How to Plan a Trip to Goa
The complete 2026 guide — flights, hotels, things to do and airport transfers, all in one place. Everything a first-time visitor to India needs.
Your 4-step Goa plan
Step 1 — Book flights to GOI / GOX
Dabolim / Mopa Airport (GOI / GOX) is the main gateway to Goa. Compare fares across major airlines and OTAs before locking a date.
See flight deals to GOI / GOXStep 2 — Pick a neighborhood
Base yourself in Fontainhas (Latin Quarter for the best first-time visit — Panaji's Portuguese colonial-era quarter — pastel houses + tiled streets.
Where to stay in GoaStep 3 — Plan your itinerary
Start with Anjuna + Vagator beaches (North Goa), then build outward. Most first-time visitors need 3-5 days to see the highlights of Goa.
Things to do in GoaStep 4 — Sort your airport transfer
Pre-paid taxi (Dabolim → North Goa beaches) is INR 1,500–2,500 (€17–28) and takes 60–90 min. Pre-book a private transfer for stress-free arrival.
GOI / GOX arrival guideBefore you book — visa check
Same India rules — e-visa USD 25-100. Note: most international tourists to Goa fly into the new Mopa Airport (GOX, opened 2023) which is closer to North Goa beaches than the older Dabolim (GOI).