The mere thought of a vacation in Goa is enough to lift your spirits. Soaking in the sun, watching the sunset while sipping your drink, grooving to dance numbers till wee hours, admiring the vastness of sea; there’s so much to do while holidaying in Goa. When even a week-long vacation feels too short in Goa, the idea of spending only a day at this place is bound to be unwelcoming. But, this happens when you are on a business trip to this wonderful destination, or when it’s just another layover on your road trip.
So, how can you make the most of your one-day stay in Goa? Which all places should be on your itinerary so that the trip doesn’t feel incomplete? Well, don’t worry because we are here to help. Check out our list of places to visit in South Goa in one day.
Beaches
Beaches | Best Places to Visit in South Goa in 1 Day
1. Colva
Colva is the longest beach in South Goa extending till 20kms. Surrounded by palm trees, Colva is a white sand beach which makes it even more attractive. Colva is always crowded because of its versatility where you can indulge yourself in various activities like sunbathing or adventure sports such as windsurfing, speedboat riding, and parasailing.
- Ideal for: Nature lovers, fun lovers, adventure seekers, families
- Activities: Dolphin spotting, water sports
- How to reach: Colva beach is 9 km from Margao Railway Station. You can rent two or four-wheeler to reach the beach.
Also check: North Goa vs. South Goa
2. Benaulim
Benaulim is just 2 km away from Colva and is comparatively less crowded. If you want to spend a good time watching the sea and sipping your drink, head to Benaulim. You can also try water sports, sail to long distance, or opt for a dolphin sighting tour at the beach. Read more – Beaches in Goa
- Ideal for: Couples, nature lovers, adventure lovers
- Activities: Adventure sports, boating, dolphin spotting
- How to reach: Benaulim beach is close to Margao. You can rent a motorbike to reach the place.
3. Cavelossim
Cavelossim is a paradise for those who want to spend leisure time soaking in sun. The beach also offers views of River Sai merging with the sea. It is an ideal spot for dolphin sighting, morning walks, and souvenirs shopping.
- Ideal for: Couples, those wanting to relax at a quiet place
- Activities: Shop for trinkets, dolphin spotting
- How to reach: Cavelossim is 7 km from Margao. You can reach the beach via two or four-wheeler.
4. Palolem
If you want to relax at a secluded beach, head to Palolem. This white sand beach is known for calm waters and is again famous for dolphin sighting, flea market, and shacks that serve delicious food. If you’re a party lover, the beach holds a lot of happening clubs in the vicinity.
- Ideal for: Couples, peace seekers, nature lovers
- Activities: Clubbing, shopping, dolphin spotting
- How to reach: Palolem is approximately 43 km from Margao, rent a cab or board a private bus to reach the beach.
Explore recommended places to stay in Goa at best price
Nightclubs
Night Clubs | Best Places to Visit in South Goa in 1 Day
5. Johnny Cool’s
A beachside shack near Colva Beach, Johnny Cool’s is frequented by the young crowd. If you want to chill and enjoy good food, there couldn’t be a place better than this shack. The live performances of local bands at Johnny Cool’s attract a lot of crowd at night.
- Location: Vasco Road, Colva Beach
- Timings: 11:00 AM – 11.30 PM
- Price for Two: INR 900
6. Down The Road
If you are planning to spend the entire evening singing and dancing, Down The Road is the perfect party place. It is one of the most popular bars amongst locals, Indian tourists and foreigners. They organize live performances and karaoke nights regularly.
- Location: 99, Fatardo House, Old Patto Bridge, Panaji
- Timings: 11:00 am – 01:00 am
- Price for Two: INR 600
7. Gatsby’s Club
Groove to EDM music while enjoying a chilled beer at one of the most happening clubs in South Goa. If you don’t like hard drinks, head to their coffee shop to steal away some quiet moments from your busy travel itinerary.
