, but over the last decade or so dozens of innovative businesses have established many of India’s best backpacker hostels in Goa.

Goa’s backpacker hostels are the best places to stay if you want to meet other backpackers and travellers and enjoy Goa on a budget, but homestays and guesthouses can often be an even cheaper option.

Top Tip: Don’t rule out staying a little further away from the beach too if you want a better deal, less noise and less wobbly accommodation – beach huts look pretty but often a cheap guest house of the concrete box variety is cheaper and more comfortable and offers a better nights sleep!

If you fancy a more off the beaten track experience and want to get an insight into Goan life then head inland and look for a sustainable, eco friendly homestay in Goa to see a totally different side of the state from the popular beaches and party scene.

Some hostels in Goa even cater to digital nomads, although Goa’s infrastructure has improved over recent years, Goa’s digital nomad scene is still a long way from digital nomad hubs like Thailand and Bali.

You should still be able to find Wifi in most guesthouses, hostels and cafes from where you can send a few emails – although those with demanding video call schedules or looking for professional coworking spaces are best off staying in the cities.

Most of the backpacker hostels are in North Goa, surrounding the popular party beaches, but there’s still plenty of choice in South Goa too if you prefer to get away from it all and practice yoga and listen to the sound of the waves rather than the thump of nightclubs and honking traffic!

Here’s my choice of the best backpacker hostels in Goa, listed by location. The best place to book is on Hostelworld and many are also listed on Booking.com. I’ve stayed in many of these over the years, and others come recommended by friends who’ve found good value and good times.

Panjim City (Panaji)

• Old Quarter Hostel – A colourful and friendly hostel in the colorful Portuguese area of old Panjim.
• goSTOPS PLUS Goa – Fun, modern and spacious hostel close to Mandovi River.
• The Hosteller Goa, Old Goa – Hotel style hostel with large rooms and a pool by the river near Old Goa.

Baga, Calangute and Candolim

• goSTOPS Goa, Baga – Bright and comfy hostel with panoramic views within walking distance to Baga beach
• The Hosteller Bam Goa, Calangute – A centrally located, large, homely hostel surrounded by nature yet steps from the beach.
• The Hosteller Candolim – A modern hostel with great rooms and a pool, just a short walk to Candolim beach and Fort Aguada.

Anjuna and Vagator

• Pappi Chulo, Vagator – One of Goa’s oldest and best loved party hostels with a really fun vibe.
• Dreams Hostel, Vagator – Laidback hostel with a great atmosphere walking distance to Vagator Beach
• Hostel Mandala, Anjuna – Clean hostel with a terrace and garden close to the beach – popular with international travelers.
• Hippie Hostel, Anjuna – Old School style, colourful, art, and social hostel just steps from Anjuna beach and flea market.
• Craft Hostels, Anjuna – Hostel in a traditional Portuguese villa near the beach and Anjuna flea market.
• Artjuna Cabanas, Anjuna – The best Goa hostel for co-working and digital nomads – run by the folks at the ever popular Artjuna Cafe.

Morjim and Ashvem

• Zostel Goa, Morjim – Large hostel, complete with palm lined gardens and swimming pool, good vibes and activities that make meeting other backpackers easy.
• Woke Morjjim – Clean, modern hostel with a large swimming pool, cafe and great views – good for solo travelers
• ALTR NATIV, Morjim – Located away from the noise, with a pool surrounded by palm trees and beautiful rooms – great for digital nomads.

Mandrem and Arambol

• The Hosteller Goa, Mandrem – Rooms with panoramic sea views above Mandrem beach.
• Mitra Hostel, Arambol – Friendly atmosphere and lots of social activities.
• Happy Panda, Arambol – The original Arambol hippy hostel.
• NamahStay, Arambol – Vibrant and social hostel with regular social events.
• 12 Monks, Arambol – Resort style hostel right on Arambol beach.

South Goa

• Summer Hostel, Palolem – Great for access to Palolem and Patnem beaches nearby.
• Bunk N Brew, Palolem – Cozy hostel with a great cafe in a jungle setting.
• Whoopers Hostel, Palolem – Vibrant and sociable party hostel, with garden bar and games.
• Khaama Kethna Eco Sustainable Village, Agonda – Eco Resort with mixed and female-only dorm options in the nature

Read More: My Top 10 Backpacker Hostels in Goa

Budget Guesthouses and Homestays in Goa

Before mass tourism came to Goa most hippies and travelers arrived by bus to their chosen beachside village, and wandered about looking for cheap rooms in local guesthouses – often noted by handmade “rent room” signs attached to their front gates.

