A fascinating crossroads between India and Portugal, there’s nowhere in the world quite like Goa. India’s smallest state and perhaps its most famous, Goa boasts a string of golden sand beaches which offer everything you’d want from a sea side holiday.
Some are awesome for sunbathing and snorkeling, others for yoga, and a select few for all-night parties! Throw in delicious seafood, and some cool colonial sites, and you’ve got plenty of ingredients for a great holiday.
Another great thing about Goa is the cost of travel there. Accommodation doesn’t cost the earth, so rather than slumming it in a hostel or a budget hotel, why not treat yourself to an Airbnb in Goa? Whether you want to stay with a local family and get to know the area’s culture, or perhaps splurge a bit and get a whole villa, there are some awesome rentals in Goa!
The only downside is – there are a lot of properties here, so it might take you a while to find the perfect one for you. We’ve decided to help you out though – here’s our list of the best Airbnbs in Goa.
We’ve found a wide range to suit different budgets and travel styles, so let’s get into them
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Quick Answer: The Top 4 Airbnbs in Goa
Casa Branca Anjuna Cottage
- > $$
- > 3 guests
- > Portuguese villa
- > Spacious terrace
To Beach or Not To Beach
- > $
- > 2 Guests
- > Air-conditioning
- > Great name!
Stunning Sea View Apartment
- > $$$$
- > 7 guests
- > The most spectacular view
- > Luxury dream penthouse
Woodstone Camelot Home
- > $$
- > 3 Guests
- > Laptop friendly workspace
- > Pool access
What to Expect from Airbnbs in Goa
Goa is an integral stop on most India backpacking itineraries. Accommodation in Goa is varied. There’s something for every traveler, from backpackers to families and even rich businessmen.
Goa is becoming more popular every year! The best accommodation options are found on Airbnb. But since there are so many choices, we thought we should give you a list of what Airbnb options you’ll find in Goa and what you can expect from each of them.
Hostels are the go-to of every backpacker and, you’ll find hostels in Goa as well. Most of them offer shared dorms, with a comfy bed, a space to store your luggage, and, if you’re lucky, even an included breakfast. They’re mostly located in the central area, close to some of the best Goa nightlife options and, in this case, the beach!
A bit more expensive than the hostel option, but definitely worth the money, entire places in Goa are a great option for groups, families, or travelers that enjoy a bit of privacy. You’ll find private apartments or houses mostly in the central area, which is convenient for most Goa itineraries. They normally offer anything from one to three bedrooms, so you can bring some friends along too.
Goa can be expensive, but sometimes a little luxury is worth the price, especially for a special event!
You will find villas mainly around the coastline. This type of accommodation is definitely one of the more expensive ones, but if you’re traveling with your friends, you can split the bill at the end, and it becomes much more affordable.
The 10 Best Airbnbs in Goa
The perfect Goa Airbnb for your trip is out there, now it’s time to find it:
Casa Branca Anjuna Cottage | Overall Best Value Airbnb in Goa
This lush cottage is the best Airbnb in Goa for a few reasons: it’s only minutes away from Goa’s top attractions, it’s filled with greenery and it’s budget-friendly! The Portuguese-style cottage has an old world charm, and it’s within walking distance from the beach.
Despite being so close to one of Goa’s most famous stretches of sand, Casa Branca is private and located in a peaceful neighborhood. Air conditioning and wifi are both givens, and a fully-functional kitchen means you won’t have to ignore any late-night food cravings!
The spacious rooms and artsy decor make this one of the best Goan villas in the entire state. Very rarely can you find an Airbnb so close to all the action, yet so serene at the very same time.
To Beach or Not To Beach | Best Budget Airbnb in Goa
This question in this imaginatively named property only has one answer: “to beach!” After all, you are only 50 meters away from Calangute Beach in one of the coolest Goa homestays. This one is a little unusual as it’s not a private room in a flat or a house, but a private hut!
While India’s cost of living is generally cheap for foreigners, Goa can get expensive quick. But this affordable Airbnb actually comes out to a budget-friendly price.
That might sound like somewhere without any luxuries and mod cons, but here, the master bedroom has a king bed, a refrigerator, air conditioning, a spacious terrace, and a TV. However, no one could blame you if you don’t use them that much. Not with that stretch of golden sand outside!
We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.
Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
View on Osprey View on REIStunning Sea View Apartment | Over-the-Top Luxury Airbnb in Goa
Once you book this place, you might never want to leave! Accommodating up to 7 people at a time, this luxurious Goan Airbnb features a total of three spacious balconies, a swimming pool with a sea view, and all the modern amenities you could want or need.
Located on a small cliff, you’ll have an unrestricted view of the Arabian Sea. The tastefully furnished apartment features two master bedrooms and three bathrooms, along with a fully stocked kitchen with all the amenities! It is more expensive than other Airbnbs in Goa, however, the value you get for your money is hard to beat.
Psst…
Woodstone Camelot Home | Perfect Short Term Airbnb in Goa for Digital Nomads
This incredible Goa Airbnb is a digital nomad’s dream! The spacious rooms have an artistic touch and high-speed internet ensures a satisfying nomad experience.
The sunny living space is the perfect place to settle in for a work sesh, and a small kitchen and refrigerator are available for any snacking needs.
My favorite part about this North Goa Airbnb is it has nearby pool access, PLUS it’s within walking distance from all of the state’s most popular beaches. All for a very affordable price at that!
Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.
It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)
Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Airbnbs in Goa
Here are a few more of my favorite Airbnbs in Goa!
Cozy Apartment Near Baga Beach | Best Airbnb in Goa for Nightlife
There are lots of great apartments in Calangute, the coolest nightspot in Goa. However, if you’re going to party hard, you want to come back to somewhere where you can rest well and recuperate from that hangover the following day.
So, not only is this trendy Goa Airbnb close to all of the bars and clubs in Calangute, but it’ll help you become human again once the party’s over.
The air conditioning will distract you from the humidity that only magnifies after several pints or buckets, and the outdoor patio is ideal for relaxing.
Papaya Apartment | Best Short-Term Rental for Couples
Romance is in the air at this awesome Goa Airbnb. Just steps away from the Baga & Calangute beaches, and with a peaceful and tranquil garden, this is a special and memorable place to stay with your other half. And it won’t break the bank!
The bedroom boasts a double bed with a thick mattress (a true rarity in India), as well as a lovely and spacious terrace for chilling. Another place where you can make the most of your privacy together is on the front porch, where there’s a seating area just for you.
It’s a place where you can really make the most of each other’s company amongst the swaying palm trees and forget about the rest of the world!
Beautiful Abstract Suite | Most Unique Airbnb in Goa
This absolutely stunning Airbnb Plus is one of the most unique homes found in Goa. Spacious, flooded with natural light and massive windows, you’ll feel welcome as soon as you step into this place.
Amazing quality, great amenities, and a beautiful nterior design that will make your stay feel timeless are what you can expect when booking this Airbnb.
The suite accommodates up to three people, perfect for couples or friends that travel together.
Boa Vista Homestay | Best Homestay in Goa
There are so many reasons for sacking off traditional Goa hostels and hotels and staying with a local family. To make new friends, get to know more of the area, and just get an insight into the local culture. All of these things are possible at Boa Vista – the best homestay in Goa.
This home away from home is fully furnished and offers a double bed. It’s great if you’re on a budget too, and nowhere will offer you an experience quite like it for the price! Head out onto your private verandah and sip a drink with a view of Candolim Beach. Bliss!
Sea-Facing Apartment | Best Airbnb in Goa for Families
This spacious Goan apartment is the perfect choice for families looking to enjoy India’s most famous seaside. The spacious rooms have copious amounts of natural light, and the balcony view simply could not be any better.
The 2 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom apartment will give you access to a stunning pool, and the home itself has all the amenities you could wish for. Thanks to the awesome hosts, free breakfast items are provided, and communication is rated by former guests as fantastic.
What else makes it perfect for families or couples looking for a peaceful getaway is the fact that its located in a quiet and quaint village. Far away from the trance parties and noise of more popular Goan destinations, you’ll be close to Dona Paula and not too far from Panaji.
Dream Penthouse With Private Plunge Pool | Best Airbnb in Goa for a Group of Friends
The great thing about traveling with a group of friends is that you can split the costs of an Airbnb. And in Goa, you can get a luxury penthouse with a gorgeous plunge pool all to yourselves without splashing out too much. Take a dip in the said plunge pool and enjoy views of the Nerul River and the Candolim Church.
The highlight though is the backyard – which is also a bird sanctuary! There’s a kitchen for preparing a group meal together, and a big TV that you can eat it in front of!
Airbnb Experiences
Do you fancy a day trip to go with that nice little apartment?!
Airbnb Experiences is a feature offered by Airbnb that allows hosts to offer unique, curated activities to guests – or to anyone who’s interested in, even if they’re not staying at an Airbnb property. These experiences can range from cooking classes and guided tours to art workshops, outdoor adventures, and more.
Airbnb Experiences was created to offer travellers a deeper connection with a destination by offering truly unique experiences, all led by locals who are both knowledgeable and passionate about their city.
Some personal highlights of my Airbnb Experiences include a tapas bar-crawl in Granada, a Samurai workshop in Kyoto, and a graffiti spotting bike ride around Bogota.
FAQ about Airbnbs in Goa
Here’s what people usually ask us when they look for vacation homes in Goa.
What To Pack For Goa
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for an Airbnb stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Don’t Forget Your Goa Travel Insurance
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on Goa Airbnbs
So, that concludes our list of the best Airbnbs in Goa. We hope that you’ve found something that matches your budget and travel style – not to mention the size of your group!
As you can see, rentals in Goa come in a mix of shapes, sizes, and styles. So, whether you want a cool villa, a place by the beach, or an authentic homestay, we’ve got you covered!
In fact, there might even be a little too much for you to choose from. So, if you’re still scratching your head and can’t make a decision, keep it simple. Go for our best value Airbnb in Goa – Casa Branca Anjuna Cottage. You won’t be disappointed!
All that’s left now is for us to wish you an awesome holiday in one of the coolest spots in India. If you want to find out a bit more about Goa and what’s been happening there, check out this timeline!
- Check out our Backpacking India guide for in-depth info for your trip.
- Use our Where to Stay in Goa guide to plan your adventure.
- Backpackers and frugal travellers can use our budget travel guide.
- Make sure you visit the most beautiful places in India too.
- That will of course include many of the stunning National Parks of India.
Buy Us a Coffee!
A couple of you lovely readers suggested we set up a tip jar for direct support as an alternative to booking through our links. So we created one!
You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee. If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂
