I’ll be honest with you – the first time someone told me about Anjuna, I wasn’t particularly excited. Another beach in Goa? What’s the big deal? But then I actually went there, and well, here I am writing about it because I just can’t stop thinking about the place.
The beaches in Anjuna aren’t like your typical postcard-perfect beaches. They’re messy in the best way possible. They’re real. And that’s exactly what makes them so damn special.
What’s the Deal with Anjuna Beach Anyway?
Look, I’ve been to a lot of beaches. Some were Instagram-perfect but felt like tourist traps. Others were beautiful but boring. The beaches in Anjuna? They’re different. They’ve got this personality that just pulls you in.
The main beach stretches for about two kilometers, and it’s not all smooth sand. There are these reddish rocks scattered around, creating little pools and corners where you can sit and feel like you’ve found your own private spot. The first time I sat on one of those rocks watching the sunset, I thought to myself, “Okay, I get it now.”
The waves aren’t too aggressive, which was great for me because I’m an okay swimmer at best. The water’s pretty clean, though I’d suggest wearing some sort of footwear because of the rocks. I learned that the hard way – stepped on something sharp and spent the next day limping around.
Related – Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Beaches in Goa South
The Wednesday Market That Changed My Life (Okay, Maybe That’s Dramatic, But Still)
Every Wednesday, this massive flea market happens near the beach, and it’s absolutely chaotic in the most wonderful way. I’m talking hundreds of stalls selling everything you can imagine – jewelry, clothes, artwork, spices, random stuff you didn’t know you needed.
My first time there, I went in thinking I’d just browse for an hour. Four hours later, I was still there, bags in hand, completely lost in the maze of stalls. The trick is to bargain – the vendors actually seem to enjoy it. Start at half the asking price and work your way up. It’s like a game, and honestly, it’s half the fun.
Go early, around 10 AM, before the sun gets too intense and the crowds get overwhelming. And wear comfortable shoes because you’ll be walking. A lot.
Things to Do (Besides Just Lying on the Beach)
Don’t get me wrong – lying on the beach doing absolutely nothing is perfectly valid. I’ve spent entire afternoons doing exactly that. But if you want more action, the beaches in Anjuna have plenty to offer.
Water Sports and Activities
| Activity | What It’ll Cost You | When to Go | My Take |
| Parasailing | ₹800-1500 | October to March | Scary but totally worth it |
| Jet Skiing | ₹500-1000 | Morning is best | Fun but over quickly |
| Banana Boat Rides | ₹300-500 | Afternoons | Great for groups, hilarious |
| Kayaking | ₹500-800 | Early morning | Peaceful and beautiful |
| Paddleboarding | ₹600-1000 | When it’s not too windy | Harder than it looks! |
I tried parasailing and my heart was pounding the entire time, but the view from up there? Incredible. You see the whole coastline, the beaches in Anjuna looking tiny below, and for those few minutes, you feel completely free.
When Should You Actually Visit?
This matters more than you’d think. I’ve been to beaches in Anjuna three times now, each in different seasons, and the vibe changes completely.
November to February (Peak Season): This is when everyone and their grandmother visits. It’s crowded, yes, but there’s this amazing energy. Beach parties, full shacks, people from everywhere. If you’re social and want to meet other travelers, this is your time. Just book accommodation in advance because prices go up and places fill fast.
June to September (Monsoon): Most people skip this, but I actually loved my monsoon visit. No crowds, dramatic skies, massive waves. You can’t really swim or do water sports, and most shacks are closed, but if you want peace and quiet, this is it. Just pack an umbrella and accept that you’ll get wet.
October and March to May (Shoulder Season): This is probably the sweet spot. Weather’s still good, fewer people, better prices. I’d especially recommend October – everything’s green from the rains, and there’s this freshness in the air.
Where to Stay Without Breaking the Bank
One of the best things about beaches in Anjuna is that you don’t need to spend a fortune on accommodation. I’ve stayed in a ₹600-per-night beach hut and a ₹3000-per-night guesthouse, and honestly, both experiences were great in their own way.
The beach huts are basic – a bed, a fan, maybe a mosquito net – but there’s something romantic about falling asleep to the sound of waves. The guesthouses offer more comfort and often include breakfast. I once stayed at this family-run place where the owner’s wife made the best poi (Goan bread) I’ve ever had.
