Anjuna Beach itinerary

Plan 01

1 day at Anjuna Beach

1. 01

   Day 1: Café morning, market or beach, sunset

   Start with breakfast at Artjuna or The German Bakery before the day heats up, then walk down to the sand while it is still quiet. On a Wednesday, spend the late morning and afternoon at the flea market instead, with a stop for lunch at a nearby café. On other days, have a Goan fish thali for lunch in the village, rest in the shade, then drive the short distance to St Michael's Church and Chapora Fort in the late afternoon. Return to the beach for sunset and dinner at one of the shacks if they are open for the season.

   Stop	Time needed	Walking	Best time
   The German Bakery	1 hour	Easy	Morning, or a break during the Wednesday market
   Chapora Fort	1-1.5 hours	Demanding	Early morning or late afternoon; avoid monsoon

   Pace: Chapora Fort involves a lot of walking or steps — do it early, and keep the rest of the day light.

   With parents at Chapora Fort: A steep, uneven climb on stone with little shade or seating, so it is hard for older travellers. Wear good shoes and take water.

Plan 02

2 days at Anjuna Beach

1. 01

   Day 1: Village and beach

   Have a slow breakfast at a village café, then explore Anjuna's lanes and St Michael's Church before the heat builds. Eat a Goan thali for lunch and rest at your hotel. Walk to the beach in the late afternoon, have a drink at a shack such as Cafe Lilliput and stay for sunset.

   Stop	Time needed	Walking	Best time
   Cafe Lilliput	1-2 hours	Moderate	Late afternoon for the view; October to May, when shacks are licensed

   Pace: Moderate walking today — plan a sit-down break between stops.

   With parents at Cafe Lilliput: Reached across sand and uneven steps from the beach road, with an upstairs seating area that is less convenient for anyone with knee or balance problems. Ask for a ground-level table, and expect music in the evening.

2. 02

   Day 2: Flea market or Mapusa, then Chapora Fort

   On a Wednesday, go to the flea market after lunch, when it is in full swing. On a Friday, visit Mapusa's market in the morning for spices, fruit and Goan bread. In the late afternoon, drive to Chapora Fort for views over the Chapora river and the coast, then return for dinner.

   Stop	Time needed	Walking	Best time
   Chapora Fort	1-1.5 hours	Demanding	Early morning or late afternoon; avoid monsoon

   Pace: Chapora Fort involves a lot of walking or steps — do it early, and keep the rest of the day light.

   With parents at Chapora Fort: A steep, uneven climb on stone with little shade or seating, so it is hard for older travellers. Wear good shoes and take water.

Plan 03

3 days at Anjuna Beach

1. 01

   Day 1: Arrive and settle

   Check in early or leave bags, then keep the first day light. Eat lunch in the village, rest through the heat and walk to the beach for sunset and dinner.

2. 02

   Day 2: Village, church and market

   Visit St Michael's Church in the morning, then browse the village shops and cafés. If it is a Wednesday, spend the afternoon at the flea market. Otherwise take the day slowly with a long lunch and a pool break.

3. 03

   Day 3: Chapora Fort and a nearby beach

   Drive to Chapora Fort early, when it is cooler, and take in the view across to Vagator and Morjim. Spend the rest of the day on a neighbouring beach such as Vagator or Baga, or return for a last café breakfast and the afternoon on the sand before you leave.

   Stop	Time needed	Walking	Best time
   Chapora Fort	1-1.5 hours	Demanding	Early morning or late afternoon; avoid monsoon

   Pace: Chapora Fort involves a lot of walking or steps — do it early, and keep the rest of the day light.

   With parents at Chapora Fort: A steep, uneven climb on stone with little shade or seating, so it is hard for older travellers. Wear good shoes and take water.

Read before you go

Guides for the stops on these routes

Pacing

Pacing a Anjuna Beach trip for parents and children

• Visit the beach early in the morning or in the last hour before sunset; midday sand and sun are hard going, and the seasonal shacks are least crowded then.
• Choose a hotel inland with a pool and lift or ground-floor rooms, and use a taxi for the beach. Steps and rocky paths down to the sand are uneven.
• Avoid the south end on party nights if you want to sleep; music can carry well into the night during the season.
• Take advice from Drishti lifesavers before getting in the water and keep to the flagged areas. Swimming and water sports are not permitted in the monsoon.
• Carry water, a hat and sunscreen, and confirm that a shack is open before walking the full length of the beach.
• The flea market is crowded, hot and uneven underfoot; go with a companion, keep an eye on bags and leave when you tire.

Anjuna Beach with elderly parents: the full guide →