By What Are the Best Beaches in Panaji, Goa?
Panaji is the capital of Goa, although it is also known as Panjim in the local dialect. It is the largest urban area of this coastal state and the administrative seat as well. Due to its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife, it is a hugely popular tourist destination not only amongst Indians, but with tourists from across the world.
Tourists wanting to visit Panaji/Panjim can buy air tickets online from Go Air and they can also check Go Air flight status online from their mobiles.
While Panaji is home to plenty of tourist attractions, including the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Goa Science Centre, Adil Shah’s Palace, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church, Don Bosco Oratory, Mahalaxmi Temple, and Kala Academy, it is the beaches that bring people from across the world to Goa. With that in mind, we’ve highlighted a few of Panaji’s best beaches below.
The Best Beaches in Panaji
Ozran Beach
An extension of Vagator Beach, Ozran Beach is located at a distance of 8 Km from Mapusa and 22 Km from Panjim.
The beach is perhaps best known for the sponge-like appearance of its rocky shore, with seawater rushing out of the pores of the rocks. Littered with palm trees and visually stunning, Ozran Beach is a popular picnic spot for local families and tourists alike. With many vendors set up along the beach selling food and beach essentials at cheap prices, it’s a lively spot and great for families.
Dona Paula Beach
Nicknamed “Lover’s Paradise”, Dona Paula Beach is named for the daughter of a Portuguese viceroy who fell in love with a local fisherman and ended her love when her father forbade their romance.
Located only 7km from Panjim, Dona Paula Beach is located at the point where the Mandovi River and Zuari River pour into the Arabian Sea, and boasts a beach that appears silver in the setting sun.
Many food joints and small shops selling local handicrafts are found along this beach.
Miramar Beach
Formerly known as Gasper Dias Beach, Miramar Beach is located on an estuary of Mandovi River as it flows out into the Arabian sea close to Panaji city.
Since it is in the urban area, many local people flock here for morning or evening walks, as well as to practice fitness activities. This beach is also popular for birdwatching, as a variety of bird-life call the nearby estuary home. It is also a favourite sunset viewpoint of tourists.
Aguada Fort is located nearby as well, giving tourists an opportunity to view the statue of Late Dayanand Bandodkar, the first chief minister of independent Goa.
Candolim Beach
Counted among the longest beaches in Goa, Candolim Beach starts from the aforementioned Aguada Fort and runs to Chapora Beach. The nearby Candolim-Calangute Road is one of the busiest streets in this state, and is lined with shops, hotels, and restaurants. This beach is very popular among water sports lovers, who want to enjoy parasailing, water skiing, and banana boat riding.
People can also relax here, of course, and foodies can find a treasure trove of local cuisines in the numerous beach shacks found all along Candolim Beach.
The famous Goa nightlife is also very enjoyable on this beach, as people can go straight from the beach to enjoying the many bars, nightclubs, and restaurants in the area.
Palolem Beach
Palolem Beach is in the Canacona area of southern Goa, and is very popular among foreign tourists, who flock here during the winter months to admire the picturesque natural landscape of this place.
The northern end of this beach is perfect for swimmers, due to the calmer nature of the sea here. Tourists enjoy paragliding and they can ride kayaks, water scooters, and paddle boats as well. There are also plenty of cafes, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, tattoo studios, and shops along this beach where people can experience the vibrant nightlife of Goa.
Tourists can reach this Palolem Beach by bus or rental car, as it is within 1 – 2 hours of Panaji.
Butterfly Beach
This beach is located to the north of Palolem Beach in South Goa. It is not a crowded beach and thus, it is the perfect place for those who prefer a serene environment. Its name is justified by the presence of numerous colourful butterflies flying all over this beach. It is also nicknamed Honeymoon Beach, as new couples wanting to spend quality time together can do so in this secluded place.
There is a dense forest adjacent to this beach where tourists can go trekking. Different marine creatures, like sea urchins, sea cucumbers, goldfish, and redfish, can be seen on the beach during the low tide of the sea.
Hansa Beach
Tourists can visit this beach in Marmagao, only 3 Km away from Vasco city in South Goa. This beautiful beach is kept spotlessly clean by the Indian Navy. Therefore, only naval staff and their families and friends are allowed to visit this beach. However, tourists may seek permission for visiting this place from the INS Hansa Naval Base, which is adjacent to the Naval Aviation Museum in Goa.