And while many older travelers have stories about the time they spent doing this, nowadays most people will choose their accommodation in advance and book online to save themselves time – if not necessarily money.

Thankfully many of these local guesthouses have made the transition to the digital age and offer their rooms through booking sites like Hostelworld, Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia and AirBnB.

This means I can now recommend some of the amazing, friendly and affordable guesthouses and homestays in Goa that I’ve found throughout the years – and you can plan your trip to Goa in advance to avoid wandering around on New Years Eve and not finding anywhere to stay (trust me – it happens!)

Here’s my current favorites:

Panjim

• Menezes House – Centrally located in Goa’s capital city and great value for money.

Baga, Calangute and Candolim

• Fatima Guest House, Baga – Surprisingly comfortable budget rooms and very close to Tito’s lane.
• O Camarao, Calangute – Rustic rooms and budget friendly bungalows right on the beach.
• Vihaan Inn, Calangute – Conveniently located hotel with a reputation for friendly and helpful staff.
• Candolim Beach White Residency – Modern Indo-European style hotel in walking distance to the beach, shops and restaurants.

Anjuna and Vagator

• Anjuna Hideout – Shanti guesthouse in the heart of Anjuna.
• Banyan Soul, Anjuna – Large, modern rooms near south Anjuna beach.
• Kiara Hotel, Vagator – Good value Goan style guesthouse.
• Hill Top Lodge, Vagator – Just steps away from the Friday Night Market and Hilltop festival.

Morjim and Ashwem

• Orange Villa, Morjim – Beautiful Goan guesthouse very close to Morjim beach.
• Blue Door, Morjim – Peaceful, basic rooms with balconies and friendly hosts.
• Beachwaves Cottage, Ashwem – The best value rooms in Ashwem.

Mandrem and Arambol

• Avalon Inn, Mandrem – Peaceful accommodation close to one of Goa’s Best Yoga Retreats.
• Mitra Homes, Mandrem – Great location close to Mandrem beach resorts and restaurants.
• Swati, Arambol – Large, well-kept guesthouse very close to the beach.
• Prakash Holiday Inn, Arambol – No frills budget guesthouse convenient for the beach and  Arambol Sweet Lake.

South Goa

• Vinson’s Cottages, Colva – Cool and comfortable cottages at a budget friendly price.
• Jardim a Mar, Agonda – Cute beach shacks built into the jungle on Agonda beach.
• Chill Out Beach Huts, Palolem – Classic Goa beach huts done with style and comfort.

Mid Range Hotels and Budget Beach Resorts in Goa

If you’ve got a little extra cash and want to make your stay in Goa extra special, there’s plenty of mid-range hotels and budget beach resorts to choose from.

These mid range options start at around 3,000 rupees (INR) a night – that’s about ( $34 / £25 / €30) so you can experience the more luxurious side of Indian beach life for yourself without shelling out for private villas and 5 star luxury resorts.

These are the best hotels and resorts on Goa if you’re not on a tight backpacker budget and want a little more comfort than the best budget hotels provide:

Panjim City

• Panjim Inn – Grand heritage hotel in the heart of Panjim’s Latin quarter close to the Our Lady Of The Immaculate Conception church.
• Surya Kiran Heritage Hotel – Discreet heritage hotel close to the riverside Art Park and Miramar beach.

Baga, Calangute and Candolim

• Little India Beach Cottages, Baga – Boho beach huts, lush gardens and sand all the way to the shore.
• Papilio’s, Baga – Funky AC rooms near Tito’s lane party area.
• Hotel Sea Sapphire, Calangute – Prime location between Calangute and Baga. Perfect for families who like to get out and explore.
• Sunset Beach Resort, Candolim – Mansion style beach resort with a classy, historical ambience and first-class amenities.
• Shanu’s Seaside Inn, Candolim – Family run hotel that oozes beachside vibes and the susegad way of life.

Anjuna and Vagator

• Grandpa’s Inn, Anjuna – Classy heritage hotel with friendly staff that oozes history
• The Tamarind Hotel, Anjuna – Long running, popular boutique hotel with great on-site restaurant.
• Alcove Resort, Vagator – Ozran beach view rooms close to Vagator’s clubs and parties.
• Blu Resort, Vagator – Lush gardens, beautiful design and great location.