- Location: Colva Beach Rd., Colva
- Timings: 06:00 am – 03:00 pm
- Price for Two: INR 1200
8. Silent Noise
A lively pub on Palolem beach, Silent Noise is a one-of-a-kind-of place that lets you party without actually playing loud music. Just wear headphones, play your favorite pop, trance, hard rock, or hip-hop music, and break the floor with your dance moves. Even if you are short on days in Goa, a visit to this unconventional club is highly recommended.
- Location: Riverside, South End Palolem Beach
- Timings: 09:00 pm – 04:00 am
- Price for Two: 1200, including the cost for headphones
Read more – Pubs in Goa
Churches
Churches | Best Places to Visit in South Goa in 1 Day
9. Se Cathedral
Se Cathedral is the largest cathedral in Asia. There are five bells in the cathedral, of which the infamous Golden Bell is the largest in the world. The church was built in 1510 to celebrate the win of the Portuguese over the Muslim army. Influenced by Portuguese-Manueline architecture, the church has six panels carved with scenes from Saint Catherine’s life.
- Location: Velha
- Timings: 07:30 am to 06:00 pm
10. St Xavier’s Church
St Xavier’s Church is a fine example of Gothic architecture. It is one of the most beautiful churches in Go famed for holding the incorrupt body of Saint Francis Xavier. The church was built in 1605 and is a prominent landmark for Catholics.
- Location: Off National Highway 4, Velha
- Timings: 09:00 am – 06:30 pm
11. St. Cajetan Church
Also known as the Church of Divine Providence, St. Cajetan Church has origin dating back to 1661. It is included in the list of World Heritage Churches of Goa. The church resembles the shape of a Greek cross and has a massive dome with inscriptions from the Gospel of Matthew written in Latin.
- Location: Velha
- Timings: N.A
Read more – Churches in Goa
Other Attractions
Other Attractions | Best Places to Visit in South Goa in 1 Day
12. Vasco Da Gama
A small town on Mormugao Peninsula, the place was named after the famous Portugese explorer Vasco Da Gama. The town connects you to most of the beaches in South Goa, which means you should not skip it from your travel itinerary. Vasco Da Game is a small-sized yet charming town, giving the glimpse of Goan atmosphere.
- What’s Interesting: Water sports like kayaking and snorkeling, Naval Aviation Museum
- How to Reach: Book a taxi or board a bus from Margao and Panjim.
13. Chandor
A sleepy town that is heavily influenced by Portuguese culture and architecture, Chandor was called Chandrapur in the 11th century. If you want to see the relics of old times, this small village is a paradise. Some of the Portuguese buildings in Chandor date back to 6th century BC.
- What’s Interesting: Headless Nandi Bull dating back to the 11th century BC, Fernandes House, Portuguese Mansion
- How to Reach: Book a cab from Margao
Also Read: Budget Trip to Goa
14. Loutolim
If the history buff in you is getting curious to witness the legacy left by Portuguese, visit Loutolim. The village has castles, churches, and places that will take you back to the Portuguese era. Big Foot is one of the main attractions in Loutolim.
- What’s Interesting: Big Foot Museum, Roque Caetan House, Salvador do Mundo, Casa Araujo Alvares, Miranda House
- How to reach: Since Loutolim is close to Margao, you can rent a motorbike to reach the village.
15. Cabo de Rama Fort
One of the oldest forts in Goa, it has seen many rulers and battles. The massive fort is named after Lord Rama and houses a small church within the premises. The fort also mesmerizing view of the Arabian Sea.
- Location: Canacona, South Goa, Goa
- Timings: 09:00 am – 05:00 pm
- How to Reach: Book a cab or take a bus from Margao
Goa is a destination which can be visited at any time of the year, and every year. Also, it is true that you can never get enough of Goa. So, make sure that you plan an extended vacation or a long weekend stay in Goa, next time. Don’t forget to book a hotel in advance to avail the best of deals.
Also Read: Trekking Places in Goa
This post was last modified on 08-Aug-2023