Miramar Beach Goa
About Miramar Beach In Goa
Only a short walk away from the hubbub of downtown Panaji, the golden sands of Miramar Beach in Goa are the ideal playground for the locals and tourists alike. Being only three kilometers from Panaji city, the beach is the most crowded beach in Goa. Previously named Porta de Gaspar Dias or Gasper Dias Beach by the Portuguese settlers, now it is popularly called Miramar beach. This beach in Panaji is also a famous spot to celebrate local festivals in Goa. Besides water sports, the beach is also a popular destination for morning and evening walks. While most of the beaches in Goa are tourist-oriented beaches with a host of facilities, Miramar Beach in Goa does not offer such kind of luxury. There are a few but good shacks by the beach, souvenir shops, and restaurants near Miramar beach. If you wish to enjoy a beach day away from the regular crowds in Goa, head to Miramar beach on a fine, sunny day. Make sure to carry along the beach-day essentials such as sunscreen, hats, and towels.
Towards the north of the beach, you will find the meeting point of Mandovi River and the Arabian Sea. Take a walking tour along the stretch and spot the fishermen doing their job. As the sun sets, the skyline looks gorgeous and appealing. There are a few good five-star bars that offer upscale dining and a casino that offers a host of entertainment.
The Cabo Raj Bhavan Hillock near Miramar Beach is a hot spot for adventure activities. Visitors to the beach can enjoy a range of water sports here. The National Institute of Water sports provides basic lessons to visitors. After a short training session, visitors can indulge in leisure and adventure activities at the beach.
Swim, lay, and play in the sand! Beach walking, picnicking, parasailing, and swimming are popular things to do at Miramar Beach. Parasailing can be enjoyed by a 300-feet long rope attached to a speedboat and with a balloon at the other end. Travelers can also enjoy a short boat river cruise on the Mandovi River from Miramar Beach. Windsurfing is another one of the popular things to do at Miramar Beach in Goa. To rejuvenate your soul, try Goan cuisine or local street food with coconut water from beach shacks at the beach.
For those looking to enjoy less adventurous activities, shopping at Miramar Beach is a great option. Although souvenirs at the beach stalls are not exclusively exotic, yet there might be some cool stuff available at the local shops like scarfs, hats, jute shoes, and t-shirts. For an authentic shopping experience, travelers can hit the main market in Panaji. Clubbing at Miramar Beach is one of the best things to do in Panaji. There are a few luxury resorts with outdoor party venues and hip bars along the beach where one can party all night long.
Archaeological Museum, Convent of St. Francis of Assi, Goa State Museum, Church of Our Lady, and Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary are popular places to visit near Miramar Beach. The beach is open all day long. There are no specific visiting hours for Miramar Beach in Goa.
How To Reach Miramar Beach
The beach is located only 3 km from the city centre of Panaji. It takes about 10 minutes to get here by car from Panaji. For those wondering how to reach Miramar Beach, should figure out how to reach Panaji first.
One can first reach Panaji by air, by train or by road. The capital of Goa is well connected with the rest of India. The nearest airport from the beach is Dabolim Airport. The airport is located some 40 kilometres from the beach. Travellers can rent a car or take public transport to reach the beach. The distance from Goa Airport to Miramar Beach can be covered in about one hour. The distance between Goa Airport and Miramar Beach is 28 km via NH 66. The airport in Goa is served by flights from major Indian cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Ahmedabad.
The nearest railway station to Miramar Beach is Karmali Railway Station. It is about 12 km away. However, the Madgaon Railway Station is the most convenient option for long-distance trains. Madgaon station is about 40 km from the beach. The bus stand in Panaji is only 3 km from the beach. It takes only 15 minutes to reach the beach by car or bus.
Timings For Miramar Beach
Miramar Beach is one of those beaches in Goa that are not polluted by tourists. It is in almost everyone’s Goa itinerary. However, one cannot partake in many water sports activities but there is still a lot to enjoy in this place. Like many other beaches of Goa, it is open to visiting 24 hours. Therefore, the timings of Miramar Beach are flexible.
Timings
Monday to Sunday
12:00 am - 11:59 am
Tips for Miramar Beach
Go for morning and evening walks to enjoy natural colours and fresh air
Apply sunblock and carry drinking water to avoid dehydration
Try out the local food like Shawarma and Bhel Puri at the beach
Take care of your belongings while going for a swim
Always double check your harness and other protective gear before going for water sports