Anjuna Beach – The Best Place to Admire the Azure Arabian Sea
Anjuna Beach has been welcoming hippies since the Flower Era, having still preserved its beauty and charm. The seashore continues to attract solo travelers, backpackers, and domestic vacationers who want to experience the hippie-chic vibe. You will still find tourists flocking to the Wednesday Flea Market to buy Indian commodities, spices, sarongs, and stone studded jewelry. Being the beach-party destination of Goa, Anjuna Beach has evolved from a simple village to a small community of flowering restaurants, pubs, and hostels.
Although the village is a bit rustic in its appeal, the beach is an additional element to its charm. The first thing to do after coming to this quaint village is to hire a two-wheeler and tour around the nearby southern beach. Overall, the beautiful Anjuna Beach would surely grow on you to experience the beauty of the Arabian Sea.
Top Things to Do on Anjuna Beach
1. Anjuna Flea Market
One of the biggest attractions of Anjuna Beach is its market –undoubtedly the most amazing place in the village. The weekly Wednesday flea market sells exotic Indian condiments, spices, tea, stone studded jewelry, apparel, swimwear, and everything else under the sky. The bustling fair is full of busy shoppers trying to haggle with the shop owners. The trip to the market is a must for every tourist coming to Anjuna.
After an exhausting shopping hiatus, you can always grab a drink and something to eat at the nearby shacks, while enjoying the trance music.
Opening time: 8:00 am to 8:00 pm (Wednesday only)
Address: 10, St. Michael’s Vaddo South, Anjuna, Goa 403509
What to buy: Handmade clothing, beach clothes, jewelry, statues of Shiva or Buddha, hammocks
2. Watersports at Anjuna
The sea on the Anjuna Beach is perfect for swimming and beach activities. Probably, that is the reason why water sporting activities are so popular here. Travelers can try jet skiing, paragliding, banana boat rides, and several other activities at the beach. The adventurous lot, snorkeling and scuba diving are also giving them a chance to explore the beautiful aquatic wildlife of Goa. And the best part, you don’t need to be a swimmer to do all these activities.
Beach activities available: jet skiing, paragliding, kite surfing, scuba diving
Whom to contact: Several beach shacks and training centers available who provide gear and equipment for watersports
The time required: Around one hour
3. Nyex Beach Club
The Nyex Beach Club is a popular beachside hangout at the Anjuna Beach. The sea-facing location and addictive trance music (playing the background) make Nyex interesting for the tourists. Divided into three sections – a VIP lounge, an indoor club and an outdoor lounge deck with a stage – the place is one of the most happening places in Anjuna.
The club inside has an indoor swimming pool, a well-stocked bar, outdoor and indoor seating options, and a dancing platform where numerous music events are organized.
Free Wi-Fi for guests is another novelty offered by Nyex.
Address: Opposite Anjuna bus Stop, Near Anjuna Cliff (Old Paradiso), Bardez - 403509
Timings: 12:00 at noon to 03:00 am next day (Monday closed)
Cost for two: INR 1400 (without alcohol)
Entry Fee: INR 500 (for non-event days – however, the rates are subjected to change)
Must-try dishes: Garlic Prawns, Fresh seafood platter
4. Curlies Beach Shack
Curlies Beach Shack is a sea-facing resort on the Anjuna Beach that is frequently visited by vacationers. The simple interiors, beach-facing sitting arrangements, and an elaborate beach-themed menu – the place is an interesting choice for people interested to admire the beauty of the Arabian Sea.
The beach shack has a small lounge, bar and an open deck from where guests enjoy the sunset view. Additionally, guests can partake in water sports events organized by the Curlies and have a great time on the seashore.
Address: St Michael, near Flea Market, Gumal Vaddo, Anjuna, Goa 403509
Opening time: 8:00 am to 3:30 am
Entry Fees: No entry fees required
Must-try dishes: Roasted Pork, fresh seafood, cocktails
5. UV Bar
Set in the beautiful sandy shores of the Anjuna Beach, the UV Bar is the place to visit on a night out. As one of the few pubs of Goa that remains open till late at night, the UV Bar attracts crowds of different age groups. With outdoor seating arrangements and great cocktails to drink, the UV Bar offers you a chance to soak in the beauty of the Arabian Sea.
Address: Near Anjuna Market, Dmello Vaddo, Near St Anthony Chapel, Anjuna, Goa 403509
Timings: 8:00 pm – 7:00 am (Everyday)
Price for two: INR 1000
P.S: The DJ Nights with live music is one of the biggest attractions of this club.
6.Five-Five Beach Resort
The Five-Five Beach Resort offers its guests a luxurious retreat. The guests stay in beautiful tents, which come with its bathroom and a terrace, overlooking the Arabian Sea. Just a few kilometers away from the magnificent Chapora Fort ruins, the place has a romantic setting that attracts honeymooners.
The resort has an accompanying restaurant that serves authentic Goan, North Indian, and continental delicacies.
Address: Near Wednesday Flea Market, Montero Waddo, Anjuna, North Goa 403509
7. Chrisha's Beach Resort
A beautiful beach resort, overlooking the Arabian Sea, Chrisha’s is just a few miles away from major attractions of Anjuna. The resort has two rooming categories - sea view and garden view – the sea view room being preferred by most tourists. The restaurant and a well-stocked bar with free parking and Wi-Fi facilities are a few of the services offered to the guests.
Address: St. Michael Vaddo, Near Cafe Liliput Anjuna Flea Market, Anjuna, Goa 403509
All in all, the Anjuna Beach is a charismatic place surrounded by peppy pubs and clubs playing electrifying trance music, quaint rustic village and an exciting flea market. The beach, as well as the sea, is a must visit place for tourists.
How to reach Anjuna Beach?
1. Nearest Railway Station: Thivim (18.8 km/ 11.68 miles)
The trip from Thivim to Anjuna Beach takes around 1.5 hours. After coming out of the railway station, visitors can take either a cab or a bus to reach their destination. For tourists travelling through cab can take the Mapusa - Bicholim Rd and Anjuna Mapusa Rd to reach the destination. The entire trip would cost around INR 600 to 800.
Budget travelers can take the bus for the journey. Goa State Transport offers numerous busses in between the two cities. The ticket for the single trip would cost less than INR 100.
2. Nearest Airport: Dabolim (45.5 km/ 27.96 miles)
From the airport, travelers can book either a cab or bus according to their budget and preference. The cabs are available at the Taxi Bay, just outside the airport arrival bay. Usually, the cab charges around INR 800 for the single ride.
*The ticket prices are subjected to change with time and season.