Introduction

An 18 kilometer (11.25 miles) drive from Goa’s capital city, Panaji brings you to the quaint Anjuna village punctuated by a white sandy beach surrounded by immense coconut groves. A secluded haven discovered by the Hippies in the sixties, Anjuna is a five square mile cloister nestling between the blue Arabian Sea and a promontory overlooking the beach complete with soft sands and swaying palms. After stepping on Anjuna’s sand, you’ll find yourself no longer wondering why hippies patronized this part of Goa. Not only Hippies, this beach has been a favorite haunt of backpackers, honeymooners and holidaymakers alike.

At Anjuna, the languorous beach atmosphere blends seamlessly with its risqué party scene high on hash and alcohol. Infamous for its ‘freak capital’ status, sundown sees the beach turn into a Trance and rave party venue. Just as popular are ‘Full Moon’ beach parties. You would never want to leave Anjuna if you are a party animal, and even if you are not, you would stay back for its intoxicating ambience and spaced out charm. There is a sense of timelessness about this place, making you feel like spending days of just soaking the sun, gazing endlessly at the azure waters, and enjoying seafood and wine from a beach shack. The beach when strolled in the morning exudes a beauty that is strikingly different from that at dusk. Explore the different facets of Anjuna Beach, get a glimpse into the way of life of the Hippies and experience a party culture that is as authentic as it gets.

If you take to water sports, try out parasailing and water skiing, the waters are ideal for these sports. The southern end of Anjuna is safe for swimming and snorkeling where a rocky headland keeps the sea low. Outside of beach errands, take time out to look at the magnificent Albuquerque Mansion built in 1920 flanked by octagonal towers and attractive Mangalore tiled roof. Anjuna is also famous for its Wednesday flea market that goes back to the 1970s when Hippies who were either broke or leaving sold their possessions here. From used paperback, one-off trinkets, elephant rides, Tibetan and Kashmiri handicraft, to cassettes of Goa Trance, its range is so unique that it will be a memory of a lifetime.

Most hotels, restaurants and bars are lined in north Anjuna, towards the middle is the flea market, while the little Anjuna Beach is in the south. It is hard to say what is the draw card to Anjuna - the wild party scene, the famous Wednesday flea market or a stroll down the beach on a moonlit night? It’s quite fascinating how people so diverse in their interests flock this beach, yet their reason to immerse in the Anjuna culture is the same!

The beach is about 8 kilometers (5 miles) west of Mapusa, and passengers from Mapusa and Panaji can get dropped at various points along the tarmac road across the top of the village at the Main Starco’s crossroads. Starco’s crossroads has a few stores, a motorcycle taxi stand and a bus stand.

Special Attributes

Anjuna is famous for its Trance parties and the Wednesday flea market.

Nuisance

The site is very peaceful and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Dress is whatever you find comfortable.

Connectivity

Goa's public transport largely comprises privately operated buses linking the major towns to rural areas. Government-run buses, maintained by Kadamba Transport Corporation, link both major routes (like the Panjim–Margao route) and some remote parts of the state. In large towns such as Panjim and Margao, intra-city buses ply. However, public transport in Goa is less developed, and residents resort heavily on their own transport, usually motorized two-wheelers. The beach is about 8 kilometers (5 miles) west of Mapusa, and passengers from Mapusa and Panaji can get dropped at various points along the tarmac road across the top of the village at the Main Starco’s crossroads. Starco’s crossroads has a few stores, a motorcycle taxi stand and a bus stand.

Enjoyed by

Families, Backpackers, Honeymooners

Exposure

You will be under the open sky of Goa. The sun can get harsh near afternoon, so you are advised to carry sunshades, a sun block cream and a bottle of drinking water.

Avoidable Season

May, June, July, August, September

Facilities

One can take part in an array of water activities such as parasailing and water skiing, shop for knick-knacks at the Wednesday flea market, and enjoy authentic Goan cuisine at restaurants dotting the beach.

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction.

Tip

Plan your visit on a Wednesday so that you can enjoy a unique shopping experience at the Wednesday flea market.

Type of site

An idyllic beach getaway