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This article contains a list of the 13 best instagrammable places in Goa, India.
Goa is the ubiquitous choice of a beach destination for Indian and foreign tourists alike. While people still do love chilling on the beach, the Instagram loving millennials, as well as the gen x, are constantly on the lookout for instagrammable places in Goa where they can up their Instagram game. Not just that, lots of photographers coming to Goa seek some of the best photo-worthy spots in Goa. Whether you are a millennial, photographer or just someone who wants to visit some of the most Instagram worthy places in Goa, this is the only guide you need.
Instagrammable Places in Goa:
Without further ado, dive right into some of the best instagrammable spots in Goa. Visit my Instagram profile to see my Goa feed. Additionally, let me know what you think of these places in the comment section at the bottom of this blog post.
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1. Fontainhas - The Old Latin Quarters of Goa
Fontainhas is a colourful neighbourhood in Panaji city. In fact, it is the old Latin quarter where the Portuguese rulers were once settled. Once upon a time, Old Goa used to be the capital city of Goa. An epidemic drove the rules away from Old Goa and brought them to Panaji city. It's here in Fontainhas that an unplanned, colourful neighbourhood sprung up.
The Portuguese have left behind their legacy in the tiny lanes dotted with colourful houses and fascinating staircases. While it's possible to spend an entire day here, try to spare at least a couple of hours to explore this neighbourhood. Not only will you catch a glimpse of Portuguese architecture, but you will also change upon some great cafes and restaurants in this area. Its close proximity to Panaji city makes it the perfect destination for your next Instagram shoot!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BnbNCK9hhR0/
2. Our Lady of Piety Church, Divar Island
Divar Island is a sleepy little island tucked away in the Mandovi River. It is located roughly 5 km from the Panaji KTC bus stand. This island has been untouched by time and the people of this island have ensured that the organisation doesn't take away the charm of the island.
To reach Divar island, get on the road to Old Goa via Ribander. After 5 km you will come across a ferry terminal near the Gene Garden restaurant. From here, a leisurely ferry ride will take you to the island. Once you reach the island, walk or ride across the empty road overlooking the open fields and a solitary village. The church, in the picture above, is located on a hillock at the end of this village. From the church, you will get a clear view of the island, Old Goa and some of Panaji city. Divar Island is one of my all-time favourite offbeat places to visit in Goa. It's not one to be missed!
3. Sunaparanta Art Gallery
Sunaparanta Art Gallery is a part of the very famous Cafe Bodega, one of the best cafes in Panjim city. The cafe/ art gallery is located in a quaint Portuguese bungalow in the plush neighborhood of Altinho, Panaji. The decor of this place automatically takes you back a few years to a more peaceful time. There's an old-world charm about this art gallery. Whether it's the subtle floral decor, or the tranquil air of the neighborhood, Sunaparanta manages to exude a whole lot of charm. Moreover, it has a wonderful cafe where you can sit back, enjoy a delicious red velvet cake and spend the afternoon dreaming of the 80's.
Note that DSLR photography requires prior permission from the management. However, you're free to click pictures from your mobile, without any hindrance.
4. Purple Martini at Sunset Point, Anjuna
It should come as no surprise that Goa has an abundance of Instagram worthy cafes and restaurants. Whether you're looking for a bohemian vibe or an artsy place, whether you want to experience a Portuguese bungalow or a hip joint to hang out with friends, Goa has every kind of eatery. Purple Martini is one such restaurant that has many charms. Firstly, it's located in the ever-buzzing neighbourhood of Anjuna, that too right on the beach. Secondly, you get front row seats to the most epic sunsets in Goa whilst indulging in drinks and food. Make sure to snap some pictures of this gorgeous place for the gram.
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5. Eva Cafe, Anjuna
Eva cafe, located in Anjuna is the perfect blend of the Greek island Santorini with bohemia. Here, you can expect whitewashed walls, lace and burlap mats, dream catchers, seashells and views of the ocean. It's the perfect place to bring along a loved one, have the gentle winds tease you and watch the sun go down together. Naturally, it's also a cafe where you can get stunning pictures of the food as well as the ocean views. It's a must-visit instagrammable cafe in Goa!
Must Read: The Best Restaurants and Cafes in North Goa
6. Parra Road aka Dear Zindagi Road
There can't be an article on the most instagrammable places in Goa without mentioning Parra. This road shot to popularity after being featured in the Bollywood movie Dear Zindagi.
In order to reach here, just search for 'Parra chapel' or 'Dear Zindagi road' on google maps and you should be able to find it with ease. It's located quite close to the Anjuna neighbourhood. P.S. You can find more recommendations like this on my Instagram profile @thespicyjourney.
7. St Cajetan Church in Old Goa
Not only is St Cajetan Church one of the best instagrammable spots in Goa, but it is also one of the hidden gems in Goa. While it's located just a few meters from the Old Goa Church, it's hidden from plain sight and hence unknown to most people. If you're paying a visit to the Old Goa attractions, make sure to include this one in your list. Old Goa is just a short 20-minute drive away from Panjim city and thus can easily be covered in a half a day's trip.
8. Mangrove Boardwalk Panjim
The mangrove boardwalk is another gem in the capital city of Goa, which was created as a recreational space. It's located equidistant from the Panjim bus stand as well as the vibrant neighborhood of Fontainhas. Apart from being a soothing space to relax and walk around, it gives an insight into the world of mangroves, which is quite fascinating. Visit this place while making a trip to the top Panjim attractions.
