Famous throughout the Roman Catholic world, the imposing Basilica de Bom Jesus contains the tomb and mortal remains of St Francis Xavier, the so-called Apostle of the Indies. St Francis Xavier’s missionary voyages throughout the East became legendary.
From the 16th to the 18th centuries, when Old Goa’s population exceeded that of Lisbon or London, Goa’s former capital was considered the ‘Rome of the East’. You can still sense that grandeur as you wander what’s left of the city, with its towering churches and cathedrals and majestic convents.
The multitude of beaches in Goa offer something for everyone, from luxury resorts to makeshift huts, and trance parties to tranquility. The beach that's right for you will depend on the kind of experience you want to have. Check out the link above to see what each beach has to offer.
Once a Portuguese territory, Goa is India’s smallest state. It boasts a regional cuisine famous for its mixture of Portuguese and Indian flavors, including seafood, coconut milk and rice. From laid-back street-food sellers and cozy seaside shacks to candlelit high-end restaurants, Goa has a truly vibrant dining scene.
Goa boasts a lively cultural scene, where local artists and creative minds come together to promote international and Indian art. State-funded museums and smaller, independent art galleries showcase artworks from the region in a spirit of enthusiasm and community. We select eight of our favourite art galleries in Goa, from Calangute to Panaji, which display contemporary and more traditional works of art.