Located in the western part of the Indian subcontinent, Goa is a beautiful state of India which encompasses the ancient Portuguese culture as can be seen in the architecture and the lifestyle of the people there. Goa is known for its numerous beaches where you can bask under the sun imbibing its warmth and listen to the sound of the waves as you relax and chill. There are indeed many places for exploration in Goa but there are even more places to visit in Goa in May. The place is also known for its party culture as many people visit Goa to enjoy the nightlife and have fun at the beach shacks! Let’s take a look at some of the most beautiful places in Goa.
16 Places To Visit In Goa In May
Looking for the best places to explore in this hippie destination? We got you covered! There are a lot of places that you can visit in Goa and create memories as you have fun with friends and family. All these places are beautiful and worth every bit of your time and money. So, here are the 16 best places to visit in Goa in May that you can check out.
- Baga Beach: Shopping Streets
- Calangute Beach: Exciting Watersports
- Dudhsagar Waterfalls: The White Wonder!
- Fort Aguada: History & Architecture
- Candolim Beach: Clean Shores
- Anjuna Beach: Flea Markets
- Chapora Fort: Offbeat Beauty
- Divar Island: A Peaceful Escape
- Dona Paula: The Luxurious Locale
- Basilica Of Bom Jesus: St. Xavier’s Remains
- Se Cathedral: Marvelous Mosaics
- Palolem Beach: Pearl-White Sands
- Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary: Exotic Mangroves
- Sinquerim Beach: A Fort In Ruins
- Arambol Beach: Blissful Weather
- Miramar Beach: River Meets Sea!
1. Baga Beach: Shopping Streets
Why travel to the Bahamas Beach or any international beach when you have Baga Beach in Goa! With a lot of dining options, it is the most famous beach in North Goa. It gets its name from the Baga creek and is visited by thousands of tourists all year because it is home to several shacks and fishing boats and you can also experience parasailing and banana rides at the beach. It is the best place for water sports in Goa in May.
Entry Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM
Must Read: Romantic Places In Goa For Couples
2. Calangute Beach: Exciting Watersports
Calangute Beach, also popularly known as “Queen” is one of the most magnificent beaches of Goa and the best places to visit in Goa during May. This is one of the beaches you cannot afford to miss since the beach has an extensive palm plantation that gives excellent scenery and is spread around five miles on the Arabian Sea.
Entry Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
3. Dudhsagar Waterfalls: The White Wonder!
One of the best places to visit in goa during May is Dudhsagar waterfalls, sitting on the Gol-Karnataka border. A prominent part of many walking tours in Goa, it is a four-tiered waterfall located on the Mandovi river in Goa and provides an enchanting view to the visitors. The waterfalls give an image of milk pouring into the land which is why it is called Dudhsagar, ‘Dudh’ meaning milk. Travel to Goa in May to find the best view of Dudhsagar waterfalls.
Entry Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Suggested Read: Snorkeling In Goa
4. Fort Aguada: History & Architecture
Located in Sinquerim Beach, this Fort holds a historical significance as it is a seventeenth-century fort standing tall as a Portuguese legacy. The fort has a lighthouse that you can explore and while you stand at the top of this magnificent lighthouse on your trip to Goa for 3 days. You can also feel the cool breeze on your face as you overlook the sparkling Arabian Sea.
Entry Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
5. Candolim Beach: Clean Shores
Candolim Beach is located in North Goa and is known for its clean shores and its long stretch. It is an ideal place to spend time with family and you can even plan a picnic on the beach! There are also many water sports that you can experience at this beach.
Entry Timings: 10 AM – 8 PM
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Goa
6. Anjuna Beach: Flea Markets
Anjuna Beach is one of the most ideal places to go in Goa in May because it is beautiful and provides a perfect space to relax and rejuvenate. The beach stretches for 2 km long and you can experience many water sports, taste Goan cuisines at the cafes, and beach bars. It is one of the must-see places in Goa in May end.
Entry Timings: 12 AM- 12 PM
7. Chapora Fort: Offbeat Beauty
Image Source
This haunting beauty is located in close proximity to Vagator beach and is one of the most splendid places to visit in Goa in May. The fort shot to fame after the movie “Dil Chahta Hai” was filmed here. Snuggled atop a hilly terrain, it requires one to navigate through a steep slope to reach the fort. It’s a refreshing place to pay a visit to where one can sit and soak in views of the beach from one end to another.
Entry Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Old Goa
8. Divar Island: A Peaceful Escape
If you are planning of visiting Goa in May while also giving the party places a miss for some offbeat fun, then Divar island is right for you. It is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Goa and offers absolutely gorgeous views and lush greenery that will leave you spellbound. It is not usually crowded so you can have your me-time here.
Entry Timings: 7 AM – 8 PM
9. Dona Paula: The Luxurious Locale
Image Credit: Ashwin Kumar for Wikimedia Commons
For those planning a Goa trip in May replenished with water sports and luxury, then Dona Paula is the place to be. Famous for a somber tale of two lovers, this place has a relaxing weather where you can enjoy shopping, beaches, and the lavish locales. The Dona Paula Bay is famous for offering the most happening adventure sports that are safe and well-guided. Adventure lover or not, you should be brave enough to give them all a try for an exhilarating experience!
Suggested Read: Goa With Kids
10. Basilica Of Bom Jesus: St. Xavier’s Remains
Image Credit: P.S.SUJAY for Wikimedia Commons
This iconic and easily distinguishable brick-colored structure is visited by travelers from all around the globe and also happens to be a renowned World Heritage Monument. Some of its most impressive construction elements include basalt pillars, black granite walls, and tiled roofs with slopes. Other than this, its gilded pillars, walls, and the main altar with ornate inscriptions in Latin and Portuguese also make it one of the most fascinating places for your trip to Goa in May.
