Have you ever wondered what it was like to be a hippie in Goa in the 1960s and 1970s? If yes, then you should definitely visit the Anjuna Flea Market, a weekly shopping extravaganza that showcases the eclectic and bohemian spirit of Goa. Anjuna Flea Market is not just a place to buy souvenirs and handicrafts, but also a place to experience the culture, history, and lifestyle of Goa’s hippie community.
Anjuna Flea Market started as a small gathering of hippies who sold their belongings and exchanged goods with the locals in the late 1960s. Over time, the market grew in size and popularity, attracting vendors and visitors from all over India and the world. Today, Anjuna Flea Market is one of the most famous and busiest markets in Goa, offering a wide range of products, services, entertainment, and food options.
If you are planning to visit Goa, you should not miss the opportunity to explore Anjuna Flea Market and its surroundings. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Anjuna Flea Market, from how to reach it, when to visit it, what to buy there, what to do there, and what to see around it. So, let’s get started!
How to Reach Anjuna Flea Market
Anjuna Flea Market is located on the northern end of Anjuna Beach, which is one of the most popular beaches in Goa. You can reach Anjuna Flea Market by different modes of transport, depending on where you are staying in Goa.
By Bus: You can take a bus from Panaji (the capital city of Goa) or Mapusa (the nearest town) to Anjuna Beach. The bus fare is around Rs. 20-30 per person and the journey takes about an hour. The bus stop is about 2 km away from the market, so you will have to walk or take a rickshaw or a bike taxi from there.
By Taxi: You can hire a taxi from any part of Goa to Anjuna Beach. The taxi fare varies depending on the distance and time of travel, but it usually ranges from Rs. 500-1000 per trip. The taxi will drop you near the entrance of the market.
By Bike or Car: You can also rent a bike or a car from any rental agency in Goa and drive yourself to Anjuna Beach. The rental charges are around Rs. 300-500 per day for a bike and Rs. 1000-1500 per day for a car. You will have to pay extra for fuel and parking. You can park your vehicle near the market for a nominal fee.
When to Visit Anjuna Flea Market
Anjuna Flea Market is open every Wednesday from 9 am to 6 pm throughout the year. However, the best time to visit Anjuna Flea Market depends on your preference and convenience.
Peak Season: The peak season for visiting Anjuna Flea Market is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and dry in Goa. This is also the time when most tourists flock to Goa for holidays and festivals. The market is very crowded and lively during this season, with more vendors and products on display. You can find a variety of items at reasonable prices, but you will also have to bargain hard and deal with traffic jams and parking issues.
Off-Season: The off-season for visiting Anjuna Flea Market is from April to September, when the weather is hot and humid in Goa. This is also the time when most tourists avoid Goa due to the monsoon rains and cyclones. The market is less crowded and quiet during this season, with fewer vendors and products on display. You can find some unique and rare items at bargain prices, but you will also have to face the heat, humidity, and occasional showers.
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What to Buy at Anjuna Flea Market
Anjuna Flea Market is a shopper’s paradise, offering a wide range of products to suit every taste and budget. You can find anything and everything at Anjuna Flea Market, from clothes, accessories, jewellery, handicrafts, souvenirs, antiques, books, music CDs, to spices, herbs, oils, teas, and more. Here are some of the most popular and interesting things to buy at Anjuna Flea Market:
Clothes: Anjuna Flea Market is a great place to buy clothes, especially if you are looking for something colorful, funky, and hippie. You can find a variety of clothes at Anjuna Flea Market, such as T-shirts, tops, dresses, skirts, pants, shorts, jackets, coats, scarves, shawls, etc. The clothes are made of cotton, silk, wool, or synthetic fabrics and are decorated with prints, embroidery, sequins, beads, or patches. You can also get your clothes customized or tailored at the market. The prices of clothes range from Rs. 100-1000 per piece depending on the quality and design.
Accessories: Anjuna Flea Market is also a great place to buy accessories, especially if you are looking for something unique and quirky. You can find a variety of accessories at Anjuna Flea Market, such as hats, caps, sunglasses, belts, bags, wallets, purses, backpacks, shoes, sandals, slippers, etc. The accessories are made of leather, cloth, metal, wood, or plastic and are adorned with beads, shells, coins, feathers, or charms. You can also get your accessories customized or repaired at the market. The prices of accessories range from Rs. 50-500 per piece depending on the quality and design.
Jewellery: Anjuna Flea Market is also a great place to buy jewellery, especially if you are looking for something ethnic and exotic. You can find a variety of jewellery at Anjuna Flea Market, such as earrings, necklaces, bracelets, bangles, rings, anklets, toe rings, nose rings, etc. The jewellery is made of silver, gold, brass, copper, or stone and are studded with gems, crystals, pearls, or coral. You can also get your jewellery customized or polished at the market. The prices of jewellery range from Rs. 100-1000 per piece depending on the quality and design.
