There’s no denying that shopping is the most exciting part of a vacation and Goa street shops offer a shopping experience like no other. Apart from its marvellous beaches and tantalising nightlife, Goa is famed for its hippie market. As the name suggests, the trend of ‘flea markets’ was started by the western hippies in the 1960s. Since they arrived in Goa with empty pockets, selling their jewellery, clothes, guitars and other artefacts helped them earn some cash. 

Fast forward to today, Goa is a hub of flea markets where people from all over the country and outside gather to sell and shop. If you plan to go to Goa, here are the flea markets that are every shopaholic’s paradise:

• Anjuna Flea Market
• Friday Bazar at Mapusa
• Ingo’s Saturday Night Bazar
• Tibetan Market, Baga
• Calangute Market Square

Although there are many more markets to explore, Anjuna Flea market is one of the most beloved markets in Goa. Let’s dive in- get, set, and shop!

Anjuna Flea Market 

Every Wednesday, Anjuna Beach hosts this beachside market, where you can revel in dancing, music, and parties. When you’re done shopping you can indulge in some fantastic acrobatic activities and stop by the food vendors to recharge and rejuvenate.

Another great thing about Anjuna shopping is that you can shop to your heart’s content because the market stays buzzing till late at night. Remember to bargain. You’ll be surprised at how much you can purchase without worrying about overspending or exceeding your budget! 

Why should you visit Anjuna? 

It is said that the market was started by Eight Finger Eddie, one of the first hippies to ever settle in Goa. Anjuna Flea market was thus a trendsetter and that makes it the queen of flea markets. 

You’ll find everything here: vintage home decor to boho jewellery, fashion items, clothes, piercings, tattoos and more. 

The Anjuna Flea market is a nice fusion of Indian and western hippie. With exotic deadlocks, colourful braids and clothes with psychedelic prints, the Anjuna shopping experience is true to Goa’s essence. It’s a shopper’s heaven if you’re into experimenting and do not fear being freaky with fashion. 

Here Are 7 Things to Know About Shopping in Anjuna

When & How to Visit  

The market is held every Wednesday from 9 in the morning. October to April is the peak period because the market remains closed during the rainy season. This is a good time to visit as prices are lower than usual. So you can bag a lot of things for less money. 

Reaching here is a piece of cake. The Anjuna Flea Market is within walking distance from Anjuna Beach. Anjuna Beach Parking is where tourists usually stop and enter the market. They usually charge Rs 100 for parking, and there’s no time limit. Exploring the market on foot is the best way to go about it. After shopping, you can venture out to the beach and relax to the sound of the waves. 

Tibetan Market 

Just when you thought that snow and beach can’t come together, Goa brings you its famous Tibetan & Nepali Markets. These markets are over half a century old! In the Tibetan stalls of the Anjuna flea market, you can find good quality woollens, affordable silver jewellery, handlooms, singing bowls, leather goods like leather notebooks, accessories and unique souvenirs. 

Prices may be on the higher side and you may need to bargain a lot. If you’re lucky, you can get real silver jewellery, although there’s no means to establish its authenticity. 

Macrame Jewelry, Stone Jewelry & Other Accessories

Macrame Jewellery- You won’t find this kind of jewellery everywhere. Goan flea markets are also popular for exclusive handmade jewellery. Each design is different because it’s hand-woven. Some have intricate designs while others have pretty jewels embedded among designer knots. Plus, you’ll be supporting local businesses. It’s a part of sustainable tourism, which is clearly the need of the hour. 

Stone Jewellery- You’ll also come across numerous stalls selling stone or beaded jewellery. These come in a lot of different colours, stones and patterns. The stones range from artificial to semi-precious and precious. The prices vary accordingly as well. Nevertheless, you are sure to find some statement pieces to add to your jewellery collection. 

Some other items that you can expect to find in almost every second shop are earrings, rings and ear cuffs. 

