Anjuna Beach is nestled along the sunny coastline of North Goa. This beach has been captivating visitors and travellers for decades now. The place is known for its scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere. It offers more than just sun and sand. Anjanu is known for its mesmerising flea markets where local handicrafts and Goan cuisine draw visitors. Anjuna Beach is surrounded by towering cliffs and lined coconut trees paving the way for all the tourists to have a walk by at this serene spot. The beach provides a picturesque backdrop for relaxation. The beach offers a vibrant nightlife and promises an unforgettable experience.
History Of Anjuna Beach
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Anjuna, in North Goa, boasts a rich and colourful history that is blended with cultures and influences. History conveys that Anjuna Beach was a part of the Portuguese Colony of Goa for over four centuries until India gained independence in 1947. During the Portuguese flourishment, Goa became a major trading hub that attracted merchants across the globe. Consistently Goa served as a landing point for ships carrying textiles, goods, spices and metals. In the 1960s and 1970s, Anjuna Beach gained international fame for its establishment as a hub of the ‘Hippie Movement’. Drawn by its inexpensive living, travellers from Europe and America flocked to Anjuna, Goa seeking an alternative lifestyle. The beach became synonymous with trance music and rave parties. These hippies fostered communal living. The beach has offered a bohemian charm with nearby tourist spots that add to its allure.
Must Read: Things To Do In Anjuna
Tourist Spots Near Anjuna Beach
There are a plethora of tourist spots near Anjuna Beach, Goa. Here is a well-curated list of captivating places to visit near Anjuna Beach to make your trip memorable.
1. Vagator Beach
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Vagator Beach is just a short distance from Anjuna. This beach is known for its vibrant vibe and mesmerising red cliffs. The sunset views are so breathtaking that they leave the viewers in awe. This beach is further divided into two parts: Big Vagator and Little Vagator. Both beaches are well-known spots for chilling and engaging in various adventurous activities. The Big Vagator Beach is more popular among tourists for its reverent nightlife. It offers an array of options for beach shacks and water sports. The Little Vagator, known as Ozran Beach, is comparatively a quieter one.
Location: Vagator, Goa, 403509
Distance From Anjuna Beach: 3.9 km
2. Mapusa Market
Mapusa Market is a traditional and colourful market in North Goa. This Goan market heads to Mapusa which is a 20-minute drive from Anjuna. The speciality of this market is that it is held every Friday during the week. The market is renowned for its fresh produce of spices, textiles and local handicrafts which are the most purchased by tourists in Goa. This Goan market is a great place to stand by and shop for souvenirs as they immerse themselves in the vibrant Goan Culture. The market opens at 9 AM and allows visitors to visit till 6 in the evening.
Location: Municipal Market, Mapusa, Goa 403507
Distance From Anjuna Beach: 10.3 km
Suggested Read: Talpona Beach
3. Saligao Church
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This church offers a glimpse of the colonial history of Goa. Saligao Church is also known as Mae De Deus Church. The church is located in Saligao Village which is very near to Anjuna. Saligao Church is known for its architectural beauty and historic significance. The church is built in a Neo-Gothic style. It is adorned with intricate detailed carving and artwork. The vibrant glass-stained windows lighten the Church with a beautiful vibe that matches the aura present inside the church. Saligao Church indeed stands as a testament to the Portuguese history that Goa still preserves.
Location: Chogm Rd, Muddavaddi, Saligao, Goa 403511
Distance From Anjuna Beach: 8.5 km
Things To Do At Anjuna Beach
Here is a list of most happening things to do at Anjuna Beach to make the most of your Goa trip.
1. Sunbathing And Sunbathing
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The soft sand and crystal clear waters of Anjuna Beach are perfect for a refreshing swim. Sunbathing by the beach offers you a soothing lay on the coast. The seashore is just perfect for unwinding under the sun as the beach is less crowded compared to other beaches in North Goa.
Suggested Read: Churches In Goa
2. Local Cuisine
Numerous beach shacks are lined up on the sea coast of Anjuna Beach. These resorts offer mouth-watering traditional Goan dishes. Seafood is served as part of local cuisine here. Visitors should try Goan curries.
3. Water Sports
The beach offers an array of watersports for thrill seekers. They can indulge in water sports activities like parasailing, jet-skiing and banana boat rides.
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In South Goa
4. Flea Markets
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Several flea markets are held especially on Wednesdays that are famous for their vibrant atmosphere. There are a myriad of stalls selling from jewellery to handicrafts made beautifully from sea shells.
Restaurants Near Anjuna Beach
There are plenty of eateries and restaurants in and near the vicinity if Anjuna, Here is a list of captivating restaurants to relish your tastebuds and make your Goa trip most memorable.
1 . Thalassa
This is a Greek restaurant near Vagator that offers beautiful scenic spots. The restaurant has white-washed architecture with a Mediterranean ambience. Greek specialities like Moussaka, Souvlaki and Gyros along with Baklava desserts should be a must-try over here.
Suggested Read: Hidden Places In Goa
2. Curlies
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Culies is an iconic beach shack located on Anjuna Beach itself offering stunning sunset views. The restaurant offers amazing seafood with Goan specialities. It is recommended not to miss their classically prepared cocktails and mocktails.
3. Britto’s
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It is located on Baga Beach, a short drive from Anjuna Beach. Their Tandoori dishes and extensive Goan platters are highly recommended. This restaurant offers a beachfront dining experience.
Suggested Read: Shopping In Goa
4. Artjuna
Artjune is a holistic lifestyle space located in Anjuna. It has a cafe, yoga studio and art gallery that makes it pleasingly aesthetic. Their Mediterranean-inspired dishes and homemade desserts with organic salads and smoothie bowls should be a must-try by everyone.
Further Read: Best Romantic Restaurants In Goa
Anjuna Beach is a testament to Goa’s allure, blending the natural beauty with cultural vibrancy. The serene shores offer visitors a glimpse of this ultimate relaxation spot. The spirited essence and coastal life make tourists flock to this place. Whether exploring the nearby tourist attractions or marvelling at this peaceful site, your trip to Goa promises an enriching experience. Exploring the golden sands and local crafts at the markets captivates every individual with its multifaceted appeal. Beyond its serene beauty and historical significance, Anjuna Beach fosters a sense of Hippie Community similar to the culture that exists there.
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Cover Image Credit: Vyacheslav Argenberg for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Anjuna Beach
Why is Anjuna Beach so famous?
Anjuna Beach is known for its beachy nightlife. Numerous clubs are located on the coast, which host parties with both trance and live music performances. Curlies Beach Shack is among the most renowned ones.
Is Anjuna in North or South Goa?
Anjuna Beach is located in Anjuna, in North Goa. Other beaches in North Goa are Calangute Beach and Baga Beach. These beaches are busier and more crowded, offering an array of options for watersports and restaurants.
Is Anjuna beach crowded?
Anjuna Beach is highly crowded, especially during the night. During the day, this beach offers serenity and tranquillity. The beach is comparatively less commercialised than Baga Beach, Calangute Beach and Candolim Beach.
Which Goa is better south or north?
Visitors often choose South Goa for a scheduled trip and a secluded vacation in Goa. For diving into adventure, watersports and immersing into the crowds, visitors always prefer North Goa.
Is Anjuna Beach safe to swim?
Anjuna Beach in Goa with other beaches like Calangute and Baga Beach boast two or more swim zones in North Goa. Anjuna Beach is comparatively a rocky beach and does not have a safe swim zone.
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