Holidays to Goa

Located on the west coast, Goa may be the smallest state in India but it packs a mighty punch. A string of easygoing beach holiday towns overlooking the Arabian Sea, its coastal strip is divided into two distinct parts, North Goa and South Goa. Between the two areas sits the state capital of Panaji and the former Portuguese capital of Old Goa, whose monasteries and Catholic churches are a popular side trip from the more commercial holiday resorts along the shoreline.

If you’re after nightclubs, beach bars and restaurant shacks during your holiday in Goa, head to the northern resorts of Calangute and Baga, where you can spend the days having fun on the water and the evenings drinking cocktails and partying the night away.

Rummage for trinkets and spices at the legendary Anjuna flea market, or admire the illuminated religious structures of Panaji from a twilight cruise along the Mandovi River. If you’re a foodie, make a beeline for the Friday market in the town of Mapusa, where you can tuck into authentic Goan street food and buy colourful Indian textiles to take home.

Down in the south, the pace of life slows right down, with rest and relaxation the order of the day. Some of Goa’s finest spa hotels are tucked into the casuarina trees behind the beaches of Arossim, Utorda and Benaulim, some of which offer holistic Ayurvedic treatments, meditation classes and yoga sessions for tranquillity-seeking travellers.

Paddle through lotus ponds on a kayaking tour of the mirror-flat Sal Backwaters near Margao and see kingfishers, lapwings and Indian swallows close up. Or take a snorkelling day trip out to Grande Island off the coast of Vasco de Gama and spot dolphins en route before enjoying a traditional Goan barbecue on the beach.

Have a Goan holiday in the heart of the action or far away from the hustle and bustle – either way you’ll find every kind of hotel option along Goa’s coast, so you can kick back, stretch out and enjoy the laid-back beach vibe.

Q: Should I book a car while on holiday in Goa?

A: Take your trip to the next level with the help of a rental car. Whether you're exploring all that Vasco da Gama has to offer or going out into the surrounding Tiswadi region, having your own set of wheels gives you the freedom to do your holiday your way. Have a look at our guide to Cheap Car Hire in Goa and you'll be hitting the highway in no time.

Q: Which airports can I fly in to for a holiday to Goa?

A: Dig out your passport and prepare to hop on your flight to Goa (GOI-Dabolim). You'll most likely be on one of the 154 international flights that operate monthly from this major airport in Goa.

Q: What are the most popular types of hotels for a holiday to Goa?

A: Goa has loads of options for travellers on all budgets. If you're seeking a bit of R&R, you'll find lots of hotels. Apartments, guest houses and hotel resorts are other popular accommodation.

Q: What does a Goa holiday booking with Expedia include?

A: However much you'd like it to. You can lock in a flight, hotel or car. You can also save time by bundling together any combination of these. Why not throw in some attractions and activities in Goa while you're at it?

Q: What is the best way to save money on my holiday to Goa?

A: You'll be handsomely rewarded when you book a Goa holiday package via Expedia. Bundle your Flights, Hotels and Experiences and enjoy terrific discounts, such as up to 42% off select properties. You'll soon be looking at your ideal holiday with a price tag that'll knock your socks off.

Q: What are the best things to do in Goa?

A: Japnese Garden, Vasco's Municipal Market and Mormugao Port are just the beginning when it comes to unmissable attractions in Vasco da Gama. Get set for an action-packed itinerary if you're holidaying in this major city.