Don’t worry men, the flea market has jewellery for you too. Bracelets, rings and necklaces are available if you’re into men’s fashion. 

Purses, Wallets & Hand Bags 

Soon as you enter the Anjuna market and pass through 2-3 shops, you’ll come across handbag shops that sell bags of all kinds. From small wood-woven purses to spacious tote bags made of jute and shimmery potli bags for fancy occasions. They start at Rs 200 but there’s always a scope for bargaining. You’ll notice that the bags come in bright colours and varying designs which makes them very eye-catching. Most shops also sell other trinkets like bracelets, jewellery boxes and rings for as low as Rs 50. 

Tapestry & Home Decor 

If you need to spice up your house and add a touch of exotica, the Anjuna flea market is just the place for it. The shops here sell colourful tapestries with interesting designs and psychedelic prints. A tapestry on a plain wall can really change up the look and add a touch of vibrance to a drab room. 

Apart from tapestries, you can find beautiful dreamcatchers as well. Native Americans believed that dreamcatchers provide protection from bad dreams and evil spirits. You’ll find a variety of dreamcatchers, laden with beads and feathers. Even if you don’t believe in its cultural significance, you can still get it as a decorative piece for your home. 

Besides this, cushion covers and bedsheets with mirror work and tribal prints are also sold widely. 

Clothing & Fashion

There’s no way we couldn’t have included clothes in this list! You’ll be surprised to see the array of fashion in the Anjuna flea market. This is the place for all hip clothing and international tourists love to shop here. The best part is that everything is super budget-friendly. Here’s what you can buy from the clothing stalls at Anjuna market: 

• Sarongs 
• Beachwear, swimwear and cute crocheted bikinis
• Ladies’ dresses- long and short gowns, skirts and funky summer tops 
• Dresses made from old sarees 
• Kids’ dresses
• Shorts and Tshirts for men 
• Hats and caps 
• Baggy Tshirts with Hippie Graphics & Psychedelic Prints
• Cool badges to customise apparel 
• Footwear 

The crocheted bikinis are definitely a star. You can spot a petite woman handknitting them in her quaint shop that is adorned with vibrant bikinis and long tops. They’re priced at only Rs 500 a set, which is a good deal. She also sells long tops (also crocheted) for Rs 550. Most of the clothes start at Rs 200 and don’t go beyond Rs 1000. 

Body Art

If you’re feeling a little crazy and spontaneous, you could get a tattoo or piercing or have your hair braided on the beachside. A lot of people love having their hair braided in colourful strands. They look pretty and you don’t have to worry about them getting stuck while combing either. Tattoos and colourful dreadlocks add to the Goan vibes. Inksanity Tattoo & Piercing in Anjuna is a reliable place to get inked. 

Additional Tip: Shops that are deeper into the market are cheaper than the shops at the beginning of the market. 

Eateries in and Around Anjuna Flea Market

After a long day of shopping, you need to relax and recharge. What better way to do that than enjoying traditional Goan shack food with live music in the background? Sipping an icy drink to some live retro music is an experience worth having in Goa. Anjuna is a very happening place for this very reason. 

Beach Shacks Amidst the Flea Market

You may come across several tiny food places while roaming around in the market. Some of the popular ones are Sea breeze restaurant, San Fransisco’s, and Maria Lobos. 

Here you can have drinks like juices, lassi and shakes paired with some Goan seafood. 

Ocean Pirates Cafe

A famous restaurant & bar near the flea market that is abuzz with people till 3 am! It lights up in the dark and is the go-to place for locals and tourists alike. After the beach, you can head here for cocktails, snacks and parties. 

Pisco- by the Beach

Pisco by the beach is one of the top-rated restaurants in Goa. A scenic view, salty air and fine dining, what more do you need!? According to most visitors, this is the best place for witnessing an enchanting sunset. While most restaurants in Goa shut down in monsoons, Pisco doesn’t. One thing about Pisco by the beach is that the interior and the colour palette are very tasteful (as is the food). 

