Top 10 Scenic Drives in Goa You Can Enjoy by Car
-
Posted by Dogo Alasa Filed in Business #car rental #Goa airport #Goa self drive car #Goa self drive car rental #self drive car rental #self drive cars 11 views
Goa is not just about beaches, parties, or Portuguese-era churches. It’s also about the joy of the open road — palm-lined highways, winding village lanes, coastal curves where the Arabian Sea peeks through, and forest roads that suddenly open up to breathtaking viewpoints. To truly experience this side of Goa, nothing beats exploring it on four wheels at your own pace.
Whether you pick up a car rental at Goa airport or book a Goa self drive car rental for your entire trip, having your own car transforms your vacation into a series of unforgettable journeys. No rushing, no fixed schedules — just you, your playlist, and Goa unfolding outside your window.
Here are the Top 10 Scenic Drives in Goa that every traveler should experience at least once.
Panaji to Dona Paula – A Classic Coastal Stretch
This short yet beautiful drive is perfect for easing into Goa. Starting from Panaji, the capital city, the road gently hugs the Mandovi River and the sea beyond. Lush greenery, colonial-style homes, and glimpses of the river meeting the ocean make this route calm and romantic.
Early mornings are especially magical, with soft sunlight reflecting on the water. If you’ve opted for a car rental at Goa airport, this drive is a great way to begin your journey without going too far.
Why it’s special:
-
Peaceful coastal views
-
Iconic Dona Paula viewpoint at the end
-
Ideal for a relaxed sunset drive
Candolim to Sinquerim – Fort, Sea, and Serenity
This drive combines everything people love about North Goa — beaches, history, and wide roads. Starting from Candolim, the route runs parallel to the shoreline, passing luxury resorts, beach shacks, and open sea views.
As you approach Sinquerim, the famous Aguada Fort stands proudly, offering panoramic views of the coastline. Parking nearby and walking up to the fort is worth every minute.
With a Goa self drive car rental, you can stop wherever you like — something taxis rarely allow.
Why it’s special:
-
Smooth roads
-
Ocean breeze throughout the drive
-
Perfect mix of nature and heritage
Anjuna to Vagator – Goa’s Most Photographed Drive
Few drives in Goa feel as cinematic as the stretch between Anjuna and Vagator. Narrow roads, coconut trees arching overhead, and sudden openings to cliffs overlooking the sea create a dramatic landscape.
This drive is especially popular with couples and photographers. Vagator’s red cliffs and Chapora Fort at the end make it even more memorable.
Why it’s special:
-
Stunning cliffside views
-
Iconic Chapora Fort access
-
Best enjoyed during golden hour
Mapusa to Morjim – From Market Town to Calm Shores
This route takes you from the busy heart of North Goa into one of its most peaceful beach areas. Leaving Mapusa’s hustle behind, the road passes through sleepy villages, green fields, and small bridges before opening up to Morjim’s wide, quiet beaches.
If you’re traveling with family or want a break from crowded beaches, this drive feels refreshing.
Having a Goa self drive car rental allows you to explore Morjim, Ashwem, and Mandrem easily without depending on local transport.
Why it’s special:
-
Village life views
-
Calm, uncrowded beaches
-
Great for slow, mindful travel
Old Goa to Divar Island – A Drive with a Ferry Twist
This is not just a drive — it’s an experience. From Old Goa, you drive up to the ferry point that takes vehicles across the Mandovi River to Divar Island. The short ferry ride adds a nostalgic charm, almost like stepping back in time.
Once on Divar Island, the roads are narrow, peaceful, and surrounded by old Portuguese houses, churches, and lush greenery.
Most tourists skip this route, which makes it even more special.
Why it’s special:
-
Unique ferry drive experience
-
Quiet island roads
-
Authentic Goan atmosphere
Margao to Colva – South Goa’s Easy Coastal Ride
South Goa is known for its calm vibe, and this drive perfectly reflects that. The road from Margao to Colva is smooth, scenic, and lined with coconut groves and small local shops.
Colva Beach, with its long stretch of white sand, is ideal for families and couples looking for a relaxed beach day.
If you’ve booked a car rental at Goa airport and are staying in South Goa, this route will quickly become one of your favorites.
Why it’s special:
-
Clean, wide roads
-
Less traffic compared to North Goa
-
Ideal for relaxed drives
Colva to Benaulim to Varca – The Golden Triangle of South Goa
Instead of heading back the same way, extend your drive from Colva to Benaulim and Varca. This coastal triangle offers one peaceful beach after another, connected by quiet roads shaded by palm trees.
The drive feels almost meditative, especially in the afternoon when the beaches are calm and the sunlight filters through coconut leaves.
Why it’s special:
-
Multiple beach stops
-
Minimal crowds
-
Great for long, unhurried drives
Quepem to Netravali – Into Goa’s Green Heart
This drive takes you away from the coast and into Goa’s forested interior. Starting from Quepem, the road winds through dense greenery, hills, and small tribal villages before reaching Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary.
You’ll pass waterfalls, spice plantations, and untouched landscapes that show a completely different side of Goa.
A Goa self drive car rental is essential here, as public transport is limited.
Why it’s special:
-
Lush forest scenery
-
Waterfalls during monsoon
-
A break from beach routes
Canacona to Cabo de Rama – Rugged and Raw Beauty
This lesser-known drive is for travelers who love raw landscapes. Starting near Canacona, the road leads you through forested stretches and open plateaus to Cabo de Rama Fort.
The fort sits on a cliff overlooking the sea, offering dramatic views and a sense of solitude that’s rare in Goa.
This drive feels adventurous, especially if you enjoy offbeat routes.
Why it’s special:
-
Dramatic coastal cliffs
-
Less tourist traffic
-
One of Goa’s most underrated viewpoints
Vasco da Gama to Bogmalo – A Perfect Airport Escape Route
If you’re picking up a car rental at Goa airport, this drive is a must. Just a short distance from Dabolim Airport, the road to Bogmalo Beach offers stunning sea views, winding turns, and a quick escape from airport crowds.
It’s ideal for your first or last day in Goa — short, scenic, and satisfying.
Why it’s special:
-
Close to the airport
-
Sea views from elevated roads
-
Ideal for short scenic drives
Why Exploring Goa by Car Makes All the Difference
Goa’s beauty lies in its freedom — freedom to stop at a roadside coconut stall, take a detour into a village, or wait at a viewpoint just a little longer. None of this is possible when you’re tied to fixed taxi routes or public transport schedules.
Choosing a Goa self drive car rental gives you control, comfort, and flexibility. And with easy car rental at Goa airport, you can start exploring the moment you land.
Benefits of driving yourself in Goa:
-
Explore hidden routes and scenic backroads
-
Travel comfortably with family or friends
-
Save time compared to waiting for taxis
-
Enjoy privacy and flexibility
Final Thoughts
Goa is a destination best experienced slowly — not rushed from one hotspot to another, but absorbed mile by mile. Its scenic drives tell stories of coastal life, forest traditions, colonial history, and simple village charm. With the right car, an open schedule, and a curious heart, these ten scenic drives can turn your Goan vacation into a journey you’ll remember long after the sand has washed off your shoes.
-