A Tale of Two Beaches: From Baga Beach to Anjuna, South Goa, India

If you're visiting North Goa and staying near the party-packed Baga Beach, a day trip to nearby Anjuna Beach is an absolute must. This is true especially if you're more into serene coastal walks, artistic vibes, and nature-filled backroads than loud raves and beach parties.

Choosing a beach to stay at when in Goa is a challenge. There are so many great choices! When we went, we had no idea where we wanted to go. We had been to Goa a few years prior and enjoyed the beaches we stayed at (Arambol and Agonda). Yet, this time we wanted to try some new places out. Anjuna had long been on our list, but for some reason, we decided to go to Baga instead. Since Baga and Anjuna are both next to each other, we got to check out both and compare them. 

We recently took a day to explore Anjuna while staying in Baga, and the contrast between the two beaches was striking. We asked ourselves if we wanted to move to Anjuna, as we appreciate a more chill vibe. Here’s a detailed look at our experience, complete with what we liked, what we didn’t, and what you should know before you go. Spoiler: Both beaches are quite good! 

From Baga to Anjuna: Searching for Chill

Baga Beach was our base during our Goa trip. It’s known for being one of the most lively and tourist-heavy beaches in North Goa, with nonstop music, nightclubs, bars, and neon lights spilling onto the sand. We stayed in a cozy little guesthouse right on the beach for a bargain price, so moving wasn’t something we took lightly. 

Baga had its perks:

• The beach was perfect for swimming. It is sandy, clean, and welcoming.

• There were affordable restaurants and street food stalls everywhere.

• Shopping? There are endless options.

But after a few days, we craved something quieter. We wanted something with more nature, less noise, and a slower pace. So we grabbed a taxi and headed north to Anjuna Beach, hoping to find a spot that matched our chill travel style.

First, we had to stop and find an ATM. This was such an annoyance to us on this trip. Most banks only let you withdraw ₹10,000 at a time (about $120 USD), which can be frustrating if you're traveling longer-term and want to avoid frequent trips to the ATM. For us, we were going to the ATM every couple of days, and raking in fees each time. I didn't remember this being an issue during our first two trips to India. 

First Impressions: The Anjuna Flea Market

Our taxi dropped us off near the Anjuna Flea Market, one of the most iconic attractions in Goa. This market is like stepping into a colorful, hippie-era time capsule. Rows upon rows of stalls lined a dusty open space, selling everything from:

• Bohemian clothing and sarongs

• Beaded jewelry and silver rings

• Handcrafted incense holders and musical instruments

• Leather goods and carved wooden statues

• Psychedelic art prints

• Spices, teas, and herbal remedies

A few cows wandered nonchalantly through the stalls, adding to the “Only in India” charm.

We arrived on a quieter weekday, so the market wasn’t too crowded. This was perfect for browsing and enjoying the local vibe. We stopped for lunch, and I ordered a thali, which is a delicious platter with rice, dal, vegetables, chapati, and pickles. It is truly one of my favorite things in India (the other being the south Indian dosa, which I never got tired of).

The whole market had a laid-back, spiritual vibe that felt like Goa’s hippie past was still alive and well. There was live music in the distance, incense wafting through the air, and lots to see and browse. 

The Anjuna Flea Market has its roots in the 1970s hippie movement, when Western travelers began flocking to Goa in search of spirituality, music, and freedom. Many of these travelers ran out of money during their extended stays and started selling handmade goods, used clothes, jewelry, and psychedelic art right on the beach to fund their journey.

In regards to the history of this market, I will say that, overall, I did not find the items here to be all too different than those I had seen in other parts of India. I was expecting (and hoping for) more hand-made style items, and while some shops were one-of-a-kind, many of the shops sold the same things I had seen elsewhere in Goa, as well as Delhi, Rishikesh, etc. Despite this, it's still worth checking out, as there were some shops selling clothing I had not seen anywhere else, and some travelers selling trinkets and stickers they had made. 

