Top 6 Things To Do In Anjuna, Goa: Sun, Sand & Surf

1. Anjuna Beach

Anjuna beach is a 2 km (1.2 miles) stretch of paradise. Its coastal terrain is adorned with a flea market on the south end, hills in the background, randomly scattered laterite rocks, silvery white sand, coconut plantations and soft frothing waves from the Arabian Sea. During the day it offers a surprisingly quiet, laid back atmosphere, where you can just sun bathe or sit by the waves amidst the pleasant breeze. There are some water sports if you like to indulge in beach activities. However, the entire place magically transforms at night, especially during winter season, when there are full-moon parties. The atmosphere in the evenings will get you into party mode, so you can enjoy its frantic beach parties while feasting on an array of global cuisine and the finest of beverages.

Anjuna Beach is undoubtedly the most frequented beach on the tourist circuit, in Goa, and its charismatic natural beauty, along with its crazy nightlife, turns it into a destination you shouldn’t miss!

Anjuna Beach

Address: Anjuna Beach, North Goa, Bardez, India

2. Chapora Fort

Located just 4 km (2.5 miles) from Anjuna Beach, this fort is nearly in ruins. It gained popularity after it was featured in a popular Bollywood movie called “Dil Chahta Hai”, in English, “The Heart Desires”. Chapora Fort is located on the top of a hillock and overlooks the Arabian Sea from three sides. Apart from the picturesque view of Anjuna and Vagator beaches, you must visit this place to explore its historical significance, from 1510 to 1793. And while you are at it, you can get your photos taken at the spots made famous by the movie!

Chapora Fort

Address: Chapora Fort Rd, Chapora, Goa 403509

3. Weekly Markets

1/2 Ingo's Saturday Nite Market, Arpora - Goa

2/2 Goa - Anjuna Hippie Markt

There are two popular weekly markets in Anjuna: there’s a Wednesday Flea Market and the other is the Saturday Night Market, in Arpora. The Saturday Night Market has recently gained momentum amongst tourists and is filled with artefacts, colourful stalls, domestic and international creations, food stalls selling cuisine from across the globe and a centre stage, which hosts live concerts, from Indian to International.

The Wednesday Flea Market is located on Anjuna Beach and is most popular, among tourists. You can find nearly anything and everything here, from branded to non-branded items, gadgets, handicrafts, textiles, jewellery and even Indian spices. This is more like a souvenir market and the best time to visit is early in the morning or late evening, just before sunset, when the market is about to close. Ensure you bargain well, as some items may be overpriced.

Even if you don’t want to shop for anything, do not miss out both of these markets. Why miss the hippie vibe, decorated stalls, lively atmosphere, unique cultural amalgamation, flavourful global cuisine and the kaleidoscope of colours, all around you?

Saturday Night Market in Arpora

Address: Aguada - Siolim Rd, Xim Waddo, Arpora, Goa 403518

Website: Saturday Night Market in Arpora

Wednesday Flea Market in Anjuna

Address: Anjuna Beach, Anjuna, Bardez, Goa

4. Clubbing

The party scene in Anjuna is dramatic. You can simply walk into most of the beach shacks or clubs and you will not be disappointed! This is your go to destination for partying, clubbing, dancing trance, with hippies, in an east meets west kind of setting. There are full moon parties, exotic fire shows and amazing DJs, playing around the peak tourist season, from Christmas to New Years. So, let your hair down, experience the exciting nightlife, pump up your party mood and dance the night away, from sunset to sunrise!

The most popular clubs are:

Club Cabana - Popularly known as the “Night Club in the Sky”, this is one of the most famous clubs in town - do try their lip-smacking wood fired pizzas.

Curlies Beach Shack - This is a rustic beach shack, with rooftop seating - a perfect getaway to spending the night by the beach.

UV Bar - Recently gaining popularity in North Goa for its wild trance parties, with two dance-floors and a central location on the beachfront.

Purple Martini @ Sunset point - A blue-and-white coloured chic place, Purple Martini offers cliff top sunset views, a wide array of delicacies and a swanky bar.

Club Cabana

Address: Arpora Hill, North Goa, Arpora, Goa 403507

Website: Club Cabana

Curlies Beach Shack

Address: Near Flea Market, Monteiro Vaddo, Anjuna, Goa 403509

Website: Curlies Beach Shack

UV Bar

Address: Near Anjuna Market, North Anjuna Beach, Dmello Vaddo, Anjuna, Goa 403509

Purple Martini @ Sunset point

Address: Poonam Resort Rd, St. Anthony, Praise Vaddo, North Anjuna, Gumal Vaddo, Anjuna, Goa 403509

Website: Purple Martini

5. St. Michael's Church

Built in the 16th century, this is one of Goa’s oldest churches and is in a fairly good condition, to date. Its beautiful engravings and Portuguese style architecture are its main attractions. The statue of St. Michael is famous, as it has a scale in his left hand and a demon placed under his feet. There is a large entry door and the tabernacle is placed in the centre of the main altar, which also attracts tourists.

St. Michael's Church

Address: Anjuna Beach Road, Anjuna - Chapora Junction, Anjuna, Bardez, Anjuna - Chapora, Goa, 403509

6. Go Karting

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

For adventure enthusiasts, after you are done with water sports and beach activities, you can head to Arpora in the evening, for some go karting fun. There is a 350 m (1148.29 ft) long track here, with petrol powered karts. One single circuit consists of 10 laps and costs merely 300 INR (4.60 USD), so you’ll need to purchase two tickets if you would like to do 20 laps. Helmet & gloves are provided and it is quite near the Saturday Night Market, so you can actually tackle both things, while in Arpora! You should definitely do this if you are travelling in a group.

Track II Go Karting in Arpora (near Anjuna)

Address: S. No 55, Anjuna-Calangute Road, Arpora, Goa, India

Website: Track II Go Karting

Time to say Aloha Anjuna!

Anjuna is frequented by tourists despite of its season. While most prefer to visit during the months from December to February, there are plenty of tourists nowdays exploring the laidback Goa during monsoon season from June to September. No matter when you go, this city has so much to offer.

When are you travelling? Do share your travel experiences with us.