Goa, the coastal state in India is more than just sun, sand, and sea. Situated on the southwestern coast of the country, it’s a land steeped in history, culture, and culinary delights. While its pristine beaches, vibrant nightlife, and delectable seafood continue to draw visitors from around the globe, there’s a quieter, more authentic side to this coastal state. A side that unfolds within the walls of its traditional homes, offering an immersive experience for those seeking a deeper connection with Goa’s rich cultural heritage. Staying at one of the many charming homestays in Goa is one way to experience the traditional Goan lifestyle.
Get started by embracing the susegad vibe with our guide to the most beautiful places in Goa.
From cosy cottages to sprawling villas, homestays in Goa are often nestled amidst lush greenery or overlooking serene backwaters. Here, travellers get to savour delectable homemade Goan cuisine prepared with love by local hosts and experience the charm of heritage homes offering a glimpse into Goa’s rich history.
So, on your next vacation, go beyond the beaches and discover a different side of Goa. From the serene South to the vibrant North, book your stay at one of these incredible homestays in Goa for an unparalleled walk into the little-known intricacies of the Goan lifestyle.
Also, here’s all you need to know about the best time to visit Goa.
Book your stay at Goa’s best homestays for a cosy experience
The Secret Garden, Saligao
Dating back to 1864, this homestay is one of the largest and oldest ancestral properties in Saligao. It is the only homestay where the original family still lives, offering a cosy space for travellers within their house. The local Menezes family’s The Secret Garden is a carefully curated three-bedroom villa with both the cross from the original chapel and the Mae de Deus church in view.
The hosts and the house come along to offer you delectable homemade delicacies like homemade curd, home-baked bread, and homemade preserves and eggs cooked to order. Apart from this, enjoy a hearty breakfast consisting of juice, organic tea and coffee, seasonal fresh fruits, and more. The spacious home has a dining hall, a patio, a garden area, and a swimming pool, giving you abundant space to relax and rejuvenate.
Go for bicycle rides, scuba diving, kite surfing, and enjoy barbeque dinners on request.
- Address The Secret Garden Goa Estrelas e Sinos, 2/133 Pequeno Morod, Saligao, North Goa 403511
google map - Website The Secret Garden
- Phone +91 9552518664
- Check in 02:00 pm
- Check out 12:00 noon
- No. of persons 10-12
Casa Galgibaga, Canacona
Casa Galgibaga is a family-run homestay located a short walking distance from South Goa’s pristine Galgibaga beach (one of the cleanest in India). The two-bedroom villa lies between two rivers and a small hillock, making it a nature’s paradise.
With 70 years of history, the house has been redesigned, keeping the heritage pieces intact. It also stands out as one of the best pet-friendly homestays in Goa promising ample open and safe spaces for your furry friends.
The landscaped outdoor seating area, porch area, and lush greenery surrounding the house let you have a tranquil time in the lap of nature. You can also spot Olive Ridley turtles at Casa Galgibaga Beach during the turtle season from November to April.
- Address Galgibaga Beach, House no 605, Dando Road Next to St. Anthony Church, Canacona, South Goa 403702
google map - Website Casa Galgibaga
- Phone +91 9834787157
- Check in 02:00 pm
- Check out 10:00 am
- No. of persons 5
Olaulim Backyards
Built as a way to experience Goan life, Savio and Pirkko Fernandes have given a lot of thought to this space. It consists of five rustic cottages with different themes, such as Sunbird, Hornbill, Golden Oriole, and more. The poster beds, antique furniture, and eco-friendly design are perfect for unwinding in this quaint village.
Relish the freshly-grown fruits from the homestay’s organic garden. You also get to indulge in homemade delicacies like freshly baked Goan bread, homemade jams and preserves, and homemade Goan curry dishes.
The property has an azure pool where you can laze around or go fishing or kayaking in the neighbourhood creek. Bird watching, trekking, and cycling are some other fun activities you can enjoy while staying at this homestay in North Goa.
- Address Olaulim, North Goa, Goa 403523
google map - Website Olaulim Backyards
- Phone +91 9326017731
- Check in 01:00 pm
- Check out 11:00 am
- No. of persons 3-5
Lar Amorosa, Bardez
Go for maximum comfort along with authentic local experiences at one of the best luxury homestays in Goa. Lar Amorosa is a Portuguese villa with a rich colonial history and ancestral legacy dating to 1934. Designed with a blend of Goan and Portuguese architecture accentuated with antique, hand-carved furniture, this homestay offers executive rooms, deluxe rooms, and a cottage with a pool.
Crocodile trips, spice plantations, houseboat rides, wildlife sanctuary, and excursions to waterfalls and lakes are some of the exciting activities you can take part in when staying here. Some adventure sports to try here include scuba diving, snorkelling, banana rides, parasailing, and jet skiing.
- Address House no 68, Barros Vaddo, Sangolda, on Chogm Road, Bardez, Sangolda, North Goa 403511
google map - Website Lar Amorosa
- Phone +91 7888047029
- Check in 03:00 pm
- Check out 12:00 noon
- No. of persons 2-4
O Abrigo, Fontainhas, Panaji
If partying and local experience are on your mind, the O Abrigo, a heritage Portuguese mansion in the heart of Panaji, is the best place to stay in Goa. Within walking distance of this homestay are vibrant places such as Church Square Panaji and the Fontainhas, the Latin Quarter, and the Casino Pride Floating Casino.
The stay options available at O Abrigo include executive king rooms, deluxe king suites, double rooms, and a studio apartment. Head to the 1800s St Sebastian’s Chapel, Gallery Gitanjali, shop at the nearby boutiques and enjoy meals at the traditional Goan eateries and bakeries serving local fare.
