Anjuna Beach

Anjuna Beach is in north Goa. It is a 1.5-kilometer-long golden sandy beach with many rocky outcrops. There are palm trees along the coastline, which makes it very picturesque. There is also a hill at its southern end. The hilltop is a popular place for parasailing. Anjuna is very close to Baga, which is one reason why it is so popular. You will be able to reach the beach in only 15 to 20 minutes from the Baga and Calangute regions. Only a small creek and a hill separate the beach from Baga. Anjuna is 22.2 kilometers from Panaji, Goa’s state capital, and 46 kilometers from Vasco da Gama. So, you can reach the beach easily from these towns as well.

Anjuna is different in every way. The crowds of Baga and Calangute are gone. You will find an empty beach with pristine nature all around. There are no large hotels or resorts. There are no supermarkets. What you will get instead is an easy-going laid-back feel, which will help you feel relaxed instantly. Just sit back and relax and enjoy the stunning nature. Anjuna Beach is a tropical paradise where you will want to come again and again.

Anjuna Map

You will also notice a bohemian feel here, which can be traced back to the days of the hippies. This was one of Goa’s first beaches where the hippies arrived in the 1960s and the 1970s. The hippy days are gone, of course, but Anjuna still retains that hippy character. In the southern section of the beach, there is the Anjuna Flea Market, which was started by the hippies to exchange goods. You will also find jazz and rock musicians playing live here during the tourist season.

It’s a laid-back beach during the daytime, but after dark, the nightclubs come to life. There are several of them here. The coast is also lined with beach shacks with sun beds and umbrellas. During the day, you will find tourists relaxing, sunbathing, having a drink, getting a massage, and playing beach volleyball. After sunset, many of these shacks transform into nightclubs with live music. Some of them even have dance floors.

Historian Teresa Albuquerque says that the name Anjuna comes from the Arabic word “Hanjuman”, which means “merchant guild”. But others are of the opinion that Anjuna stands for “change” in the Arabic language. This is because, Arabs used to arrive by the sea route, and changed their money here.

Anjuna Gallery

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Quick Facts About Anjuna

Best Time Of The Year To Visit Anjuna Beach

Anjuna is one of the most popular Goa beaches, so you will find tourists throughout the year. However, most tourists come here between November and February, the winter months. This is the best time to visit the beach. Very nice weather! The shacks are all open. Parties! Water sports! Most shacks will be closed at other times, and you won’t find water sports as well. Expect more people in December and January. November or February is better for those who don’t want so many tourists.

Weather

The summer (March, April, May) is hot here, like elsewhere in Goa. The daytime temperature can reach 36°C on some days. It can rain on a few days, but it is nothing like the showers of monsoon. June, July, and August are the wettest months. Chance of thundershowers on some days! High humidity! Golden sunshine between rains when there is no cloud cover. Expect high waves and choppy sea in the monsoon.

The winter is very pleasant at Anjuna. Long hours of sunshine with almost no rain, so you can relax on your sun bed at the shack. Perfect for hiring a car/bike to explore Goa and see the famous places. Low heat and humidity!

How To Reach Anjuna

• By Air — The Dabolim international airport is 45.8 kms from Anjuna via the NH66. Taxis are available for rent at the airport counter. Connected by Air India, Indigo, SpiceJet, Etihad, Air Arabia, Air Asia, Qatar Airways, and Jet Airways! The new Mopa airport is 28.9 kilometers away.
• By Rail — Thivim is the closest station. It is 19.3 kilometers from Anjuna. The Vasco da Gama railhead is 46.9 kms from Anjuna.
• By Road — Panaji is 22.2 kms from Anjuna.

Top 6 Things To See And Do At Anjuna

1. Clubbing and Partying – Anjuna is one of the partying capitals of Goa. Here, in the peak tourist season, you will have rave, trance parties, and full-moon nights, much like Thailand. Parties are held right on the beach, and at the many cafes, nightclubs, and even the beach shacks.
2. The Flea Market – Started by the hippies for exchanging commodities, the Anjuna flea market is now the most popular in Goa. It is open on Wednesdays between 9 AM and 6 PM. You will find sarees, jewelry, handicrafts, and there are stalls selling Indian and international food. There are live concerts too.
3. Chapora Fort – One of the most important forts in Goa, Chapora is just 5 kilometers from Anjuna. Go to the top of this old Portuguese fort to catch an awesome sight of the shoreline, and the interiors. There is a church to see within the fort as well.
4. The Beach –Anjuna is not the best beach in Goa. But it’s still worth visiting. You can party at the beach, relax at one of the many shacks and have the best seafood and drinks, and there is water sport too you can enjoy. The Anjuna beach is different than most others in Goa because it is rocky. The southern end of the beach is sandy. This is the best place for swimming.
5. Alternative Therapies – You will find many yoga retreats in the Anjuna, Assagao, Vagator area. You can join a course and attend classes at the Purple Valley Yoga, Swan Yoga, and at Tito's White House. Minimum week-long classes. Besides, there are also therapeutic massage services here.
6. St. Michael's Church – This is one of the oldest churches (16th century) in Goa, but is still in decent condition. The main attractions are its Portuguese architecture and beautiful engravings. There is a statue of St. Michael too, which is famous. See the demon under his feet and the scale on his left hand.