9. Cabo de Rama Beach
Cabo de Rama beach, located in South Goa, is one of the most beautiful instagrammable spots in Goa. This beach, located 53 km South of the Goa International Airport is one of the best South Goa beaches. Apart from being a stunning, clean beach with clear blue water, the cliff overlooking the beach as well as the Cabo de Rama fort provide you with lot of things to do here.
There are two restaurants on the Cabo cliff, with The Cape being my favourite one. While you're here, you might also want to visit the nearby Agonda and Palolem beaches.
10. Art Resort Palolem
https://www.instagram.com/p/B6IZuScje75/
Art Resort or Art Prive is a striking resort located right on Palolem beach in South Goa. While the spacious rooms overlooking the ocean are inviting enough, it's the cafe that seals the deal for me. The cafe has two sections - an open-air seating, shown in the picture above and a seating area with a roof over it. The second seating area is just as appealing as the outdoor one - complete with a wall full of exquisite art work and a breezy table setting. Not to mention that Palolem is one of the most happening places in South Goa. This cafe is a must-visit for any Instagram buff!
11. Vagator Hilltop
Vagator is one of the best and most popular beaches in North Goa. The Vagator area is home to some of the best restaurants, cafes, nightlife and scenery. Some of the popular attractions in Vagator are the Vagator beach, the hilltop view and Chapora Fort (which was made famous by the Bollywood movie Dil Chahta Hai). Make sure to watch the sunset from any of these spots overlooking the ocean! Walk around the Vagator cliff to find some interesting angles in one of the most instagrammable places in Goa.
12. Reis Magos Fort
Standing proudly on the bank of the Mandovi river, Reis Magos Fort is a 16th-century fort facing Panaji city. While the fort itself isn't as big in size as you would expect it to be, it has a unique layout which is perfectly captured in photographs. Spiral stairways, stone pathways and little wooden balconies will make the perfect props for your pictures! Moreover, you will get unobstructed views of the expansive ocean and the Panaji city from the top of the fort. My favourite spot at Reis Magos Fort was the spiral staircase at the corner of two walls blanketed with greenery. The fort is located 18 km from Panaji bus stand, on the opposite bank of the Mandovi river.
13. Chandor
Chandor is a quaint town located 18 from Margao city in South Goa. This ancient city still has a laid-back old world charm to it. The best part about Chandor, though, is the Braganza House. This mansion was built by a wealthy merchant which is now open to visitors, thanks to the family who owns and runs this house. The grand ballroom (pictured above) is one of the most instagrammable places in Goa.
Visit Chandor not only for the Instagram-worthy places but also to learn more about the history of this place.
14. Sweet Water Lake
While Arambol beach is the most unique and beautiful beach in Goa, the sweet water lake at Arambol just cannot be overlooked. Not only is the lake super picturesque and peaceful, it is also one of the most photo-worthy spots in North Goa. If you come here early in the morning like I did, you will find it completely empty and you'll be able to take many cool pictures for Instagram here.
15. Offbeat Viewpoint
If you're active on Instagram, your feed must be blowing up with such unique offbeat spots in Goa. Despite living in Goa for over 13 years, I only came to know about these places in my 13th year here. This particular spot that you see in the photo above is one of the most offbeat instagrammable places in Goa. Just like most Goa-based bloggers, I am hesitant to disclose the location of this spot. This is due to the fact that once it becomes popular, people will spoil its beauty and tranquility.
But if you're still adamant about finding this place, drop me a message on my Instagram handle (@thespicyjourney) and I'll get back to you!
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Loving all the colors of Goa. Thanks for sharing xo 🙂
I have been wanting to go to Goa for years!!!!! It looks so cool and I love the cast-iron staircase!
Oh yes, it’s located in a lovely fort with lots of greenery and flowers!
I love the colors in the post and so many worth visiting places in Goa..i heard about Fontainhas only but you have list of so many other places too..such awesome post
I’m glad you discovered some new places through this article 🙂
Really enjoyed looking at your photographs. The colours of Goa are wonderful. Thanks for sharing 🙂
I loved visiting Reis Magos fort and i totally agree that it is instagrammable! I am adding rest of the places to visit when i come there again 🙂
Goa looks amazing! It’s not somewhere I had previously thought about visiting, but after seeing the beautiful photos and colours it makes me want to plan a trip!
I’m thrilled to know that Sara! Goa has a lot to offer to people of varied interests 🙂
I am obsessed with that staircase! Everything looks amazing though! I would love to visit India one day, I have heard so many good things about it 🙂
That’s right. India is a wonderful place with something for everyone. I hope you visit my country soon 🙂
Lovely place and photos. My parents will be visiting Goa next year, and even though they don’t use Instagram I think they will love it!
That’s lovely! I hope they have a great time 🙂
I just love Goa! Have visited twice, but still there are so many places unexplored. Your pictures are looking so beautiful and makes me to plan a trip again 🙂
That’s great Anjali. Goa is always a good idea!
You have some great and photo-worthy spots on this list. Looks great and I’ll keep in mind if I make it out to India. It’s nice to get a taste of what the city has to offer for photo buffs.
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Hi, soujanya nice post
I was huge like goa I love this place.
You are blog is amazing.
Wow those are beautiful places..I haven’t been some of them yet. Hope to visit during my next trip
Loving all the colourful and tropical places in Goa! Your post has inspired me to visit it when it’s safe to travel again 🙂
Cabo de rama beach looks incredible, I would have guessed europe not india for that shot! beautiful