Goa travel guide for women. A solo trip to Goa? I’m sure most of us have thought about it or even planned one at some point—the urge to leave the world behind and embark on a journey of self-discovery. Goa has, of course, always been at the top of the list for a solo trip, thanks to Bollywood.
So my trip to Goa with my sister was also long overdue, and what better time to plan it than for our birthday? My twin and I have gone on several vacations together, but always with family or friends. This was our chance to strengthen our bond, take a leap of faith, and embark on a sibling-only trip. I can proudly say that this Goa trip finally came to life. In this blog, I will share Goa travel guide for women, women-friendly hotels in Goa, safe nightlife spots in Goa, and other nitty-gritty. Although, I had company this information can hopefully help you plan your solo trip to Goa as well.
Goa travel guide: Itinerary for Women Travelers
Day 1
Mumbai to Dabolim Goa via flight
It was the long weekend of Independence Day, so all flights for the 14th of August were expensive. We chose a flight the day before, a Vistara flight to Dabolim. There are two airports in Goa: Dabolim Airport and the new Manohar International Airport at Mopa, in North Goa. Both airports are around 20 kilometres from North Goa, so it does not matter much where you land—just book a ticket that suits your budget. You can also choose to travel by train, but flying feels like a more convenient and safer option. For two tickets, it cost us around 8k. Needless to say, the Vistara flight was comfortable and luxurious.
From Dabolim Airport, we boarded the air-conditioned KTCL bus, which cost ₹200 per ticket, and alighted near Calangute Beach bus stop. Our resort was a 10-minute walk from there. This option was both safer and more economical compared to the taxis, which were quoting over ₹1,000 and frequently cancelling. A valuable travel tip for women in Goa is to opt for government-run buses available at the airport; they are more affordable and reliable than local taxi services like GoaMiles.
Check-in at Ibis style near Calangute
Ibis Styles Goa Calangute is the best place to stay in Goa for solo travellers. It is a budget-friendly resort with clean, albeit small, rooms. Located 15 minutes from Calangute Beach on foot, the pool-view rooms with balconies were cozy and comfortable. The resort also had a wonderful swimming pool to relax in, and the in-house restaurant served delicious food.
We hired a scooter right outside the resort and explored the beaches. The resort is a bit secluded from the main crowded areas, and walking down to Calangute Beach felt a little deserted. The best and safest way to explore Goa is by scooter, as it allows you to avoid relying on public transport. Plus, it’s affordable—we paid ₹450 to hire the scooter. Be sure to carry your driving license and photo identification, as they won’t issue a vehicle without proper documents.
Day 2
Goa travel guide: Best beaches in Goa for solo travelers
Visit to Calangute & Bagha beach
One of the best places for solo female travellers in Goa is Calangute Beach, mainly because it is always bustling with people, no matter the time of day. The beach is filled with photographers who take pictures on their devices and offer soft copies at exorbitant prices—so play smart and bargain hard.
A bonus is the huge market lining the beach, where we shopped till we dropped. However, a word of caution: avoid buying cashews from the shops here. They often show you good-quality ones but pack inferior ones instead. I, unfortunately, got duped. That said, this market is great for clothes, junk jewellery, hats, and other accessories.
From Calangute to Bagha, it takes hardly ten minutes on a scooter. Along the way, there are wonderful hotels and cafés to stop for a meal. We chose Jazz Bistro for a scrumptious meal, and the food was absolutely delicious.
At Bagha Beach, we got our hair braided and had temporary tattoos inked on our forearms. These services are available at every beach in Goa, so be sure to bargain and avoid falling for the first seller who approaches you. I found both Baga and Calangute Beach to be safe for women traveling in Goa.
As night fell, we were ready to explore Goa’s vibrant nightlife. If you ask me, Is Goa safe for women at night? I found it to be quite safe, as we visited several nightlife spots without any issues. In this Goa travel guide, I am sharing two places where we felt comfortable mingling, partying, and dancing. As a safety precaution, we made sure to dress modestly, wore jackets, and covered our faces while stepping out at night.
