Falling in Love With Goa – India’s Unexpected Romantic Haven

With its lavish three-day weddings, epic Bollywood screen romances, and as the home of the world’s greatest symbol of devotion, the Taj Mahal, India is no stranger to love. If you’re searching for somewhere to spend your next romantic getaway, look no further than India’s dreamy coastal destination, Goa. With its rich history, an unstoppable nightlife, beautiful beaches, and so much to take in, exploring Goa with your favourite person is guaranteed to be an experience that you’ll never forget.

Goa Romantic Getaway

Anjuna Beach. Image Credit: Anthony O’Connell

Sip cocktails and watch the sunset over the Arabian Sea

With its tropical climate and coastlines stretching along the Arabian Sea, Goa is unsurprisingly home to an abundance of incredible beaches, each complete with its own variety of bars and restaurants. Enjoy a local Indian Kingfisher beer (about Rs150, or R28 for a 650ml bottle) or a local cocktails (approximately Rs350 or R66) at one of the charming beach shacks and you’ll be able to hang out on one of their gorgeous beachside sun loungers for free – the perfect spot for watching the sun go down right over the ocean – what could be more romantic? Stringfellows on Candolim Beach is a particular gem (and also serves delicious, reasonably priced food) but each spot offers its own individual charm, so don’t be afraid to explore.

Goa Romantic Getaway

Kingfisher Beer. Image Credit: Anthony O’Connell

Dance the night away at a dreamy Goan club

As well as being a hotspot for great seafood restaurants, Goa is also home to a pulsating dance music scene. If you love electronic or dance music, or are just keen for a reason to get us close with your significant other with your feet in the sand, Goa will leave you with unforgettable memories. Club Tito’s on Baga Beach is famous for its great parties, but you can’t really go wrong with anywhere along this strip if you’re searching for loud music.

Goa Romantic Getaway

Se Cathedral. Image Credit: Anthony O’Connell

Take in the incredible heritage sites

With its rich history as a Portuguese colony, and its unique mixture of both Hindu temples and Roman Catholic churches, Goa is a fascinating meeting of East and West, and a history buff’s dream. Take in Goa’s Churches and Convents, which were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986 (entrance free), as well as the numerous military places of interest, like the Reis Magos Fort near Panjim (Entry Rs50 per adult, R10) which is a particular highlight.

Hold on tight and stay close on the back of a scooter

Like many of its Asian neighbours, the best way to get around Goa is on a scooter. Most hotels will be able to help you to rent a scooter from a trusted scooter hire company, and you should expect to pay around Rs400 (R80) per day. You’ll need to have a valid international drivers’ licence and it is against the law to drive a scooter in Goa without a helmet, so make sure that both you and your passenger are given helmets – then enjoy getting to wrap your arms around each other while you explore the province!

Goa Romantic Getaway

Reis Magos Fort. Image Credit: Anthony O’Connell

Shop for keepsakes at the local flea market

In many ways, Goa has come to be known as a bit of a hippie haven, complete with several laid back flea markets filled with gorgeous trinkets and countless bits of India that you’ll want to take home with you. Expect bright colours, genuine silver, and smiling faces, and lots of opportunities to step up the romance – how about some matching henna tattoos? Stick around at the Anjuna flea market every Wednesday, or the Saturday Night Market in Arpora, and you’ll also be treated to live music and delicious local food.

Relax on the beach and take a dip together

Goa province is home to no less than 36 beaches, so if you’re looking for some coastal downtime on your adventures, this is the place to go. Calangute and Baga Beaches are particularly popular with travellers because of its warm waters, sun loungers, and many restaurants, or rather head down to Agonda in South Goa if you’re hoping for a little bit more peace and quiet. Wherever you decide to go, just be sure to pack loads of sun cream, and don’t be surprised to see herds of cows wandering down the beach to enjoy the waves, too.

Goa Romantic Getaway

Church of the Immaculate Conception. Image Credit: Anthony O’Connell

Enjoy incredible Indian Portuguese seafood

Boasting a unique blend of Portuguese and Indian flavours, Goa’s seaside positioning means an abundance of delicious seafood dishes for discerning palettes. Choose from freshly caught fish, prawns, calamari and shellfish at beachside restaurants at changing daily rates and enjoy them with your choice of spices. You can’t go wrong with Sun Set Guesthouse Restaurant and Bar in Anjuna for delicious, fresh seafood, cold beers, and unmistakable candlelit romance.

Goa Romantic Getaway

Candolim Beach. Image Credit: Anthony O’Connell

Unwind with a seaside couple’s massage

If a little bit of pampering is the quickest way to your heart, then the numerous spas and beauticians lining the Goan streets are bound to make your trip. Choose from one of the many incredible hotel spas like Novotel Goa Resort and Spa or the Taj Fort Aguada Resort and Spa, both in Candolim, or just get a foot or back massage right on the beach from one of the many beachside masseuses.

Ready for your next romantic getaway? Book cheap flights to Goa right here.

What’s your favourite kind of couples adventure? Let us know in the comments below.

Goa Romantic Getaway

Cows on Candolim Beach. Image Credit: Anthony O’Connell

Goa Romantic Getaway

Image Credit: Anthony O’Connell

All information on this blog page was correct at the time of publishing and may change at any time without prior notice. Travelstart will not be held liable for loss or inconvenience resulting from the use of out-dated or incorrectly noted information.

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