Hostels are everywhere if you’re traveling solo or on a tight budget. You can get a bed for ₹300-800, and they’re great for meeting people. I’m usually not a hostel person, but I made some good friends at one of the beaches in Anjuna.
Let’s Talk About Food
The food scene here is honestly one of my favorite things. The beach shacks serve everything from fresh seafood to pizzas to Israeli food (there’s a big Israeli traveler community, so shakshuka and hummus are everywhere).
What You Need to Eat
Fresh grilled fish is non-negotiable. The kingfish, pomfret, whatever they caught that morning, just get it. They’ll usually bring out the fish for you to choose, then grill it with local spices. Have it with some rice and sol kadi (this tangy, sweet drink made from kokum). It’s simple and perfect.
For breakfast, there are these cafes serving healthy stuff – smoothie bowls, fresh juices, good coffee. I’m not usually a morning person, but starting the day with an acai bowl while watching the waves made me reconsider my life choices.
And please, try the local Goan food. Chicken cafreal, pork vindaloo, prawn curry – it’s all incredible. Most beach shacks have Goan options on their menu, but the smaller, local places often have the best versions.
Getting Around and Practical Stuff
Anjuna’s about 18 kilometers from Panjim. I always rent a scooter (around ₹300-500 per day) because it gives you freedom to explore. There are taxis, but they’re expensive. Local buses exist and are super cheap (₹15-30), but they’re not very frequent.
A Few Things I Wish I’d Known Earlier:
Don’t leave your stuff unattended on the beach. I mean, I never had issues, but why risk it? The sun is stronger than you think – wear sunscreen and reapply it. Seriously, I got burned once and it ruined two days of my trip. Keep some cash handy. Most places take digital payments now, but not all, especially at the flea market. The ATMs sometimes run out of money during peak season.
Respect local sensibilities. Yes, Anjuna has a liberal vibe, but it’s still India. Keep swimwear for the beach, and dress modestly if you’re heading to temples or churches nearby.
Beyond the Main Stretch
Here’s something most people don’t do – walk along the beach, either north towards Vagator or south towards the flea market area. You’ll find quieter spots with way fewer people. I discovered this little rocky section one evening that became my favorite sunset spot. No crowds, just me, the rocks, and the sky putting on a show.
The southern end has these dramatic cliffs and rock formations that are perfect for photos. I’m not much of a photographer, but even my amateur shots looked pretty good there.
The Party Scene (Because You’re Probably Wondering)
Beaches in Anjuna’s famous for parties, and while the massive raves of the ’90s aren’t really a thing anymore, there’s still plenty happening. Beach shacks and clubs host parties, especially on weekends. The music’s usually trance, techno, or house.
I’m not a huge party person, but I went to a sunset party at one of the beach clubs, and it was actually pretty amazing. There’s something about dancing on the beach with strangers from around the world, everyone just happy to be there. You don’t have to stay all night – even catching the sunset with music and good vibes is worth it.
Why I Keep Coming Back
I’ve tried to figure out what it is about Anjuna that keeps pulling me back. It’s not the most beautiful beach I’ve seen. It’s not the quietest or the cleanest or the most happening. But there’s this feeling you get there – like anything’s possible, like you can be whoever you want to be.
Maybe it’s the mix of people – locals, long-term travelers, weekend visitors, all somehow coexisting. Maybe it’s the contrast between the laid-back beach vibe and the energetic party scene. Or maybe it’s just that the sunsets are really, really good.
The beaches in Anjuna aren’t perfect, and that’s exactly the point. They’re real. They’ve got character. They’ve got stories. And after spending time there, you’ll have your own stories too.
My Honest Take
If you’re looking for a pristine, quiet, romantic beach, Anjuna might not be for you. But if you want a place with personality, where you can party or chill or explore or do nothing at all, where you’ll meet interesting people and have unexpected adventures – then yeah, you should definitely go.
I’m already planning my next trip. There’s this beach shack that does incredible prawn curry, and I’ve been dreaming about it for months. Plus, I never made it to that yoga class I heard about, and there’s a cliff jump spot I chickened out of last time.
Anjuna’s not just a beach. It’s an experience, a vibe, a state of mind. And honestly? Everyone should experience it at least once. Just don’t blame me when you fall in love with the place and start planning your return trip before you’ve even left.
See you on the beach, maybe?