Goa travel guide: Best of Night life
The White Goa, Tito’s Ln, Calangute
Tito’s Lane is a hotspot for club hoppers in Goa, so my twin and I decided to explore the disco clubs there. We paid an entry fee of Rs. Five hundred for The White Goa, which was redeemable for drinks and food. The discotheque opens at 10 PM, but while waiting, we enjoyed free shots—a bonus! The music, vibe, service, and crowd were all great, and the food was delicious too. We had an amazing time at The White Goa, but what truly stole our hearts was Thalassa.
Day 3
Goa travel guide: Stay at Koko Maya Morjim, Goa
Tucked away in a tranquil corner of North Goa, Koko Maya offers a peaceful retreat amidst nature. Far from the bustling city, this resort provides a comfortable stay with all modern amenities. Located just eight hundred meters from Morjim Beach, it is a safe accommodation option in Goa for solo female travellers.
For the best deals, consider booking directly through their website: Koko Maya Morjim.
We opted for a package deal that included a stay along with a buffet breakfast and either lunch or dinner, depending on our choice. For two people, the cost was quite reasonable—around ₹6,000 per day.
Since the beaches were a bit far, with the closest being Morjim Beach, approximately a kilometer away, we rented a scooty right outside the resort. Though this resort was in a more secluded location compared to our stay at Ibis, it felt truly serene and refreshing. With our scooty, we could easily explore the beaches and nightlife, though reaching Thalassa from here took n over half an hour one way.
Morjim beach
Famed for its golden sands, Morjim Beach is best known for its laid-back Goan vibe. Unlike the crowded shores of Baga and Calangute, Morjim offers a peaceful escape, with some of the most breathtaking sunsets I have ever witnessed.
Popular among Russian tourists, Morjim is nicknamed “Little Russia.” The beach is lined with resorts, beach shacks, and yoga retreats, making it a great spot for relaxation. It is one of the safest beaches to explore until sunset. However, since it is less crowded, it is best to avoid visiting after dark.
Thalassa, Siolim, Goa
We celebrated our twin’s birthday here, making it one of our most cherished memories. If you are wondering about the entry fee for Thalassa, I would say it is free—at least for women. As two women, we were not charged any entry fee, though I am not sure about the charges for couples or stag entries.
Since it was our birthday, we could not have been happier! A safe travel tip for women in Goa is to reach this nightclub before sunset, as long queues start forming, especially on Friday and Saturday nights. We saved a lot of time by being at the front of the queue. Thalassa Goa opens early, around 7:30 PM, but due to the crowd, you might not get in until 9 PM. Arriving early is a smart move!
Even kids are allowed at this club, so if you are traveling with family, you can visit. The vibe of this place was absolutely out of this world! The performers, the host, and the music were incredibly lively and engaging.
However, as the night progressed and the crowd grew thicker, we had to wait quite a while for our food. One of the most unique traditions here is the plate-breaking ritual at the end of the performances. Guests are handed plates by the host, but they must be broken only at designated spots.
By 10 PM, the loud music stopped, and everyone was given headphones—much like the silent discos we see in movies. All in all, the atmosphere was chic and unforgettable!
Day 4
Return flight from MOPA to Mumbai
Goa’s second international airport, MOPA—officially known as Manohar International Airport—is located in North Goa. Newly inaugurated in 2023, it offers a livelier atmosphere, more modern amenities, and cool spots to explore compared to Dabolim Airport. It is also significantly larger.
Beware of Akasa Airways as they tend to get delayed. Ours was almost six hours late. The journey back to Mumbai from MOPA was filled with mixed emotions. Our first twin trip was coming to an end, but we had an unforgettable time and made countless memories.
I hope this blog on Goa travel guide will help you plan your solo trip to Goa or a women-only getaway. Ultimately, I believe every place is safe if we stay cautious and make smart choices. Staying sober also helps—never accept a drink from a stranger, whether at a club or on the beach.
Wishing you safe and happy travels!
