For a picture-postcard experience, head to Palolem beach; it’s a sweeping crescent of white sand, interrupted only by colourful fishing boats, bamboo beach huts and the occasional roaming cow (this is India, after all). If you’re into swimming, you’ll love this spot – the water is beautifully calm, with no dangerous rocks or strong tides to spoil the fun.
Anjuna market is the godfather of all hippie Indian markets – you can get anything here. Every Wednesday you can weave through the many stalls, listen to live music and get down to some serious bartering. Rumour has it that this market was started when Goa’s first free-spirited visitors traded clothes and shoes with each other in order to stay in their personal paradise a little longer.
If you’ve had your fill of sunbathing (or you’ve galloped through your holiday read too quickly), spend a day wandering around Old Goa. The former Portuguese capital boasts some astounding larger-than-life churches, which are well worth a visit – try the Church of St Francis Assisi and the Basilica de Bom Jesus.
