Goa isn’t a place that you can fully explore in one trip – it’s a vibrant state full of unique traditions, bustling cities, and laidback coastal towns and villages. While you might be familiar with the more popular Goa destinations like Anjuna, Calangute, Panjim, Vagator, etc, Goa has plenty of offbeat places that many travelers skip or miss out on.
So, here’s the team unstumbled shedding some light on the best offbeat places in Goa. Pack your bags and take down notes – it’s time to explore the less-explored!
Top 12 Best Offbeat Places In Goa That Are A Must Visit In 2025
1. Galgibaga Beach
Imagine walking on an often secluded beach, with white sand kissing your feet and the spectacular sunset calming you down from within!
This experience is best felt at the Galgibaga Beach located off the Manohar Parrikar Canacona Bypass in South Goa. The beach is also a nesting site for Olive Ridley turtles, making it even more special for exploration.
The view of the Galgibag River meeting the Arabian Sea is a sight to behold – it almost feels like you’ve stepped foot on a spectacular peninsula!
However, make sure that you keep the beach clean and do not interrupt the local wildlife.
Nearest airport: Dabolim International Airport – GOI (67 km)
2. Divar Island
Step foot into Goa’s lesser-known piece of history and heritage by visiting Divar Island. A short jetty ride from Old Goa will take you to this island that’s only mostly frequented by the locals and a few curious tourists.
However, the island is a gem if you’re looking to explore offbeat places in Goa. Emerald green rice fields, quaint clusters of homes, and friendly locals make the experience even more worth it.
Visit the church on this island and explore it on a bicycle at your own pace. Divar Island is the one offbeat destination that we can’t recommend enough!
Nearest airport: Both GOI and Mopa International Airport (GOX) are almost situated at a similar distance from Divar Island, i.e. ~35 km.
3. Butterfly Beach
While Palolem is considerably popular among tourists, at least those exploring South Goa, Butterfly Beach in its close proximity isn’t as popular yet.
The beach has got nothing to do with butterflies but has everything to do with pristine sea views that will even give beaches of the Caribbean a run for their money!
Views from the big and small rocks and cliffs surrounding Butterfly Beach are truly spectacular especially during the sunset. So, if you’re a sucker for sunsets just as much as we are, Butterfly Beach is the perfect offbeat location for you!
Nearest airport: 61 (km)
4. Mandrem
Goa has a plethora of beach towns so you might be thinking what makes the beach town of Mandrem so special? Well, to begin with, the beach town is a silent retreat in the mostly bustling beach towns of Goa.
It is way less commercialized than your usual Baga, Vagator, or Calangute. Plus, the town has a laidback, ‘susegad’ vibe that the Goans swear by!
Mandrem is perfect to soak in the sun, enjoy great sunset views, and relax with your pals. Oh, and if you’re in for some mental peace (who isn’t?), there are ample yoga and meditation workshops here. Highly recommend enrolling in one of the workshops here!
Nearest airport: GOX (29 km)
5. Chorao Island
Goa offers a vast canvas for exploring rare wildlife that you wouldn’t normally see in other parts of the country. The Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary offers one such canvas for nature enthusiasts and it is here that Chorao Island is located.
This small island inside the sanctuary is best for bid-watching, short nature trails, and boating in the Mandovi River. You can also go on a small uphill climb and visit the Nossa Senhora de Ajuda Church on Chorao Island.
We assure you that the views of the mighty Mandovi from this hillpoint will be worth the climb!
Nearest airport: Both GOI and GOX are situated at a similar distance from Chorao Island, i.e. ~35 km.
6. Corjuem Fort
If you’re a solo female traveler, we especially recommend that you visit the Corjuem Fort in North Goa. It has an interesting legend associated with it – that of a Portuguese lady named Ursula e Lancastre.
At a time when women weren’t allowed to escape into the ‘outside world’ freely, Ursula dressed up in men’s clothes and set out on her own travel adventures.
It is here at the Corjuem Fort that she was caught! Even though she was unfortunately caught according to the legend, her story is nothing short of inspirational for travelers, especially solo female travelers!
