Day 1 - Beginning with beach vibes

1. Calangute Beach

Image Source: Wikimedia Commons

Let’s start the day by visiting and witnessing the cool, charming Calangute Beach, also known as the ‘Queen of Beaches’. The golden sands, cool breeze, and calm atmosphere are its main highlights. Plan the day till evening at this beach.

Things to do in Calangute Beach:

• Water sports: If you are an adventure lover, then Calangute Beach must be an ideal spot for you. You can enjoy various water sports like parasailing, jet skiing, banana boat rides, and bumper boat rides.
• Seafood and Beach shacks: At Calangute, you get nice, tasty seafood. The beach shacks there come alive at night. You can also plan for a candlelight dinner at night.
• Shopping: For shopping, you can visit the daily market in Calangute. There is also a Saturday market in Calangute behind the Post Office. Moreover, if you are interested in Tibetan handicrafts and fancy products, you can consider visiting the Tibetan Market nearby.

At Calangute Beach, you can either plan to spend the night there or, if possible, try visiting the Baga Beach.

2. Baga Beach

From the Calangute Beach, you can head to Baga Beach to enjoy your evening and night. The Tibetan Market mentioned above is located on the way to Baga Beach from Calangute Beach.
While Calangute Beach features a calm atmosphere, which best suits families and couples, Baga Beach has a more lively vibe and fun. The nightlife here is relatively more fun-filled than that of Calangute Beach.

Things to do in Baga Beach:

• Clubs in Tito’s Lane: If you like partying, you can plan a visit to famous clubs like Club Tito’s.
• Beach Shacks: You can enjoy dining at the beach shacks near Baga Beach. Some shacks there also offer candlelight dinners.

With that, you end your first day in Goa. You can consider staying at some best hotels near Calangute Beach or near the Baga Beach.

Day 2 - A little tinge of history by visiting forts and attractions nearby

Visiting historic places is like having a side-dish along with the main-course. The Goa trip would be incomplete without visiting these places.

1. Aguada Fort

Image Source: Wikimedia Commons

Aguada Fort is approximately 10 km from the Calangute Beach and around 11 km from the Baga Beach. It was built during the Portuguese era in Goa in the 17th century. The fort architecture is a two-layered structure. The top layer was to fill water for the passing ships, and the layer below acted as a berth for ships.

You can spend your morning hours here.

Things to do at Aguada Fort:

• View Point: The fort offers a beautiful view of the Arabian Sea and the Mandovi River.
• Lighthouse: Further, it houses two lighthouses and a prison complex. Of the two lighthouses, one is among the oldest ever built in Asia, and the other is newer. The newer one is still operational, and visitors are allowed in.
• Jail Museum: The prison complex within the fort was renovated into a museum which highlights the freedom struggles in Goa.
• Sinquerim Beach: Once you finish admiring the fort architecture and the stunning sea views, you can move to Sinquerim Beach at the base of the fort.

2. Candolim Beach

Image Source: Wikimedia Commons

Candolim Beach is approximately 6 km from the Aguada Fort. It is relatively less crowded than the Calangute and Baga Beaches. So this makes it more suitable for families and couples to enjoy.

Here too you can enjoy various water sports and a fine dine at the nearby beach shacks.

3. Reis Magos Fort

Image Source: Wikimedia Commons

From Candolim Beach, with a drive of around 7.5 km, you will reach the Reis Magos Fort. It is comparatively less crowded than the Aguada Fort. This fort is located on the banks of the River Mandovi. From the appropriate viewpoints in Fort, you can admire the river and the Arabian Sea.

Also, enjoy watching the beautiful and historic architecture of this fort. But remember, by evening 05:00 PM, the fort complex would be closed. Moreover, it is closed on Mondays.

4. Fountainhas

Image Source: Wikimedia Commons

With an 8 km drive from Reis Magos Fort, you will reach Fountainhas. The buildings here reflect an Indo-Portuguese style of architecture. You can plan your evening here.

Things to do in Fountainhas:

• Walk through the area: You can consider a relaxing walk through the streets in Fountainhas. You’ll find many spots for clicking pics and adding to your sweet memories.
• Explore the art galleries: There are many art galleries in Fountainhas, which you can explore while walking.
• Cafes and restaurants: Consider dining at any of the restaurants or cafes there.

With that, you conclude your second day in Goa. Now head back to Calangute or Baga, where you have booked your stay.

Day 3 - Exploring the less explored, adding an extra pinch of vintage element

Spend the third day exploring less-explored places and other historic structures.

1. Old Goa

Image Source: Wikimedia Commons

Start the third day from Old Goa. It is approximately 25 km from Calangute. Once called the ‘Rome of the East’, it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Things to do in Old Goa:

• Ancient Churches: Some churches to visit in Old Goa include the Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral, and the Church of St. Francis of Assisi.
• Archaeological Museum of Goa: You can visit this museum to explore the historic Goan artefacts and other collections like portraits and statues.
• Restaurants and cafes: Consider dining at one of the nearby restaurants or cafes.

2. Divar Island

From Old Goa, you’ll have to travel by ferry to Divar Island. You can board your vehicle in this [ferry].

This island is not much explored. The place still didn’t lose its vintage charm, and also its greenery. Unlike the other major attractions in Goa, this island has a much calmer atmosphere.

Things to do in Divar Island:

• Church of Our Lady of Compassion: Situated on a hilltop, the church offers nice views of Old Goa and the Mandovi River. This church is built in an Indian-Baroque architectural style. You can admire the beautiful carvings on its walls.
• Explore the Village by taking a bike ride and enjoy its calmness.
• Ruins of Fort Naroa: You can explore the ruins of Fort Naroa, located in the eastern part of the island.

3. Mandovi River

Image Source: Wikimedia Commons

You can plan a boat ride from Divar Island to the Mandovi River. On the way through the waters, you can spot dolphins.

With this, you conclude your third day and head back to Calangute or Baga Beach, where you have booked your stay.

Conclusion

That’s how you can make the most of your three days in Goa! From beautiful beaches to marvellous, majestic forts, Goa is a perfect feast for both your eyes and your mind.
So, let go of your worries, soak in the coastal charm, and enjoy the fun-filled vibe of Goa. With many beaches and attractions waiting to be explored, Goa truly has something for everyone. 
Plan your visit during the pleasant winter months for the best experience. Wishing you a happy journey and a happy stay!