Entry Timings: 9 AM – 6:30 PM
11. Se Cathedral: Marvelous Mosaics
Just like Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral also dates back to the 16th century and happens to be the largest church in Asia which is still open to the public. It’s one of the best places to visit in Goa in May for your trip and should definitely be a part of your itinerary owing to its Iberian architecture and high ceilings that flaunt intricate wooden carvings and mosaic work. It’s among the most respected places to visit in Old Goa with walls decorated with rich paintings and a standard crucifix shape in the center of the church.
Entry Timings: 7 AM – 6:30 PM
Suggested Read: Shopping Destinatins In India
12. Palolem Beach: Pearl-White Sands
If you’re visiting Goa in May, then the Palolem Beach should definitely be on your list. It’s a sparkling white sand beach located in South Goa that is bounded by lush palm trees as well as splendid beach shacks. This locale is the best choice for those who wish to enjoy some tranquil time walking on the beaches, sunbathe on the sands, enjoy the panoramic view of Canacona Island that is visible from the beach, or just gorging on fresh seafood at the shacks.
Entry Timings: 6 AM – 10 PM
13. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary: Exotic Mangroves
Image Credit: Rajiv98761 for Wikimedia Commons
Salim Ali Bird Your Goa trip in May is incomplete without a trip to this wonderful bird sanctuary located on the western extreme of the Chorao Island. This is where you’ll find thick mangrove forests that are worth exploring courtesy its population of species like mudskippers and black drongos. Named after an Indian ornithologist, the sanctuary offers a serene escape into the wilderness and is among the best spots in Goa to explore with your friends.
Entry Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Suggested Read: Offbeat Things To Do In Goa
14. Sinquerim Beach: A Fort In Ruins
Image Source
If you’re searching for the best places to visit in North Goa on your trip to Goa in May, then this should be on the top of the list. Frequented by adventure enthusiasts and beach bums from all around the country, this beach offers people the best opportunities to try water sports in Goa like scuba diving, water-skiing, windsurfing, and much more. Apart from visiting the beach and enjoying thrilling water sports, you can also visit the historical fort that was built here by the Portuguese to save themselves from any attack coming from the sea.
Entry Timings: 5 AM – 10 PM
15. Arambol Beach: Blissful Weather
If you’re looking for more awesome spots in North Goa, then make sure you add this beach in your list before you take a Goa trip in May. Its secluded cliffs and blissful weather makes it a great option for couples and peace seekers. What makes this beach one of the best ones in North Goa is its beauty and tranquility. A rocky as well as a sandy beach, Arambol Beach gives you a hippie Bohemian vibe. If you want to explore Goa in its laidback state, this beach should be on your list.
Entry Timings: 5 AM – 11 PM
Suggested Read: Famous Beaches In Goa
16. Miramar Beach: River Meets Sea!
Image Credit: Debjeet20 for Wikimedia Commons
Miramar beach is what this beach is famed for which has an array of alluring palm trees and, is one of the must-see places in Panjim. Lying close to the confluence point of Mandovi river and the Arabian Sea this beach is an amazing place to delve in a relaxing aura. Here you can indulge in various adventure sports like jet-skiing, water gliding, water skiing, banana boat rides, tube rides, and many more to add up to the exhilarating experience.
Entry Timings: Open 24X7
Further Read: Water Sports In Goa
There are indeed a lot of places to visit in Goa in May, and all of them are super fun and promise crazy nights to you! Apart from the suitable weather and quiet shores, another thing that May offers you in Goa is delectable mangoes! So, you taste these mangoes and go around exploring all the cool places on trip to Goa!
For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer, please click here.
Cover Image Source: Shutterstock
Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Goa In May
When is the best time to visit Goa?
The best time to visit Goa is between November and March when the weather is pleasant and the sky is clear so that one can enjoy their trip to the fullest. However, you can visit the town during the other seasons too.
What are the watersports one can try in Goa?
Some of the must-try water sports in Goa are:
1. Kayaking
2. Kneeboarding
3. Windsurfing
4. Scuba Diving
5. Jet Skiing
6. Parasailing
7. Flyboarding
Which places in Goa are ideal for couples?
Some of the most romantic places in Goa for couples are:
1. Butterfly Beach
2. Betul Beach
3. Harvalem Waterfalls
4. Charao Island
5. Grand Island
6. Aguada Fort
Are there any forts in Goa?
Yes, some of the forts in Goa are:
1. Aguada Fort
2. Chapora Fort
3. Corjuem Fort
4. Sinquerim Fort
5. Nanuz Fort
What are the best churches in Goa to visit?
The best churches to visit in Goa are:
1. Basilica of Bom Jesus
2. Se Cathedral
3. Church of St. Cajetan
4. Three Kings Chapel
5. Santa Cruz Church
What are the best shopping places in Goa?
Some of the best flea markets in Goa are:
1. Anjuna Market
2. Arpora Saturday Market
3. Mapusa Friday Market
4. Calangute Bazaar
5. Makies Night Market
What can one shop in Goa?
One can shop for the following things in Goa:
1. Cashew nuts
2. Spices
3. Handicrafts
4. Wooden furniture
5. Painted tiles
People Also Read:
Places To Visit In Bangalore In May Places To Visit In Chikmagalur In May Places To Visit In Mumbai In May
A budding entrepreneur, Raminder has completed his studies from Delhi and gradually developed interest in writing. His zeal and experience is what has made him a successful writer today.