Oasis Cafe Anjuna

Quality dishes at reasonable prices. This cafe near Anjuna beach has received multiple 5-star reviews and a long list of satisfied customers. The Virgin Mojito and the French toast here are a must-try.

Other Activities 

Yes, that’s not it! The day doesn’t end here. Besides its flea market, Anjuna has an array of activities for you to enjoy. One of Goa’s most beautiful locations, it’s a great area for sightseeing, watersports, outdoor activities, and much more. Here are some of the pastimes that you can partake in:

Paragliding

One of the most popular adventure sports that will enhance your trip to Anjuna Beach is paragliding. Paragliding in Anjuna beach is an excellent idea for anyone interested in seeing this area’s picturesque splendour from above. You’ll have the safest and most memorable outdoor experience ever, thanks to authorised experts.

Price: INR 700-1000 for 15 minutes to 1 hour (duration of 1 session may vary)

Timings: 7:30 am to 10:00 pm

Shiva Valley 

Shiva Valley hosts psytrance parties every Tuesday, which is why this beach hut on Anjuna Beach is referred to as the “temple of trance.” Even on Sundays, festivities go until four in the morning. The most romantic activity to do in Shiva Valley is to watch a beautiful sunset in the shack’s outdoor area, which is one of the top party spots in Goa for couples. 

It’s also open on Wednesdays from 9:30 am. 

This is one of the prime locations in North Goa for parties, and it’s right close to the Curlies, another well-known spot for Goa nightlife.

Fee: Free for single ladies, 500 for stag and INR 1000 for couple

Timings: 9:30 am to 4:00 am (Tuesdays), 3 am to 3 am (Sundays) and 9:30 am to 11:30 am for the rest of the days of the week. 

Scuba Diving

Given the fascinating underwater tours that visitors may do here on this beach, scuba diving is regarded as one of the most thrilling activities on Anjuna. You can delve into the undersea world through scuba diving. Professionals that hold PADI certifications will be in charge of you and will be able to fuel your adventurous side.

St. Anthony Chapel 

It’s one of the many ancient churches of Goa. An architectural beauty, it was constructed around the start of the 17th century. During the Portuguese era of dominance in India, the statue of St. Anthony was treated as the army’s captain, and the staff of the Treasury Office would keep the wage amount on the statue’s hand. This chapel’s façade is unlike any other church or chapel in Goa.

Fee: No fee

Timings: 9 am to 12 pm, 4 pm to 7 pm

Reader’s Note 

Well now that you know everything that there is to know about Anjuna shopping, you can use the information from this blog to carve out a fun day full of activities and adventure in Anjuna. Remember, the Anjuna flea market is located on the Anjuna beach and is held every Wednesday from 9 am. You’ll find a variety of hippie merchandise from clothing, home decor, trance music cassettes and jewellery to handbags and body art. Grab a bite from one of the food shacks if you want and spend some time on the serene Anjuna Beach. Don’t forget to wear sunscreen! 

This vlog gives the perfect all-encompassing glimpse of Anjuna flea market

Happy Shopping!

Goa is famous for its beaches and laid-back life but most tourists miss out on the rich history that this place possesses. To make sure you’re not one of those tourists, we’ve curated this blog sharing interesting insights on one of the most popular beaches of Goa, Anjuna. Often known as the “Freak Capital of the World,” it is the ideal location for lazy vacationers. Visitors revive themselves in the pleasant ambience of the lucent full moon casting a magical spell and the smooth frothy waves cuddling their feet on the beach of Anjuna. So, if you want to enjoy the true beauty of landscapes, luxury accommodations, serenity, nighttime celebrations, authentic seafood delicacies, and fashionable shopping, a vacation to Anjuna is well worth it.

