Holidays to Goa

Goa is a state in India located on West coast of the country, stretching out along the Arabian Sea. With a population of 1.8 million, Goa spreads over 1,428 square miles. Panaji (or Panjim) is the capital. From colonial baroque architecture to colourful Catholic ceremonies, Goa is also home to a bustling party destination with a delightful food culture. With a vast coastline, sandy beaches and scenic landscapes, Goa offers ample opportunities for you to explore the city in various ways.

Memorable city breaks in Goa offer an exciting getaway when you book your flight to and hotel in Goa in advance. Get additional savings by booking your Goa flight and hotel together, or save time and money by opting for package holidays in Goa.

Flights to Goa arrive at Goa International Airport (GOI), nestled in the Dabolim town – around 30 km from Panaji and 4 km from Vasco da Gama. The airport is well connected with other major destinations by various mode of transport including bus and taxi. If you're visiting from the UK, you can take a direct flight from London or Manchester to Goa.

If you are a UK citizen with a valid passport, you must have a visa before arriving in Goa. The two languages most widely spoken in Goa are Konkani and Marathi, but you won't face any language barrier as a majority of locals can understand and speak English. The time difference between Goa and the UK is 5 hours and 30 minutes. The currency used in Goa is the Indian Rupee.

Goa experiences two distinct seasons. It’s sunny and warm from September to May, with average temperatures hovers around 27 °C. By the end of June, Goa is hit by the monsoon season and the region receives moderate to heavy downpours and thunderstorms. If you opt for package holidays in Goa during September and May, you can experience a pleasant climate and calm sea — perfect for water activities and sightseeing. You can also enjoy some of Goa's most popular festivals such as Goa Carnival (filled with amazing parades with colourful costumes, beautiful floats, lots of music and attractive dances), Goa Liberation Day (signifies the day when Goa received independence from Portuguese rule), Sunburn Festival (annual music festival) and Feast of St. Francis Xavier (celebrated to pay homage to the saint) during this period.

Goa is famous for its charming landscapes, pristine beaches, lively crowd and energetic ambiance. There are numerous exciting activities you could indulge in in Goa. Calangute Beach is perfect for the entire family, offering the best accommodation facilities and watersports. Anjuna Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Goa, and is full of bars and restaurants. This beach is also well-known for its flea market, where you can shop for handicrafts from Tibetan artists, pick up some quirky jewellery, wall hangings, Kashmiri decor and much more.

During your weekend in Goa you can visit many other popular beaches such as Baga Beach, Vagator Beach and Miramar Beach where you can enjoy plenty of activities and watersports. Goa is one-stop destination for adventure enthusiasts. Let the strong ocean waves splash your face while you enjoy a heart-pumping experience riding a jet ski. Other thrilling watersports you can’t miss are parasailing, scuba diving, banana boats and kite-surfing. There are also several casinos in Panjim, where you can try your hand at Roulette, Poker, Black Jack and Flash.

Aside from the regular parties, beach-hopping and cycling, Goa has a number of sites and attractions worth visiting. Often called Panjim, the capital has the look and feel of a lazy Mediterranean town, and it's a great spot to explore pastel-washed buildings, tree-lined avenues and tile houses. Other sites to explore are:

• If you are planning a weekend in Goa, make sure to visit the Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, one of the oldest churches in the area.
• Take a trip to Basilica of Bom Jesus, a World Heritage Monument and one of the most visited churches in Goa.
• Fort Aguada is one of the most iconic Portuguese monuments in Goa. The views from Fort Aguada's Light House are immensely beautiful.
• The Dudhsagar Falls in Goa are a spectacular sight you can't miss while enjoying city breaks in Goa.
• Goa is also home to some gorgeous temples; the Mahalakshmi Temple and the Mangueshi Temple

If you also have time to explore the surrounding area, you can also rent a car in Goa.

What to Eat In Goa?

Hot, spicy, sharp; Goan cuisine is well-known for its delicious fish curry, pork dishes and Feni liquor. From Pork Vindaloo (cooked with vinegar, garlic, and chilli), Galhina Piri-Piri (chicken, marinated with garlic, vinegar and lemon juice), fried fish prawns stuffed Papad, and the exotic Fófos de bacalhau (lip-smacking cod fish rolls), Goan food is simply irresistible. Caldeirada (a stew consisting of potatoes and variety of fish), prawn Balchao (a spicy dish made of deep fry prawns, ginger, garlic, and curry leaves) and fish reacheado (pomfret recipe flavoured with red chillies, cinnamon, cloves and green cardamoms) are a few more local delicacies which can be sampled when you are in Goa. Bebinca, an egg-based, multi-layered dessert is a favourite during Christmas.

What to Bring From Goa?

Shopping for souvenirs in Goa is a great fun! Be it beads, clothing, beach wear, colourful drapes, art works, flip-flops or food from various local markets. Goa is one of the best places to buy fresh cashews, available in all flavours. Feni, a famous country liquor made from both cashew and coconut, is one of the best souvenirs you can take home. Other popular items worth pirchasing include handicrafts, wooden carvings, painted tiles and spices.