Pulsing like a psychedelic drumbeat against Goa’s northern shoreline, Anjuna Beach remains the ultimate bohemian sanctuary—a 2-km stretch of soft white sand framed by black rocks, swaying palms, and the legendary Wednesday flea market that once drew hippies from across the globe. Located 18 km from Panjim, this former Portuguese enclave turned trance capital still echoes with full-moon parties, curl waves, and the scent of patchouli. A free-spirited icon akin to Dudhsagar’s wild roar, Anjuna enchants with its cliff-top cafés, tattoo shacks, and neon-lit nights. For visitors to indiatourisminfo.com, it offers an intoxicating blend of shopping, raving, and sunset yoga. With 2025 eco-parties and the return of the full Anjuna Flea Market, this “Cradle of Trance” is an unmissable destination for backpackers, party lovers, and travelers seeking Goa’s original hippie soul.
Key Attractions
Anjuna Flea Market: Wednesday bazaar with 2,000+ stalls (Oct–Apr).
Curlies Shack: Iconic beachfront club at the southern end.
Albuquerque Mansion: 1920s Portuguese house turned heritage stay.
Chapora Fort (4 km): “Dil Chahta Hai” sunset point.
Starco’s Beach: Secluded rocky cove for cliff jumping.
Shiva Valley: Tuesday trance parties till sunrise.
Anjuna Rocks: Natural red laterite formations and tide pools.
Things to Do
Shop at Wednesday Flea Market: Bargain for jewellery, clothes, spices (9 AM–6 PM).
Full-Moon/Black-Moon Party: Dance at Shiva Valley or HillTop (~₹1000–2000).
Sunset at Curlies: Sip cocktails on the two-storey shack.
Cliff Jumping at Little Vagator: Leap from 10m rocks (high tide only).
Yoga & Reiki: Join drop-in sessions on the beach (~₹500).
Photography of Red Cliffs: Capture golden hour silhouettes.
Taste Goan-Israeli Food: Relish shakshuka, vindaloo at Lila Café.
Attend Anjuna Beach Festival: Music and art (Dec 26–28, 2025).
Local Culture and History
Anjuna’s hippie era began in the 1960s when the “Freak Capital of the World” hosted Eight-Finger Eddie’s full-moon gatherings. The Wednesday market started in 1974 as a barter system and now draws 10,000 visitors weekly. Local culture blends Konkani fishing life with Kashmiri traders, Israeli backpackers, and Russian expats. The 2025 eco-party rules, noted by Goa Tourism and X posts, mandate biodegradable decor and sound limits. Anjuna’s fusion of trance, trade, and tolerance crafts an enduring bohemian narrative.
Best Time to Visit
Open 24/7, with November to March (winter, 20–32°C) ideal for flea market, parties, and festival (Dec 26–28, 2025). October to April offers dry weather. May to September (monsoon) brings dramatic waves and off-season calm; market closed. Book stays early for Christmas–New Year.
How to Reach
By Air: Goa International Airport (45 km, ~1.5-hour drive). Taxis ~₹1200–1800.
By Train: Thivim (20 km) or Mapusa (10 km). Taxis ~₹600–1000.
By Road: Via NH66 from Panjim (18 km, 40 min). Buses (~₹50–100), taxis (~₹800–1200). Parking near Curlies (~₹50–100).
Local Transport: Scooter rental (~₹300–500/day) – essential for Anjuna.
Travel Tips
Booking: Market free; parties ~₹1000–2000 cover; book scooters in advance.
Cost: Food ~₹200–600; taxi from airport ~₹1200–1800; hostels ~₹800–4000/night.
Dress: Bohemian beachwear; bikini tops common; light jacket for nights.
Safety: Lock scooters; avoid isolated cliffs after dark; swim between flags.
Respect Local Culture: Bargain with smile; support original artisans.
Connectivity: Good mobile/Wi-Fi; ATMs at Mapusa.
Environment: No plastic on beach; many shacks now eco-friendly.
Accessibility: Sandy paths; scooters best; inform shacks for help.
Nearby Attractions
Chapora Fort (4 km): Sunset viewpoint.
Vagator Beach (2 km): Big & Little Vagator.
Baga Beach (8 km): Nightlife strip.
Mapusa Friday Market (10 km): Local produce.
Arpora Saturday Night Market (6 km): Food and live music.
Explore More
Discover other Goa treasures like the majestic Dudhsagar Falls or sacred Basilica of Bom Jesus on our Goa destinations page. Plan your hippie adventure with indiatourisminfo.com today!