About Anjuna History

Anjuna is a small settlement on the coast of the Arabian Sea in north Goa. In the 1960s, hippies frequented Anjuna Beach, a sandy cove with palm trees and black rocks. It is now notorious for its electronic trance music parties. Anjuna comes alive with its ever-famous full-moon parties and the Wednesday flea market to take one on a trance trip, aside from the calm waves of the Arabian Sea lapping softly on the Indian shore. Panaji, Goa’s capital, is 18 kilometres away. 

Location

Anjuna Beach is located 18 kilometres west of Panaji and 8 kilometres west of Mapusa in North Goa. It is nestled in the Bardez taluka of North Goa, in the village of Anjuna. The beach is part of a 30-kilometre stretch of expanded beachfront along the Arabian Sea’s west coast of Goa.

Why is Anjuna Beach So Famous?

The beach is known for its gorgeous ambience of swaying palm trees and an odd rocky formation that juts out into the sea beyond a pocket of white sand and black rock. Anjuna Beach in Goa is among the pristine beaches that attract a large number of hippies from across the world.

Major Attractions of Anjuna

Wednesday Flea Market – Anjuna Flea Market in Goa is a hippie’s paradise where you may find a treasure trove of souvenirs, handicrafts, hippie clothing, and collectables for a fraction of the cost. This weekly market began in the 1960s as a means for hippie tourists to trade their distinctive wares. 

Fun fact: According to legend, this market was founded in 1975 by eight-finger Eddie. Following the path across Eastern Europe, the hippies eventually arrived on the shores of Anjuna. They had also burned their passport by accident and were cash-strapped. They began selling their one-of-a-kind goods to alleviate their financial difficulties. Anjuna Flea Market has been tempting tourists and consumers to come and be enchanted by its alluring appeal since then. The market is known for its dance events, food vendors, music, and night parties. It’s one of those dreamlike places that the visitors never want to leave!

The Acid House Party – Full-moon (acid house) events are also popular at Anjuna. Thousands of vacationers have attended these events, which are held for and by young tourists. Aside from the fire, the trance party with dance, merriment, and joy lasts all night.

Water Sports – Other than parties and exciting food spots Anjuna is a famous spot for water sports. One can participate in a variety of thrilling water activities and have the time of your life. Take part in parasailing, banana boat rides, and more. The activities are carried out under the supervision of qualified guides. 

Now that we’ve introduced you to Anjuna and all its specialities, it’s time to dive deeper and take a peek at the roots of this culturally colourful and exciting place on the west coast of India. 

Portuguese in India

The Portuguese arrived in Goa in 1510, captured the Panjim fort with the support of the overtaxed Panjimites, and held it until it was liberated on December 19, 1961. The Dutch staged a few unsuccessful attacks, but the British East India Company preferred diplomacy with the Portuguese, who wanted to control the spice route and gained access to Goa’s port and trade. 

In 1542, a group of Jesuit missionaries led by St. Francis Xavier arrived. By the middle of the 16th century, Portuguese rule had expanded beyond Old Goa to include the districts of Bardez and Salcete, and active conversions were fast spreading Christianity throughout this newly acquired colony. Goa became the most valuable Portuguese province as the Portuguese wrested sovereignty from the Turks, who controlled the trade routes across the Indian Ocean.

Portuguese Goan Society 

It is unknown how many people lived in Goa before the European takeover. Over the next few decades, the first few hundred Portuguese migrants grew to a population of about 2,000 homes, including Europeans and mixed European-Indian families. 

Under Portuguese dominion, the city was much like any other in India, with a fort, governor’s home, bazaars, several sectors of housing based on religion and occupation, a tangle of little twisting lanes, and one major boulevard, the Rua Direita. Churches and other European-style structures were constructed, however, the ones that exist now originate from the 17th century.

As the Portuguese attempted to convert the indigenous, Christian organisations had a strong presence in the colony. There were over 70 churches, as well as numerous monasteries and convents. Religious persecution increased after 1540, and the Inquisition arrived in Europe in 1560. As a result, temples were demolished, all Hindu ceremonies were outlawed, including marriages and cremations, and even traditional clothes and delicacies were barred.

