Arpora Holidays

Arpora's one of northern Goa's most secluded spots. It's also one of the last remaining areas largely untouched by the tourism trail. Expect an eclectic mix of old and new, with plush hotels and modern restaurants as well as backstreet rickshaws, paddy fields and palm groves.

Welcome to one of the biggest weekend markets in the country. Colourful clothes, fragrant spices and sizzling food are the hallmarks of Mackies' Saturday Night Bazaar. Haggle for incense, chow down with the locals and watch the performers on stage – there's no better way to soak up the buzzing atmosphere.

It's a 20-minute walk to lively Calangute Beach, where food shacks, bars and watersports wait to thrill locals and tourists alike. For something more laidback, take a 15-minute taxi to Chapora Beach – a prime spot to watch the sun go down.

Baga's just a 15-minute stroll away and remains one of Goa's favourite hangouts. Be sure to check out the Shri Shantadurga Temple while you're there, as well as Casa Braganza, an 18th-century palace. After hours, stop by Tito's Lane for bar-hopping and cosy late-night clubs.