Hiking from Anjuna to Vagator

Today I decide to walk from Anjuna to Vagator — a short coastal hike that turns out to offer far more than just exercise.

From a hill near Anjuna village, the view opens up beautifully. The Arabian Sea stretches endlessly, palm trees sway below, and the coastline curves in dramatic red cliffs. Goa has a landscape that feels both tropical and rugged at the same time.

The Portuguese influence is still clearly visible here. Churches dot the landscape, and Christianity remains an important part of Goan identity — a legacy of centuries of colonial rule. The blend of Indian and European elements gives the region a character quite different from the rest of India.

On the other side of the hill lies Little Vagator Beach — smaller, quieter, framed by cliffs and greenery. From above, it looks almost cinematic.

Along the way, I notice a group of Indian girls taking selfies with a selfie stick. Their animated conversations and bursts of laughter sound surprisingly familiar — not so different from a group of Estonian friends chatting away. Some things are universal.

As the day winds down, I stay in Vagator to watch the sunset. The sky turns orange and pink, the sea darkens, and the sun slowly disappears beyond the horizon.