Handicrafts: Anjuna Flea Market is also a great place to buy handicrafts, especially if you are looking for something artistic and cultural. You can find a variety of handicrafts at Anjuna Flea Market, such as paintings, sculptures, masks, puppets, dolls, pottery, ceramics, woodwork, metalwork, etc. The handicrafts are made by local artisans and reflect the traditions and skills of Goa and India. You can also get your handicrafts customized or packed at the market. The prices of handicrafts range from Rs. 200-2000 per piece depending on the quality and design.
Souvenirs: Anjuna Flea Market is also a great place to buy souvenirs, especially if you are looking for something memorable and meaningful. You can find a variety of souvenirs at Anjuna Flea Market, such as magnets, keychains, postcards, stickers, badges, flags, posters, calendars, etc. The souvenirs are printed or engraved with images or slogans of Goa, India, or Anjuna Flea Market. You can also get your souvenirs personalized or wrapped at the market. The prices of souvenirs range from Rs. 10-100 per piece depending on the quality and design.
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Antiques: Anjuna Flea Market is also a great place to buy antiques, especially if you are looking for something rare and valuable. You can find a variety of antiques at Anjuna Flea Market, such as coins, stamps, notes, books, maps, records, cameras, watches, clocks, lamps, etc. The antiques are collected or restored by antique dealers and collectors and date back to different eras and regions of the world. You can also get your antiques authenticated or appraised at the market. The prices of antiques range from Rs. 500-5000 per piece depending on the quality and rarity.
Books: Anjuna Flea Market is also a great place to buy books, especially if you are looking for something informative and entertaining. You can find a variety of books at Anjuna Flea Market, such as novels, comics, magazines, guides, dictionaries, encyclopedias, etc. The books are written in different languages and genres and cover different topics and themes. You can also get your books exchanged or donated at the market. The prices of books range from Rs. 50-500 per piece depending on the quality and popularity.
Music CDs: Anjuna Flea Market is also a great place to buy music CDs, especially if you are looking for something musical and diverse. You can find a variety of music CDs at Anjuna Flea Market, such as rock, pop, jazz, blues, reggae, trance, techno, etc. The music CDs are recorded by local and international artists and bands and reflect the musical tastes and trends of Goa and the world. You can also get your music CDs copied or burned at the market. The prices of music CDs range from Rs. 50-500 per piece depending on the quality and popularity.
What to Do at Anjuna Flea Market
Anjuna Flea Market is not just a place to shop, but also a place to have fun and enjoy yourself. There are many things to do at Anjuna Flea Market, apart from buying and browsing. Here are some of the most popular and interesting things to do at Anjuna Flea Market:
Get a Tattoo:
Anjuna Flea Market is a great place to get a tattoo, especially if you are looking for something permanent and expressive. You can find many tattoo parlours at Anjuna Flea Market, offering a wide range of designs and styles, from traditional to modern, from simple to complex. You can also get your own design or name tattooed at the market. The tattoo artists are skilled and hygienic and use sterilized equipment and ink. The prices of tattoos range from Rs. 500-5000 per piece depending on the size and complexity.
Get a Massage:
Anjuna Flea Market is also a great place to get a massage, especially if you are looking for something relaxing and rejuvenating. You can find many massage centres at Anjuna Flea Market, offering a variety of massages and therapies, such as Ayurvedic, Thai, Swedish, Aromatherapy, Reflexology, etc. You can also get your hair braided or dreadlocked at the market. The massage therapists are trained and professional and use natural oils and herbs. The prices of massages range from Rs. 300-1000 per hour depending on the type and duration.
Enjoy Live Music:
Anjuna Flea Market is also a great place to enjoy live music, especially if you are looking for something lively and energetic. You can find many live music performances at Anjuna Flea Market, featuring local and international musicians and bands playing different genres of music, such as rock, pop, jazz, blues, reggae, trance, techno, etc. You can also join the dance floor or sing along with the crowd at the market. The live music shows are free of charge and start from noon till evening.
Watch Street Art:
Anjuna Flea Market is also a great place to watch street art, especially if you are looking for something creative and colorful. You can find many street artists at Anjuna Flea Market, displaying their talents and skills in various forms of art, such as painting, sketching, graffiti, caricature, sculpture, etc. You can also get your portrait or caricature done by the artists at the market. The street artists are talented and friendly and accept donations or tips for their work.
