Goa's most cosmopolitan city, Vasco-Da-Gama, also known as Vasco, it lies on the narrow western tip of the Mormugao peninsula, overlooking the mouth of the Zuari River. Acquired by the Portuguese in 1543, this strategically important site was formerly among the busiest ports on India's west coast, and it remains a key-shipping center, with container vessels and iron-ore barges clogging the choppy river mouth.

Vasco-Da-Gama is almost 30 km from Panaji and is also the railway terminus for passenger service. The Mormugao Harbor, one of India's few natural harbors is 4 km from Vasco at one end. And Goa's only airport, Dabolim is also 4 km from Vasco, at the other end.