Also, if you’re visiting this offbeat place in Goa, the best time to do so is in the monsoon months. This is when the walls of the fort don a lush green layer of newly-sprouted grass. The atmosphere here during the rains is truly magical!
Nearest airport: GOX (27 km)
7. Mayem Lake
If you’re in for a lovely laidback picnic day, Mayem Lake is the perfect destination, located just east of Mapusa. The freshwater lake is well-known among locals but it is not as popular among tourists.
The lake offers paddle boating and stunning views of the small hills surrounding it. You can also spend time exploring the woods around Mayem Lake and enjoy a fun picnic.
There is also a cafeteria and small food stalls where you can grab delicious bites and soft drinks to enjoy on your picnic date!
Nearest airport: GOX (28 km)
8. Bambolim Beach
This beach town is located close to the more tourist-y areas of Dona Paula and Panjim City, but it itself isn’t much frequented by tourists.
Bambolim is where you must be, especially during the monsoons, for the land transforms into a lush green haven overlooking the Arabian Sea.
The part of Goa where Bambolim Beach is located is the one where you can experience Goa’s local life at its finest. Quaint local eateries, limited homestays and hotels, and secluded beaches where the sunset views feel like they’re just for you – Bambolim is the perfect place for a ‘susegad’ experience!
Nearest airport: GOI (25 km)
9. Safa Masjid, Ponda
Ponda is already quite less explored, and the Safa Masjid in this town is even less popular among tourists. Built by Bijapuri ruler Ibrahim Adil Shah I in 1560, the mosque was damaged during the Portuguese occupation but later restored to its original structure.
Today, the yellow facade of the mosque stands out on the lush greenscapes of Ponda and also boasts of a small artificial reservoir and a garden. Highly recommend exploring Ponda and visiting the Safa Masjid.
Nearest airport: GOI (33 km)
10. Arambol
You might be scratching your head seeing Arambol in the list of offbeat places to visit in Goa, but let us clarify! While the town isn’t the most offbeat place here, it is not exactly a popular or well-explored destination either.
The beach town is full of hotels, hostels, and homestays that make it the perfect alternative to more crowded places like Baga and Calangute.
Moreover, we’d recommend strolling through the beach town, exploring the Arambol Rocks, and going cafe-hopping here. It might not fit the popular definition of ‘offbeat’ but it certainly deserves more spotlight, which is why we’ve included it in our list!
Nearest airport: GOX (28 km)
11. Heart-Shaped Lake, Chicolna
Located quite close to the Dabolim International Airport is the small beachfront town of Chicolna. While the town is a great offbeat destination to stay near the airport, what makes the town so special is the heart-shaped lake situated here.
The lake, situated on a small hill offshoot, is located right across the sea, meaning you’ll be guaranteed spectacular views of the lake as well as the expansive sea. A great spot for a romantic sunset, the heart-shaped lake is a must-visit offbeat destination in Goa.
Nearest airport: GOI (6 km)
12. Nuem Beach
Finding this secluded beach might be a little difficult, thanks to its offbeat location, but trust us, the efforts are totally worth it!
Nuem Beach, located near the more popular Cabo De Rama Beach is often missed out by tourists, but that is what adds to the ‘offbeat’ vibe of this beach.
Turquoise waters, undisturbed sands, and big and small cave inlets make this beach look straight out of some tropical paradise!
Stroll along the beach, go swimming, or explore the small rock cave inlets here – Nuem is one of the best offbeat places in South Goa that we secretly hope remains offbeat for the sake of its pristine beauty!
Nearest airport: GOI (47 km)
You May Also Like: Goa Launches First Ro-Ro Ferry On Mandovi, Here Are All The Deets
Summing Up
Did you take a note of these offbeat places in Goa?
From North Goa’s Mandrem to South Goa’s Nuem, these destinations are a refreshing break from the usual tourist destinations in Goa.
Which one of these twelve are you planning to include in your next Goa trip?