Portuguese Culture in India

Portugal enhanced Goa in a variety of ways, the most evident of which is in its architecture. Velha Goa, the old capital, is now a UNESCO World Heritage site with churches, chapels, and convents. They are India’s only specimens of the Baroque architectural style.

Built on the foundation of earlier Konkani society, Goan culture is the result of centuries of intermixing of Europe and India. Goa evolved a distinct blend of local Konkani customs and Catholic traditions brought by Christian missionaries. Imports from the Portuguese Empire, which were dispersed around the world, were also a factor. These disparate influences melded together throughout time to create a culture that is distinctively ‘Goan.’ 

The culture of Goa would be incomplete without mentioning its spicy cuisine. Vasco da Gama, after all, initially travelled to India in pursuit of spices! The Portuguese, on the other hand, not only exported spices from India to Europe but also introduced new spices to India from their South American colonies. Some of them are potato, peanut, pumpkin, tomato, maize and chilli peppers which have now become an inseparable part of Indian cuisine. 

Despite their differences, Goans manage to live together as a single community, speaking the same mother tongue, Konkani. The daily lives of the locals in the villages reflect this melting pot of customs and traditions, with communities participating in each other’s festivals, rituals, food, sports, theatre, dance, and music.

Goa is often stereotyped for ‘booze, party and beaches’ and many Indians fail to acknowledge Goa’s eccentric and eclectic culture that stems from a blend of different traditions. 

Goa’s Gastronomy

The city most influenced by the Portuguese presence was, of course, Goa, where the cuisine is known as Indo-Portuguese cuisine, as well as the cities of Damo and Diu. This gastronomy, which has been around for five centuries, is unique in that it combines parts of Portuguese cuisine with Indian culinary ingredients. 

During their time in India, the Portuguese introduced new ingredients and products to Indian cuisines, such as chilli peppers, which led to the creation of curry and other spices, which are now considered an essential part of Indian cuisine, as well as traditional Portuguese dishes that have been adapted to Indian techniques and tastes.

Vindaloo is a very famed Goan dish which was derived from the Portuguese dish of “Carne de vinha de alhos”. It was modified to match the Indian tastebuds and is served by many Portuguese/Goan food places in Goa. 

The confectionery incorporates features of Portuguese origin, notably conventual confectionery from Portugal. The widespread usage of eggs demonstrates this impact, as evidenced by the well-known Indo-Portuguese bebinca, made with egg yolks, sugar, cardamom, coconut milk, flour, and butter, which is served with vanilla ice cream.

Anjuna houses some of the top food places where you can delight in exquisite Goan and Portuguese cuisine. One such place is Nata Goa, a cafe that serves authentic Portuguese food. 

The Hippies of India

The first hippies arrived in Goa towards the end of the 1960s and spent a lot of time on the beaches of Anjuna, Vagator, and Baga, which intrigued them. The cultural isolation, beauty of the tropical environment, and spiritual atmosphere that prevailed in Goa attracted young people. They felt liberated, free of the shackles of old Europe’s orthodox morals.

Initially, Goa’s hippie tourism consisted of many groups of young people playing music and smoking marijuana around a campfire on the beach. According to an old Goan from Vagator, the inhabitants of Goa were “if not indifferent, then slightly interested” about “naked white golden-haired folks on a beach.”

Meetings and parties organised by the increasing number of hippies began to draw young people from all over the world. In the 1980s, massive full moon parties replaced small fires, psychedelic rock replaced electronic music, and hashish was replaced by opium and heroin from North India. Goa has gained notoriety as a haven for techno music lovers and fans.

