The secluded, pristine Arambol beach, 30 miles (50km) from Panjim, is one of Goa's most charming chill-out spots. Further down the main beach lies a hot spring that feeds into a freshwater lake and lines it with sulphurous mud, which people love applying to their skin – the perfect natural spa treatment.
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Visit Cavelossim on the south-west coast of Goa, take in the laid-back vibe and relax on the beautiful beaches. Cavelossim is a sleepy village with classic Portuguese architecture. The Catholic church and village square are not to be missed.
Photograph: Franco Cogoli/4Corner Images
Get the best view of Colva by seeing it all from the sky. One of Goa's most popular beaches, Colva is known for its speed-boat rides, jet skiing, and paragliding. The bird’s-eye view of the Mandovi meeting the Arabian sea at the Miramar is magnificent.
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Join a crocodile tour and spot crocs on the Cumbharjua canal, one of the scenic backwaters of Goa. Near Panjim, the canal links the two main rivers of Goa – the Zuari and Mandovi – and crocodiles thrive here. Photograph: Alamy
Along Colva beach, local women dry mackerel and other fish. The fish are dried under huge nets to keep the birds away.
Photograph: Franco Cogoli/4Corner Images
Enjoy a scenic cruise along the Mandovi river. There is also a bar aboard the sunset cruise boat, the Santa Monica, which leaves from Panjim.
Photograph: Alamy
Only five miles from Panjim, Mapusa is famous for its Friday market. Find fabrics, jewellery, trinkets, saris, toys and spices. Seedless tamarind fruit, or amot as it is known locally, is always in great demand.
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Mollem national park is close to the border with Karnataka. The park offers jungle safaris – where you can spot several species of snakes, birds and butterflies – and is home to the 12th-century Tambdi Surla temple, Devil’s Canyon, Sunset Point and Tambdi waterfalls.
Photograph: Franco Cogoli/4Corner Images
Abandoned in the 18th century, Old Goa is the former colonial capital of Goa and should not be missed. Take in the monuments and the stunning Portuguese architecture, such as the Basilica of Bom Jesus, a spectacular church built by the Portuguese in the 16th century.
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An iconic hippy hangout of the 1970s, Patnem has retained its laid-back, secluded charm. You'll find plenty of alternative therapies here, such as meditation, yoga, tai chi and reiki. The region's main town, Chaudi, is just a couple of minutes away.
Photograph: Alamy
