10 Things to Do in Goa for Free

‘Keep calm and escape to Goa!’
- Anonymous

Free sunshine. Free sand. Free surf. Whoever said ‘the best things in life are free’ must have had Goa in mind! India’s most popular beach destination, Goa attracts local and international tourists all year round. If you have your heart and soul set on holiday in Goa, but are on a tight budget, here are 10 things to do in Goa that are absolutely free:

1. Beach Bumming

The beaches of Goa are your playground! Endless stretches of sand from Arambol Beach in the North to Canacona Beach in the South, bask in the sun all day and go for a swim in the sea to cool off as often as you’d like. Collect some shells as souvenirs to take home and wind up your day by watching the sun set. It’s all yours for the taking at no cost!

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Read more: Goa: A Quick and Handy Travel Guide

2. Church Search

Goa is home to some of the oldest churches in India including the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Church of Bom Jesus, dedicated to one of the patron saints of Goa, St. Francis Xavier. Search out other historical and architectural churches in Goa including Se Cathedral, one of the largest churches in Asia dedicated to St. Catherine; Church of St. Francis of Assisi dating back to the 1600s; and the Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception with its beautiful statue of Mother Mary.

3. Turtle Tales

Give something back to Goa while on holiday. The beaches of Morjim and Mandrem in the North and Agonda and Galgibaga in the South are nesting grounds for Olive Ridley turtles. See and learn about turtles in their natural habitat and volunteer with local NGOs for various awareness and conservation activities.

4. Night Owls

After the sun sets and darkness falls, Goa comes alive. The night markets of Goa are famous for their eclecticism and shopping is purely optional! Watch performers do their thing, groove to the music and soak in the vibe! The Saturday Night Market in Arpora and Mackies Night Bazaar in Baga are definitely worth a visit.

Read more: Top 10 Things to Do in Goa

5. Waterfall Wonder

The Dudhsagar Falls lies just on the border between Goa and Karnataka, where you can go to take a refreshing dip and explore its picturesque surroundings. At a height of 310 metres, the milky white waters were most famously featured in the Deepika Padukone and Shah Rukh Khan starrer, Chennai Express.

6. Fontainhas on Foot

Goa isn’t just about its beaches; it also has a lot of culture to discover. Go back in history and explore Fontainhas, the old Latin Quarters of Goa. The quaint lanes reflect its rich Portugese heritage with brightly coloured buildings in yellows and blues and charming old-world bungalows. A visual spectacle, no doubt!

7. Viva Carnival

Held annually in February, the Goa Carnival is a vibrant celebration of Goan culture and tradition and is one of the top things to do in Goa. Enjoy the festive spirit as parades with colourful floats make their way through the streets, accompanied by singers, dancer and performers in flamboyant costumes. This three-day festival is all about jubilant rejoicing!

8. Fort Fun

Goa is home to several forts that are worth exploring, most of which have been well preserved. Fort Aguada dates back to 1612 and was built to guard against Dutch and Maratha invasions. A few centuries later, a 13-metre high lighthouse was built at the site. For your own Bollywood moment, sit on the walls of the Chapora Fort and look out over the Chapora River…a scene made famous in Dil Chahta Hai. 

9. Trekking Trails

Enjoy another side of nature in Goa by taking off on a scenic walk and trek. Set off to explore the forests of Mollem National Park around Dudhsagar Falls or make your way to Krishnapur Canyon through Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary.

10. Just Chill

Chilling in Goa is probably the best ‘free’ thing you can do! It doesn’t matter where you are or what you’re doing, chilling is a mindset when in Goa. They even have a word for it - Susegado!

So next time you’re looking for a budget holiday destination, remember that you don’t have to spend much to have an absolutely amazing vacation in Goa!

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