Eat and Drink:
Anjuna Flea Market is also a great place to eat and drink, especially if you are looking for something delicious and diverse. You can find many cafes, restaurants, bars, and stalls at Anjuna Flea Market, offering a variety of cuisines and beverages, such as Indian, Chinese, Continental, Italian, Mexican, etc. You can also find many local delicacies and specialties at the market, such as Goan fish curry, vindaloo, xacuti, bebinca, feni, etc. The prices of food and drinks range from Rs. 50-500 per person depending on the quality and quantity.
What to See Around Anjuna Flea Market
Anjuna Flea Market is not just a place to shop and have fun, but also a place to explore and discover. There are many attractions around Anjuna Beach that are worth visiting after exploring the market. Here are some of the most popular and interesting places to see around Anjuna Flea Market:
Chapora Fort:
Chapora Fort is a historical fort that overlooks the Chapora River and the Arabian Sea. It was built by the Portuguese in the 17th century and was later captured by the Marathas in the 18th century. It is famous for its scenic views and sunset point. It is also known as the Dil Chahta Hai Fort, as it was featured in the Bollywood movie of the same name. It is about 3 km away from Anjuna Flea Market and can be reached by walking, biking, or taking a taxi. The entry to the fort is free of charge and it is open from 9 am to 5 pm.
Curlies Beach Shack:
Curlies Beach Shack is one of the most popular beach shacks in Goa that offers a lively atmosphere, scenic views, and various activities. It is located on the southern end of Anjuna Beach and is frequented by tourists and locals alike. It serves a variety of cuisines and beverages and hosts live music shows, parties, and events. It also offers facilities such as sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, lockers, etc. It is about 2 km away from Anjuna Flea Market and can be reached by walking or taking a taxi. The entry to the shack is free of charge and it is open from 8 am to 2 am.
Baga Beach:
Baga Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Goa that offers a vibrant atmosphere, scenic views, and various activities. It is located on the northern end of Anjuna Beach and is famous for its nightlife, water sports, and flea market. It has many cafes, restaurants, bars, clubs, and shacks that serve a variety of cuisines and beverages and host live music shows, parties, and events. It also has many water sports operators that offer activities such as parasailing, jet skiing, banana boat ride, etc. It also has a flea market that operates every Saturday night and sells clothes, accessories, jewellery, handicrafts, etc. It is about 4 km away from Anjuna Flea Market and can be reached by walking, biking, or taking a taxi. The entry to the beach is free of charge and it is open 24 hours.
Vagator Beach:
Vagator Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Goa that offers a tranquil atmosphere, scenic views, and various attractions. It is located on the opposite side of Anjuna Beach and is famous for its rocky cliffs, red sand, and coconut palms. It has two main sections: Big Vagator and Little Vagator. Big Vagator is the main beach that has many shacks and stalls that serve food and drinks and offer sunbeds and umbrellas. Little Vagator is the smaller beach that has fewer shacks and stalls but more attractions such as Chapora Fort, Ozran Beach, and Shiva’s Face. It also hosts some of the best parties and festivals in Goa such as Sunburn and Hilltop. It is about 5 km away from Anjuna Flea Market and can be reached by walking, biking, or taking a taxi. The entry to the beach is free of charge and it is open 24 hours.
Club Cubana:
Club Cubana is one of the most famous clubs in Goa that offers a glamorous atmosphere, scenic views, and various amenities. It is located on a hilltop near Anjuna Beach and is known as the Nightclub in the Sky. It has a multi-level dance floor, a swimming pool, a jacuzzi, a bar, a lounge, and a restaurant that serve a variety of cuisines and beverages and host live music shows, parties, and events. It also has facilities such as lockers, showers, towels, etc. It is about 3 km away from Anjuna Flea Market and can be reached by walking or taking a taxi. The entry to the club is Rs. 2000 per couple or Rs. 1500 per stag (including unlimited drinks) and it is open from 9 pm to 4 am.
Anjuna Flea Market is one of the best places to visit in Goa if you want to experience the hippie culture and history of Goa. It is a place where you can shop for anything and everything at bargain prices, have fun and enjoy yourself with various services, entertainment, and food options, and explore and discover the attractions around Anjuna Beach. Anjuna Flea Market is a place that will leave you with unforgettable memories and souvenirs of your trip to Goa.
If you are planning to visit Goa, you should definitely include Anjuna Flea Market in your itinerary. It is a place that will satisfy your shopping cravings, your curiosity, and your adventurous spirit. It is a place that will make you feel the vibe and charm of Goa’s hippie community.
We hope you enjoyed reading this article and learned something new and useful about Anjuna Flea Market. If you have any feedback, comments, or questions about the article or the market, please feel free to share them with us. We would love to hear from you and help you out.
Thank you for reading this article and we wish you a happy and memorable trip to Goa. Don’t forget to visit Anjuna Flea Market and have a blast!