Morjim and Ashvem

• Jardin d’Ulysse, Morjim – Exposed wooden beams, beautiful boho gardens and an amazing on-site restaurant serving international food.
• The Artist Cottages, Morjim – Quiet beachside cottages. Perfect for a romantic stay.
• De Soul Sante Beach Resort, Morjim – Grand beachfront cottages with a luxurious touch.
• Shiva Cottages, Ashwem – Right on Ashwem beach with Morjim and Mandrem nearby.

Mandrem and Arambol

• Beach Street Eco Resort, Mandrem – Wellness resort on Mandrem beach with handbuilt wooden beach huts, daily yoga classes and a large swimming pool.
• Nanu Resort, Arambol – A modern, 4 star hotel on the Mandrem-Arambol road with rooftop infinity pool, gym and easy beach access.

South Goa

• Blue Lagoon Resort, Cola Beach – Once one of Goa’s best kept secrets. No longer a hidden gem, but this is still one of south Goa’s most beautiful spots.
• Dreamcatcher, Palolem – Boho spa and wellness resort in a green and serene beachside grove.
• Cozy Nook, Palolem – Handcrafted nature resort with eco rooms and amazing food.
• Shiv Sai Huts, Patnem – Classic Goa beach huts in beautiful Colomb beach bay overlooking Patnem beach.

There are also some amazing luxury resorts in Goa, especially in South Goa that (compared to Western prices) are great value if you fancy treating yourself.

Some of the best include the The Taj, in Candolim, The W in Vagator, The St Regis in Cavelossim and Alila Diwa in Majorda.

If you want to splash out check out my post on the best 5 star hotels and luxury beach resorts in Goa.

Where To Eat and Drink in Goa

The beaches of Goa are lined with beach shacks that serve a standard traveller orientated multi cuisine menu – serving up everything from Indian curries, Chinese dishes, noodles and rice, pizza and pasta, western food, breakfasts and sandwiches.

The quality of the food that comes out of these beach shacks, for relativity little money, is surprisingly good- no backpacking Goa trip is complete without experiencing a day in a beach shack but do check the prices on the menu first as some have gone super fancy and upmarket.

Goa has a real foodie scene going on. There are also many other restaurants around Goa serving all kinds of international food where you can get an amazing meal for a very affordable price.

Artjuna, started in Anjuna and now has branches all over Goa, is one of my all time favourites serving healthy, international food and great coffee. In Anjuna, there’s also The Germany Bakery – a great place to hang out under the Tibetan prayer flags and have a healthy lunch or chai, while Bean me up is heaven for Vegans. Another of my favourite places is on the cliffs in Anjuna (since 1967) is the Guru Bar which has a friendly, hippy, atmosphere, regular live music nights and great value and extensive menu.

In Morjim there’s Baba Au Rhum nestled in the paddy fields with awesome burgers and pizzas and Tibet Kitchen for delicious monos and thupka, and La Cucina serves great pizzas and pastas. Some of my favourites for something a bit more special include the Thalassa a famous Greek restaurant where the views over Chapora River are as amazing as the food, Jardin D’Ulysse in Morjim, La Plage in Ashvem Beach and Cafe NU in Mandrem is super healthy and tasty.

Read More: The Best Restaurants in Anjuna and The Best Restaurants in Vagator. 

Nightlife and Parties in Goa

Goa is India’s party capital and many backpackers come here just to experience the legendary nightlife. Goa loves trance and most of the parties revolved around techno or psytrance music.

Anjuna, Vagator, Baga and Calangute are the best nightlife spots with clubs or beach parties that go on late into the night but every season new party places pop up and others get shut down so its difficult to keep this info up to date.

On South Anjuna Beach legendary Shiva Valley and Curlies beach shack often have parties that go on late into the night and in Vagator, Hilltop is still pumping on Sundays and has an amazing Friday night Goa Collective Bazaar market.

Hilltop also has amazing special events including epic New Years Eve parties, Sunburn Festival and Hilltop Festival – check the flyers up around the village or on social media or on What’s Up Goa to find out what’s on and where.

