Four to six days works well. Spend time on the beaches between Candolim and Arambol, give a day to Old Goa and the lanes of Fontainhas in Panaji, catch a Friday morning at Mapusa market and, in the rains, drive up to Chorla Ghat. Add days if you want South Goa too.

Mopa is closer for most of North Goa. Manohar International Airport (GOX) sits in Pernem taluka, about 35 km northeast of Panaji, while Dabolim (GOI) lies about 30 km south of Panaji in South Goa. For Arambol, Morjim, Vagator or Anjuna, flying into Mopa usually means a shorter drive.

They are separate districts of the same state. North Goa holds the capital Panaji, Old Goa and the busier beach belt from Candolim to Arambol, with more nightlife and markets. South Goa, around Margao, is generally quieter, with long, calm beaches such as Palolem and a slower social scene.