Anjuna Beach

Anjuna Beach in Bardez is famous as the birthplace of Goa's hippie culture and later its trance music scene. In the 1960s, travellers on the overland hippie trail settled here, and full moon parties on the beach became legendary. The beach itself is a rocky, crescent-shaped bay with red laterite cliffs, dark rocks and stretches of sand. Its weekly flea market, which began with travellers selling their belongings, remains one of Goa's biggest draws. Along the cliffs, cafes and bars look out over the sea and are especially busy at sunset. Clubs such as Curlies have become fixtures of the beachfront nightlife. Swimming is possible in calmer patches, though the rocks call for care. Anjuna is worth the trip for its history, dramatic coastline and enduring counterculture spirit.