For something more mainstream try Club Cubana in Arpora, Tito’s Lane in Baga or check out the new (mostly techno and EDM parties) up on Morjim beach at venues like SinQ Beach and Marbella. The Saturday Night Market in Arpora also has live music and food and drink stalls and goes on into the early hours.

In South Goa, the nightlife is much more mellow – more about sunset sundowners and silent (headphone) discos than all night raves although there is Leopard Valley ( on the road between Agonda and Palolem) which is a large open air venue hosting the biggest parties in South Goa.

Top Tip: If you’re coming to Goa for the parties you might want to check if there are elections on because when elections are the code of conduct stops sales of alcohol and late night parties. Read more here about the effect of code of conduct on Goa’s nightlife. 

Tips for Planning Your Goa Backpacking Trip

Ok, so now I’ve got you convinced that you really should come over and check out Goa – here’s the practical info you will need to make your dreams of backpacking Goa a reality.

Daily Backpacker Budget for Goa

India is still one of the cheapest countries in the world to travel in and, although Goa is one of the more expensive places to visit in India you can still get by on 1,500 – 3,000 Rupees per days, about US$16 – $33.

While there are many temptations for you to part with your cash, Goa can still be great value if you know where to look. The many temptations to drink, party and shop will undoubtedly push up the cost of a visit.

Goa has a huge range of accommodation – from luxury resorts to budget beach shacks and backpacker hostels so there are still many budget options for an affordable visit. Be aware that prices vary depending on season (prices are almost half in the low season) and that you can haggle for many purchases, especially for taxis and souvenirs at the market to avoid overpaying.

Another cost to be aware off is the price of taxis in Goa – there’s still no Uber in Goa and the state taxi app Goa Miles isn’t very reliable or user friendly  – so getting around Goa in taxi cabs really pushes your costs up.

See more budget tips and typical costs to expect when traveling in India.

Do you need a visa to visit Goa?

Nearly all visitors to India need a tourist visa before arriving. Luckily an E-Visa scheme was rolled out which means you can apply online. The form is pretty long but it usually only takes a few days to get approved – but you must get a visa before traveling to Goa, India!

This is the official Indian Visa website where you can apply. You can get a tourist visa which is valid for 1 year but most people can only stay for 90 days at a time and can only stay for a maximum of 180 days per calendar year. Don’t risk overstaying or you could get fined and banned from the country.

Read more about how to apply for an Indian visa.

When is the best time to visit Goa?

The main tourist season in Goa runs from November – March when the weather is dry and cool by Indian standards but still perfect weather for swimming, sunbathing and enjoying all Goa has to offer.

In April and May Goa, and most of India, gets almost unbearably hot. The monsoon rains arrive in June and continue until September/ October.

Some say that Goa is at it’s most beautiful in the monsoon season as the paddy fields turn lusciously green although most restaurants and accommodation close but you can get great deals on the accommodation that does remain open during the off season.

See more on The pros and cons of visiting Goa in the monsoon season.

How to get to Goa

Goa now has two airports – Dabolim Airport (GOI) is situated roughly in the middle of the state near Panjim. You can fly to Goa from most major Indian cites, like Mumbai and Delhi, and in the season time there are charter flights from the UK and Russia. There is also a new airport in the far north of Goa called Mopa Airport (GOX). 

There are also an increasing amount of budget flights into India from Southeast Asia or you can also take a cheap flight from Bangkok or KL to one of the big cities in the South of India like Chennai, Bangalore or Kochi and then a domestic flight to Goa from there.

Goa is also easy to reach on the huge Indian railways network – The main train station for Goa is Margao (Madgaon) which is roughly in the middle of South Goa.

If you are arriving or leaving by train in Margo the closest beach is Benaulim only 5km away. It’s a nice, quiet, long stretch of beach with just a few restaurants and shacks. Right on the beach is the O Palmar Beach Cottages which is a great value place to stay and chill for a few days close to Margao or a good base right in the middle of South Goa.

From Goa you can connect to the rest of India on the trains (just make sure to book tickets well in advance because seats sell out quickly.)

Other train stations in Goa include Vasco da Gama (closest to the airport)  Canacona (for Palolem and the far South) Thivim and Pernem (for Arambol – Anjuna) or Karmali (near Old Goa and the closest to the capital Panjim) Trains run overnight from Mumbai, Bangalore and Kochi to Goa.