- Address Pauline de Dias Road, Near Panjim In, Behind Gitanjili Art Gallery, Panaji, North Goa 403001
google map - Check in 12:00 noon
- Check out 10:30 am
- No. of persons 2-3
Capella Forest Retreat and Homestay, Parra
If a homestay with the facilities of a boutique hotel is on your wishlist, the Capella Forest Retreat is the perfect place for some R&R. The four-room house has a central courtyard with tropical plants, a fishpond, and a verandah with a swimming pool.
Experience life with a local family at this homestay perched atop a hill. Go for adventure activities and excursions like kayaking, rock climbing, sailing, trekking, Fontainhas walk, Friday night market, tapas trails, and heritage home tours in South Goa.
- Address 376/1, Bokachi Aradi, Parra, North Goa 403510
google map - Website Capella Forest Retreat and Homestay
- Phone +91 9923459488
- Check in 12:00 noon
- Check out 11:00 am
- No. of persons 2
Casa Fortuna, Dona Paula
Breathtaking Arabian Sea views welcome you to the Casa Fortuna. Located near the beach, this homestay offers a traditional cosy environment with modern amenities. Here, you’ll be spoilt with choices for homemade Goan dishes and live in the charming neighbourhood of Dona Paula.
The spacious rooms in the villa offer sweeping views of the sea, with Miramar Beach just a short walk away. The antique poster beds, carved pieces, and roomy balconies come together to make you feel at home in Goa. Take the Dona Paula jetty or indulge in water sports such as boating, parasailing, yachting, scuba diving, and windsurfing when here.
- Address Behind N.I.O. Science Center Guest house P. O. - N.I.O Aivao, Panaji, Goa 403004
google map - Website Casa Fortuna
- Check in 02:00 pm
- Check out 12:00 noon
- No. of persons 2
Casa Menezes, Bambolim
Experience the grandeur of Goa’s bygone era at Casa Menezes, a 300-year-old ancestral home nestled amidst lush paddy fields in Bambolim. The de Menezes family warmly welcomes guests into their heritage home, offering luxurious heritage suites adorned with original art, antique furniture, and modern amenities.
Nestled in the Batim village, the homestay is perched in a valley amidst the Pillar and Santa Ana hillocks, surrounded by tall coconut palm trees. Take a walk or cycle around in the charming village and explore the Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, the parish church, and go bird-watching at the Batim Lake. Other picturesque spots nearby include the miraculous St. Simon and Jude church in Maina, Santa Ana church, and the Siridao beach. Indulge in the culinary delights of Goa, savoring authentic Portuguese, Goan, and Indian dishes prepared with love and care.
- Address 304, Gaunkarvaddo, Batim, Tiswadi Ilhas Goa, PO, opposite 304 kitchen & tavern, Goa Velha, Panaji, North Goa 403108
google map - Website Casa Menezes
- Phone +91 9819223009
- Check in 02:00 pm
- Check out 12:00 noon
- No. of persons 2
Dudhsagar Plantation, Karmane Village
Nestled amidst the lush greenery of the Western Ghats, Dudhsagar Plantation offers a tranquil escape from the hustle of city life. This idyllic homestay, located near the majestic Dudhsagar Falls in Karmane Village, offers a farm-style stay in the midst of a tropical palm garden.
The 50-acre property comprises five cottages, a spice garden, nature trails with exotic plants, birds, and butterflies, and a natural swimming pool. What makes it one of the best homestays in South Goa is how it gives you an insight into the rural part of the state.
Some unique activities to enjoy here include spice tours, natural farming, visits to the in-house heritage distillery, birdwatching, excursions to nearby Indo-Portuguese heritage homes, and much more. Dudhsagar Falls, Tambdi Falls, and Tambdi Surla Temple (Goa’s oldest) are some of the must-visit attractions nearby.
- Address Karmane Village, Mollem, South Goa 403706
google map - Website Dudhsagar Plantation
- Phone +91 9765364456
- Check in 01:00 pm
- Check out 10:00 am
- No. of persons 2
Casa Susegad, Anjuna
For those seeking peaceful surroundings and privacy in Goa, this ancestral home must be your choice. At a reasonable price, it comes with several spaces for a small family to chill, such as a balcony, garden area, and a swimming pool.
Simple furniture decorates the one-bedroom house, which also features a kitchen. Vagtor and Anjuna are the popular beaches nearby.
- Address 1264, Anjuna Mapusa Rd, Bouta Waddo, Anjuna, Assagao, North Goa 403509
google map - Check in 03:00 pm
- Check out 11:00 am
- No. of persons 2-3
Also read | The Best Private Pool Villas In Breathtaking Goa
(Featured image credit: Lar Amorosa Goa)
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
We may earn an affiliate commission when you shop through links on our site.
Tariff of the properties mentioned are subject to change.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Most homestays in Goa are run by locals, giving you the opportunity to stay in heritage houses, savour authentic Goan food, and learn about the local traditions and culture.
Yes, homestays in Goa are generally safe. However, take safety precautions if you're staying in an offbeat part of the state.
Yes, homestays in Goa offer home-cooked authentic Goan food that is prepared by the local chefs or caretakers. This may include homemade jams, bread, seafood dishes, and more.
Saligao, Olaulim, Bardez, Panaji, Parra, and Assagao in North Goa and Mollem and Canacona in South Goa are some popular homestay areas in Goa.
Written By
Dinal Jain
An interior design graduate, Dinal is a writer by passion and profession. She is an avid traveller and ..Read More