Calangute Beach

Anjuna Beach, stretching along a dramatic 2 kilometer shoreline of golden red sands and dark volcanic laterite rocks in Bardez taluka of North Goa in Goa, is globally renowned as the historic epicenter of Goa's counterculture and bohemian beach heritage.

Rising to international fame during the 1960s and 1970s when Western hippie travelers including the legendary "Eight Finger Eddie" established free spirited communes under its leaning coconut palms, this iconic beach smoothly pairs historic alternative charm with high energy modern nightlife and world class seaside dining.

It's the home of the world famous Wednesday Anjuna Flea Market spanning acres of palm groves, legendary beachfront institutions like Curlies and Shiva Valley (the "Temple of Trance"), dramatic natural rock pools for sunset viewing, and the historic 1920s Indo Portuguese Albuquerque Mansion.

It represents a rich coastal haven where psychedelic trance music history, bohemian flea market bargaining, fresh Arabian Sea seafood, and striking sunset gatherings unite along the North Goa coast.

Located 8 km north of Baga Beach and 18 km north of Panaji, it sits 19 km from Thivim Railway Station (THVM), 29 km from Manohar International Airport (MOPA), and 43 km from Dabolim Airport (GOI), easily reached by rental scooter, taxi, or local bus.

The 1960s Hippie Legacy & Eight Finger Eddie

In the late 1960s, global backpackers traveling along the overland Hippie Trail from Europe discovered Anjuna's secluded palm groves and warm ocean breezes.

American traveler Yngve Styrke (famously known as Eight Finger Eddie) founded the first communal gathering spots and initiated a casual beach swap meet where travelers traded used jeans, books, guitars, and cameras to sustain their travels.

Truth is, that modest barter gathering evolved over five decades into the world famous Wednesday Anjuna Flea Market, cementing the beach's global status as India's ultimate bohemian capital.

The Wednesday Anjuna Flea Market

Every Wednesday from November to April, hundreds of colorful stalls spread across the coconut groves behind the beach, creating one of Asia's most lively open air shopping spectacles.

Shoppers from around the world haggle for handcrafted silver tribal jewelry from Rajasthan, Tibetan singing bowls, hand carved wooden deities, Kashmiri embroidered shawls, handmade leather bags, organic spices, and neon UV reactive psychedelic apparel while enjoying live acoustic performances.

Legendary Beach Shacks & Trance Culture

Curlies Beach Shack: Situated on the southern rocky end of the beach, Curlies is an institution in Goa, known for multi level wooden terraces, seafood platters with tiger prawns and calamari, sunset cocktails, and evening chill out sessions.

Shiva Valley: Known to electronic music enthusiasts as the "Temple of Trance," Shiva Valley hosts famous Tuesday night psychedelic trance dance parties directly on the open sand beneath glowing artwork.

After exploring Anjuna, take a scenic 10 minute scooter ride north to the dramatic red cliffs of Vagator Beach and Chapora Fort, or head south to enjoy the bustling water sports hubs of Baga and Calangute.