Night trains are a much more comfortable way to get to Goa than on overnight buses but if you can’t get a ticket you can also go by bus. You can book bus and train tickets online at 12 Go Asia but the train is for sure the most preferable way to travel rather than the hectic Indian roads.

How to get around Goa

The train network isn’t really convenient for getting around Goa. There are many local buses which are very cheap but can be a bit rickety and it’s hard to know when they leave. The local buses in Goa are fine for short journeys but mainly connnect the villages to the cities – like Anjuna to Mapusa.

However, if you wanted to get say from Palolem to Anjuna there are no direct buses. It is possible and very cheap to get there on public transport but you would have to go to each town (Margao, Panjim, Mapusa etc) and change buses each time. It’s not too difficult to find the right bus (they shout when they are leaving and someone will usually help you if you look lost) but it can be a time consuming way to get around.

Rickshaws are not as omnipresent as in other parts of India. Taxis can be easily arranged from most guesthouses or restaurants but rates are exorbitantly high even for a short taxi between nearby beach resorts.

Better to hire a car and driver for a days sightseeing or book a guided tour on Get Your Guide or Viator which would be better value than negotiating with taxi drivers every at each place.

Always use the prepaid stand inside the airport or train station instead of arguing with touts outside.

The best way to backpack Goa is on your own two wheels – it’s easy to rent a motorbike (approx 300 rupees per day) and explore. India’s roads may seem chaotic at first and there is increasingly more traffic on Goa’s roads (especially at the weekends and on national public holidays) but it’s a good place to learn and you will see there is a method to the madness, just adapt the way that you drive to suit India!

You also need to watch out for police, especially on the bridge at Panjim and Siolim, who like to stop tourists and try to get money out of them. Not wearing a helmet or not having an international driving license is one of the most common things they will fine you for so wear a helmet, and get a IDP before you go. (Also remember to carry your normal license as well otherwise its not valid.)

Where Next After Goa

Backpacking Goa is a perfect place for a gentle introduction to Incredible India but don’t stop there. There is so much for explore in this hugely diverse and ever fascinating country. Check out my Perfect India Itinerary for more ideas for your Indian adventure!

Hampi

The incredible, enigmatic and bewitching ruins of Hampi are not far from Goa in the neighbouring (and underrated) state, Karnataka. It takes about 8 hours on the train or an overnight bus but these ancient ruins steeped in legend and scattered amidst a surreally beautiful boulder strewn landscape make a rewarding and cultural couple of days jaunt from Goa. You may love Hampi so much that you don’t want to go back to Goa!

Read more: Why I fell in love with magical Hampi

Kerala

The luscious, laid back state of Kerala is also known as ‘God’s own country’ and once you are relaxing on a houseboat on the serene backwaters you will understand why!

Kerala is also one of the most popular places to visit in India for first timers because of it’s rich history as part of the spice trade and tropical, green natural beauty from the beaches and hill stations to the backwaters. It’s a long overnight train ride from Goa to Kochi but worth it!

Read more: My Backpackers Guide to Kerala

Mumbai (Bombay)

Mumbai, or Bombay, is India’s answer to Hollywood – a city of dreams and also a city of contrasts.  A city that is both rich and poor, modern and traditional.

Mumbai is a crazily captivating, buzzing, inspiring, ambitious, city of dreams with grand, crumbling colonial buildings and enough to keep you entertained for at least a couple of days. Mumbai is an overnight train ride from Goa or quick 1 hour flight.

Read more: My Backpackers Guide to Mumbai 

For more info to help plan your trip to India and for practical inflammation once your on the road a great guide book is the Lonely Planet – you can either get a (pretty hefty) guide book for the whole country in the Lonely Planet India Travel Guide or there is also one that just focuses on Goa Lonely Planet Travel Guide with Mumbai and Hampi also thrown in.

Even though sometimes the hotels or restaurants it suggests are sometimes out of date or a bit over hyped the maps and practical information regarding what to see, how to get around and prices to expect can be invaluable.

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I hope this guide to backpacking Goa has helped you to plan your trip and that you will love Goa as much as I do. I’ve got loads more blog posts about Goa and the rest of India on the blog so check them out too.

You can see all my Goa travel blogs here and all my India blogs and guides here! Have fun planning your trip to Goa and have an amazing time! 🙂

Do you have any more questions about backpacking in Goa?

Get in touch using the contact form or leave a comment and I’ll try and help you out. 🙂