Goa
Goa North to South Beach Trail
Beaches & Coastline
Duration6 Days / 5 Nights
Trip TypePrivate & customisable
Best Time to VisitNov – Feb
PaceModerate
ThemesBeaches & Coastline
Starting From$540
Route Covered
Overnight stops in day orderOverview
A Calangute to Palolem beach tour takes six days and five nights down the Goa coast, from lively Baga to quiet Palolem. You stay two nights in Calangute and Baga, two in Colva and Benaulim and one in Palolem and Patnem. It suits beach lovers who want to compare North and South Goa, and November to February is the best time to go.
Who it suits
Beach lovers who want both coasts of Goa in one trip and are happy to change hotels twice; not for anyone who wants a single base
Highlights
Calangute BeachBaga Creek and beachChurch of St Alex, CalanguteFort AguadaColva BeachChurch of Our Lady of Mercy, ColvaBenaulim rosewood craftGoa Chitra museumPalolem crescent bayButterfly Beach boat tripPatnem beach
Good to know
Hotel changes
You pack and move on Days 3 and 5, with drives of about an hour each, so there is time left on both daysSwimming
Ask your hotel about the day's sea conditions and flags before you swim, as currents can be strong on some beachesMonsoon
Beach activities are generally unavailable from June to September, so travel between November and FebruaryBoat trips
Dolphin and Butterfly Beach boats are seasonal and weather-dependent, and are arranged on the dayDay-by-Day Itinerary
Highlights
- First evening on Calangute Beach
Land at Dabolim and drive north to Calangute
- 1Your driver meets you at Goa International Airport, Dabolim
- 2The road north covers roughly 39 km to Calangute and Baga
- 3Check in and rest
- 4A sunset walk on the sand if energy allows
Goa International Airport, Dabolim to Calangute and Baga, ~39 km, ~1 to 1.5 hrs
Highlights
- Calangute Beach
- Church of St Alex
- Baga Creek
- Fort Aguada and lighthouse
Calangute, Baga Creek and Fort Aguada
- 1A slow morning on Calangute Beach, then the Church of St Alex, built in 1741
- 2Walk north to Baga, where the creek reaches the sea
- 3Afternoon at Fort Aguada, a short ride south, to see the 1612 walls and the lighthouse
- 4Optional parasailing or a dolphin trip at Baga in season, booked separately
Local sightseeing around Calangute, Baga and Fort Aguada
Highlights
- Margao market and church
- Colva Beach at the fishing end
South to Colva, with a stop in Margao
- 1After breakfast the car heads south, about 45 km to Colva
- 2Optional stop in Margao for the Church of the Holy Spirit and the market lanes
- 3Settle in at Colva
- 4Late afternoon at Colva Beach, where trawlers anchor offshore
Calangute and Baga to Colva, ~45 km, about 1 to 1.25 hrs
Highlights
- Church of Our Lady of Mercy
- Benaulim rosewood workshops
- Goa Chitra museum
- Church of St John the Baptist
Colva's Menino Jesus church and Benaulim's rosewood village
- 1Visit the Church of Our Lady of Mercy, which holds the Menino Jesus statue
- 2Go 2 km south to Benaulim, a village known for rosewood furniture
- 3See the Goa Chitra museum and the Church of St John the Baptist on higher ground
- 4Free hours on the sand, with a dolphin boat trip in season if you wish
Local sightseeing between Colva and Benaulim, ~2 km
Highlights
- Palolem Bay
- Patnem beach
Down to Palolem's crescent bay
- 1Drive roughly 42 km south to the Canacona area
- 2Check in near Palolem or Patnem
- 3Afternoon on the 1.6 km bay with its fishing boats and beach huts
- 4Sunset at the shore, or a walk towards Patnem
Colva and Benaulim to Palolem and Patnem, ~42 km, about 1 hr
Highlights
- Butterfly Beach by boat
Butterfly Beach boat ride and departure
- 1If the sea allows and the time suits your flight, a short boat trip to Butterfly Beach, agreed with the operator that morning
- 2After check-out the car heads roughly 60 to 65 km north to Dabolim airport
- 3Leave extra time for traffic
- 4The transfer ends at the departure terminal
Palolem and Patnem to Goa International Airport, Dabolim, ~64 km, ~1 to 1.5 hrs
Starting from$540Twin sharing, 3-star hotels, private car with driver, excludes flights.
Indicative — varies with season and hotel category.
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Trip Facts
Activity LevelEasy. Beach walks and short strolls at the fort, the churches and the museum, with no climbing or trekking.
What to PackLight cotton clothes, swimwear, sunscreen, a sun hat and sandals, plus a cover-up for church visits and a light rain layer if you travel near the monsoon months.
Local CustomsDress modestly in churches and keep beachwear for the beach. Photography rules vary from site to site, so ask your driver or guide before using a camera inside. Ask your hotel about sea conditions before swimming, and agree boat fares and times with the operator before setting out.
What's Included & Excluded
Included
5 nights' accommodation in 3-star hotels, twin sharingDaily breakfastPrivate air-conditioned car with driver for all transfers and sightseeingAirport pick-up and drop-off at Goa International Airport, DabolimEnglish-speaking guide on selected sightseeing days
Not included
FlightsMeals other than breakfastEntrance fees, boat fares and camera feesWater sports and dolphin tripsTips and personal expenses
Quick Answers
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