A tour around the beaches of Goa

From night parties by the sea and hippie culture, to immersion in nature. Here's an itinerary to discover the smallest state in India in all its relaxed beauty

Duration: 3 days of total relaxation

Itinerary: a return trip from Velha Goha, with stops in New Delhi and Morjim, about 105 kilometres

Equipment: swimsuit, sunscreen, flip flops and everything you need to party until late at night

Goa has always been the land of hippies and people who like to live at a slow pace, amid the noise of the waves and a calm heart rhythm. A haven of relaxation tucked into Western India. Forget the passing of the time, fill up your Vespa and head out to discover the smallest State in India, from city to city, and beach to beach.

If you can choose the time of the year to hit the road, it would be, without any doubt, between November and April, when the temperature is milder and rainfall less frequent. Start from Old Goa, also called Velha Goa, once the capital of Portuguese India, a city with a picturesque colonial architecture that is worth visiting. Turn on your Vespa and head towards the North: the first stop will be Baga Beach, the most refreshing and spirited beach in the whole area.

If you are interested in nightlife, partying by the sea and cheap, tasty seafood restaurants, this is the place for you. The beach is always crowded and music is played at any time of the day, making it the perfect place to party. Near the beach, you will find accommodation at all price ranges, from simple guesthouses to luxury resorts. Choose where to rest and spend a few hours having fun under the sun. You deserve it.

After dinner, attempt a little trip to Calangute, just a few kilometres away, once among the preferred location by Goa's wealthy class and now a famous tourist destination. This beach is undoubtedly the closest thing to Ibiza throughout India: clubs and bars close at 4am and fun is guaranteed. Go on and party!

The next day, indulge in the spirit of the 70's and continue to Anjuna Beach, the most famous hippie beach in Goa. This part of the coast boasting golden sand and blue sea has become a landmark for backpackers, and hosts the historic Anjuna flea market. It is said that this market was born with the arrival of famous "8 Finger Eddie", perhaps the most famous hippie ever, who gave up everything to move to Goa in the early 60's, founding India’s most popular hippie scene. The Wednesday market is a real institution, so try to get there on that day. Otherwise, enjoy half a day on the beach in a relaxed atmosphere, like true hippies.

After lunch, continue North, and park your Vespa near the quiet Morjim Beach, one of the most hidden beaches of North Goa. This is a great place for spotting birds and turtles: it is located on the estuary of the Chapora River and it is a nesting area for rare and endangered species. For this reason, parties and loud music are strictly forbidden. Spend a night of relaxation in Morjim and enjoy one of the most famous local specialties for dinner: the super spicy Vindaloo, a dish born from the combination of Indian and Portuguese culture, made of pork marinated in wine vinegar and garlic, spices and chili. Try it at Iaxmi Restaurant.

The next day, after breakfast, continue to the peaceful Mandrem Beach, a small golden sand oasis lined with palm trees. Relax, participate in some yoga classes and enjoy a smoothie by the sea. Finally, get on your Vespa and return to Velha Goa.