Cycling Divar's paddy and villages
We take the ferry from Old Goa to Divar, where bicycles and a cycling guide are waiting at the jetty. The island's roads carry very little traffic and are flat apart from the climb to Piedade, so the ride suits anyone who can cycle comfortably for a couple of hours. A support car follows with water and space for anyone who wants a break.
The route loops through the villages of Piedade, Malar and Navelim, past fields that are green from July to October and golden at harvest in November. Herons and egrets work the paddy, and the creeks hold kingfishers and the occasional otter. Your guide points out the island's old houses, their balcões and oyster-shell windows, and the small roadside crosses that mark each ward.
Midway, we stop at the Church of Our Lady of Compassion on the hill for the view to Old Goa, then finish with breakfast of poee and omelette or afternoon tea at a village café.
Questions travellers ask
Good to know
How long is the Divar island cycle ride?
Our usual loop is about 18 km and takes 3 to 3.5 hours with stops. Shorter rides of 10 km are easy to arrange for families with children. The roads are mostly flat, with one short climb to the hilltop church at Piedade.
Is cycling on Divar safe?
Divar has very little traffic and quiet village roads, which makes it one of the safest places to cycle in Goa. We provide helmets, well-maintained bicycles and a support car, and ride in the cooler hours of the morning or late afternoon.
Can children join the Divar cycle ride?
Yes, children from about eight who are confident on a bicycle enjoy it. We can provide smaller bikes and keep the route short. Younger children can ride in the support car and join the walk at the church and the café stops.
Also in Divar and Chorao islands
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