However, another transition was taking place at the same time. The hippy was destined to provide a significant impetus to the growth of Goa’s tourism economy. The first luxury hotel was built in Goa in 1971. The western coast of India is progressively taking on the appearance of a huge marine resort. Direct charters from Europe have been more common since the 1990s, paving the stage for mass cheap travel.

Eight Finger Eddie

Born on 8 March 1924, Yertward Mazamanian was the first American hippie to settle in Goa. He had only 3 fingers on his right hand, hence the name ‘Eight Finger Eddie’. An immigrant of Armenian descent, he worked menial jobs before he was fired from an electrical company. Mazamanian despised the work lifestyle. He wanted to be free and spend his life doing whatever he wanted. Thus his ‘hippie life’ journey began. He lived on the edge- playing jazz music, consuming illegal drugs, performing in clubs, getting married, divorced and moving from place to place. 

Eddie took a trip around India, Nepal and Iran in 1964. He finally settled at Anjuna Beach in Goa in 1966, which was then a small hamlet with numerous tea stalls and a sandy beach. To make ends meet, he opened up a soup stall for Westerners who visited Anjuna and eventually came to be known as Hippies. He also set up a flea market for the foreigners to barter their goods and make some money since they had none. Eddie loved his life here so much that he spent the rest of his life in Goa, partying, dancing and drinking. He died on 18 October 2010 and his ashes were scattered on the beach. Eddie died a legend. 

Goa Brewing Co. pays tribute to the man with their IPA, Eight Finger Eddie, which is made in the style of traditional Goan brews. It’s a double dry-hopped oat cream ale with tropical fruit notes and a smooth, richer mouthfeel and creamy finish thanks to the oats. It has a velvety finish with a tinge of bitterness from the hops.

Anjuna Village

Anjuna village is in North Goa, India, on the coast. It is a Census Town and one of Bardez’s twelve Brahmin communities. Anjuna, like the rest of Goa, was long colonized by the Portuguese. According to historian Teresa Albuquerque, the village’s name comes from the Arabic term ‘Hanjuman’ (meaning merchant guild). Others claim it is derived from an Arabic term meaning “change,” as people arriving from the sea needed to exchange money.

Hippies discovered it in the 1960s, it became a popular destination for backpackers and trance party goers, and it has recently become a favourite destination for young Indians from big cities.

Anjuna’s Beloved Beach

Anjuna beach, located between Ozran beach, also known as Little Vagator beach, and Baga beach in the north, is one of Goa’s most popular beaches. Anjuna Beach was Goa’s first and most well-known beach. For many international visitors, this beach has become a popular location. Anjuna Beach, on the other hand, is a popular tourist destination in India. This beach is well-known among European tourists and visitors who plan to stay for a long time. Anjuna Beach is also popular with tourists who wish to witness a stunning sunset. October to March is the ideal time to go experience all that Anjuna has to offer. 

Which is the Best Beach? 

Each beach in Goa has its own unique character, and the one you choose will be determined by your preferences for a beach trip. 

Anjuna or Vagator are wonderful options if you’re looking for a party beach. If you want to witness some fantastic sunsets, go to Ozran, and if you want to see some amazing natural scenery, go to Arambol.

Although, it’s important to note that Vagator’s seas are rougher than those found on several of North Goa’s other beaches, making them unsuitable for swimming.

Places to Stay in Anjuna 

Anjuna is loaded with some of the most luxurious hotels that specialise in diverse cuisines and impeccable service. Take a look at these places in the heart of Anjuna the next time you’re planning a trip to Goa. 

• The Westin Goa
• Fairfield by Marriott
• The Ivy Anjuna
• Casa Anjuna

Summary

With limitless options for exploration and entertainment paired with a vast history, Anjuna Goa makes for the perfect vacation spot for all kinds of tourists. There’s history, art, music, adventure, culture- the list goes on and on. No wonder this place is beaming with tourists from all over the world! Now that you’re aware of how Anjuna came to life, you’re all set to discover and enjoy Goa in its entirety!

Happy Vacationing!