If you’re staying there for a week or so, it’s best you stay in the north, in Panjim, Calangute, or Baga Beach areas. In the south, Colva Beach area has the best options.
Things you must do include:
1. A sunset walk
2. Explore Fontainha, the old Portuguese quarter of Panjim
3. Visit Old Goa's churches, including the one that houses St. Francis Xavier's body
4. Scuba diving in Bogmalo Beach
5. The Ancestral Home in Lutonim
6. Visit the Flea market on Wednesdays at Anjuna Beach
7. The heritage house of Menezes Braganza at Chandor
8. Soak in the sun at Cavalssim Beach
9. Ride a two-wheeler in the moonlight on any of the beaches!
Quick Tips:
Panjim is a better town to stay at, as it’s well connected to every part of Goa.
The 'regular' tourist packages and tours are OK to get a quick, brief and varied look at what’s available. It’s worth spending 5 days in all. Three for visiting your chosen spots. One morning to get over the hangover after a 'good' taste of the local Feni. Avoid the cashew-nut variety - it stinks too much and for too long! The coconut variety is better!!
Best Way To Get Around:
Travel in sun-baked Goa is best done in the morning or after 4pm. Travel on hired two-wheelers is fast, economical, and avoids the need for a driver-chaperon. I prefer to drive down from Bangalore, even though it takes 11 hours door-to-door. The local taxis are available, but I recommend you bargain the price for your entire trip and pay just 25% as advance and the balance at the end of the trip.