Top Reasons to Go

Sand and waves: Goa's long, sandy, palm-fringed beaches are suited to more than just sun worship: scores of shacks serving cheap, cold beer and fresh seafood make it one long beach party.

Goan cuisine: If you like your spicing heavy and your seafood caught fresh, you’ll love the food in Goa.

Backwaters: Rivers flow across Goa to the Arabian Sea. Escape the crowds at a heritage home or country inn in a town like Loutolim, for a couple of days of quiet nature walks, home-style cooking, and warm hospitality.

Parties: Goa’s party scene is no longer as hedonistic as in years past, but during peak season there’s usually an after-party (or three) to be found if you ask around a little.

Portuguese architecture: Goa was under Portuguese control until 1961, and its colonial past is stamped across its historic buildings, forts, churches, and charming Portuguese homes and mansions.