Anjuna Flea Market

On a good Wednesday the market sprawls across hundreds of stalls selling clothes, jewellery, bags, handmade crochet and macrame, fridge magnets, antiques and every kind of souvenir. Regular visitors note that much of the stock is pan-India rather than uniquely Goan, so treat it as a large, colourful bazaar rather than a source of local crafts. Opinion genuinely divides: some call it a shopper's paradise, while others feel it has become touristy and repetitive, with similar goods found in shops along many Goa beaches.

The key thing is the day: the market is fully open only on Wednesdays, roughly 10am to 6pm, so plan the week around it. It sits near Anjuna beach in North Goa, about 10km from Candolim, and is easiest reached by scooter or car, or by bus to Anjuna followed by a short walk. Paid parking is available near the entrance.

Bargain hard: reviewers report quoted prices dropping by half or more, so an item first offered at 300 can often be had for 150 or less. Go in season, as off-season Wednesdays can be sparse. Mornings are calmer than the afternoon crush.