Travel Tip: The Anjuna Flea Market runs every Wednesday from around 10 AM to sunset during high season (October to April). If you’re into unique souvenirs or boho fashion, this is the place to go.

Exploring the Beach and Beyond

After lunch, we walked down to the beach. At first glance, Anjuna Beach didn’t feel quite as “beachy” as Baga.

Here’s what we noticed:

Anjuna Beach Pros:

• Fewer crowds, quieter, more chill overall.

• The surrounding area is lush and green, with palm trees and dirt paths that lead to small villages.

• It has a more authentic, backpacker-meets-artist vibe.

• The cliffs nearby offer incredible sea views, especially at sunset.

Anjuna Beach Cons:

• The beach itself is rockier and narrower than Baga.

• There’s less open sand for swimming or lounging.

• The huts and shacks are packed closer to the shoreline.

• Not as ideal for swimming or playing in the surf with kids.

While walking on the beach, we stumbled upon a film crew shooting a scene right on the shore, which was fun to watch. Still, we realized that we would miss the wide, swimmable expanse of Baga’s beach.

Onward to Anjuna's Hidden Trails and Clifftop Views

The real magic of Anjuna came when we took a trail over the cliffs back to Baga. It was a bit of an adventurous route. We didn’t know how long it would take, but it turned out to be the most memorable part of the day.

The trail wound through a natural path along the cliffs, offering panoramic views of the Arabian Sea. There were moments when we stopped just to breathe it all in: the sound of the waves crashing below, the wind in the palm trees, the feeling of paradise. 

On the other side, as we descended back into Baga, our daughter slipped on one of the steep dusty roads and scraped her leg. We took a break in the shade, drank some cool drinks from a grocery store, and caught our breath before continuing. By the time we got back to Baga, the nightlife was just starting to come alive. The sound techno raves, colorful lights, and drumbeats drifting down the beach welcomed us back to Baga.

Anjuna vs. Baga: Which Beach is Better?

It really depends on what you’re looking for:

Feature	Baga Beach	Anjuna Beach
Vibe	Party central, high-energy.	Chill, spiritual, artsy
Beach Quality	Sandy, swimmable	Rocky, narrow, scenic
Nightlife	Wild clubs, neon lights	Cozy bars, mellow vibes
Shopping	Commercial shops	Flea market, handmade goods
Nature	More built-up	Palm forests, cliffs, trails
Best For	Partiers, social travelers	Nature lovers, backpackers

In the end, we decided to stay in Baga. This was mainly because the beach was better for swimming, and we liked our cheap beachfront stay. But we were so glad we visited Anjuna, even for a day.

What Others Are Saying About Anjuna Beach

We checked Reddit, Instagram, and travel blogs to see what others thought, and the reviews were surprisingly consistent:

“Anjuna feels like Goa 20 years ago. It's laid-back, rustic, and spiritual. It’s still got the old-school hippie vibe.”
— Reddit user, r/IndiaTravel

“The flea market is a must-do. I got handmade jewelry and a silk robe for way less than I’d find in the States.”
— Some chick on Instagram

“If you're tired of the chaos in Baga or Calangute, head to Anjuna for a more relaxed experience. The sunset from the cliffs is unforgettable.”
— Travel blogger at NomadicCravings.com

In the End, Anjuna Beach Was a Splendid Day Trip

Even though we didn’t end up relocating to Anjuna, I wouldn’t change anything about our day trip there. From the peaceful cliff walk to the bohemian market and the lush, green backroads, it was a perfect counterpoint to the wild energy of Baga. I love seeing new places, and getting to finally experience Anjuna was worth every minute (it was something I wanted to do on our first trip to India, but we visited in the low season).

If you’re in North Goa, I highly recommend spending at least a day in Anjuna. Whether you're shopping, soaking in the views, or just walking through the palm groves and villages, it’s a place that stays with you.