The Anjuna Flea Market

Wednesday Anjuna Flea Market

There are two weekly markets in Anjuna. The Saturday Night Market is at Arpora, but it is Anjuna’s Wednesday flea market, which is the most popular. The Anguna flea market was started by the hippies to exchange goods, so that they could fund their stay. It is much more mainstream now, but you can still find many exotic things here, including handicrafts, handmade jewelry, Kashmiri and Tibetan goods, bags, clothing, tribal artifacts, and much more.

There are plenty of stalls here, from the beach to the Anjuna Junction road. Many stalls sell the same things, so you should negotiate. There are a few bars and restaurants too with live music. Bands play jazz, rock, and music from other genres. Indian tourists, westerners, and backpackers – everyone comes to the Anjuna flea market. It is a must-do for the Goa experience.

The Beach

Anjuna is a 1.5-kilometer-long crescent-shaped beach in North Goa. It is one of the best North Goa beaches for its scenic views and laid-back vibe. The beach is surrounded by small hills and many coconut palms. The red rocky hill and green palms give it a distinct character. You will find many rocky outcrops on the beach as well, which is why Anjuna is sometimes referred to as “Rocky Beach”. The hill in the south separates it from Baga. Towards the north, there is Vagator. Hike up to the Hillpoint to get a fantastic panoramic view. It is also a popular spot for parasailing.

There are many beach shacks with sun beds, such as Sea Bird, Fish Oven, Green Mango, Nikita, Blue Water, Slow Tide, Moon Star, Café Lilliput, and others. There is water sport. Choose from speed boats, banana boats, kayaking, wake boarding, kneeboarding, and others.

The southern and northern end of the beach is busy. There are fewer shacks and fewer water sports activities in the central part, and thus fewer people.

Nightlife at Anjuna

During the day, Anjuna is a laid-back place with Indian and foreign tourists seen relaxing on the beach, except around the flea market area. But it comes to life in the evening, with the party scene hotting up. At Anjuna, you will see both outdoor and indoor trance parties. Between November and February, they are held almost every night. There are also full-moon parties here.

The top nightclubs in Anjuna –

1. Curlies – At the southern end of the beach, Curlie’s is a sophisticated and laidback club. However, the place gets very notorious and loud when the party begins. There is an enclosed late-night dancing area and a rooftop lounge.
2. Cafe Lilliput – Close to the flea-market, this is another top nightclub in Anjuna. But at the back, there is accommodation too, and a day-restaurant.
3. Shiva Valley – From just a beach shack, this has emerged to become a full-fledged trance clubs. The all-night parties are held here on Tuesdays. Shiva Valley is also at the southern end of the beach.
4. Hill Top – Located at the top of a hill between Ozran Beach and Anjuna, this is the place for rave parties. The DJs are from England, Sweden, Italy, France, Russia, Germany, Israel, and India. Thousands attend the rave parties during the weekends in the peak season.
5. UV Bar – At the extreme northern end of the beach, UV Bar is fast emerging as a hot party destination. It is best known for wild trance parties. There are two dance floors here.

Hotels

Tamarind Hotel, Anjuna

You will find hotels, resorts, hostels, and guest houses in all budgets at Anjuna. In general, the prices are lower than many other places in Goa. Many, especially the backpackers prefer to stay for the long-term here, and prefer cheaper accommodation at guest houses and hostels. The most expensive properties are the Yogamagic Eco Retreat Resort Hotel and Lotus Inn Hotel.

Villas

Some of the best north Goa villas for rent are located at Anjuna. You will find luxury villas in Anjuna in all sizes, from small 2-bedroom houses to large 5-bedroom luxury holiday villas. There are many very good apartments too in this neighborhood. Some of the best places to stay at Anjuna are Villa Marbel Suite, Villa Casa Anjuna, Apartment La Premier, Villa Casa Madera, Vera Rosa, and Purple Mango.

Rent a villa in Anjuna for a memorable beachside vacation. You will have more space per person and complete privacy as their entire house will be yours for the duration of your stay. The bedrooms are much larger than hotel rooms. You will also have your own private swimming pool and manicured garden. Most of the villas in Goa have resort-quality amenities..

Comfortable 4 bedroom villa with a large swimming pool. Starts from 15 000 Rs. per night

Portuguese sea-shore villa in Anjuna. Starts from 3500 Rs. per night

Luxury 4 bedroom villa. Close to all "happening spots" still in a quiet area. Starts from 17 000 Rs. per night

* The price depends on the location, the season, and the duration of your stay.

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