Miramar Beach Goa: A Complete Guide To The Urban Beach Paradise

Goa is a dream destination for many travellers who want to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea. But with so many beaches to choose from, how do you decide which one to visit? If you are looking for a beach that offers a mix of urban convenience and natural beauty, then Miramar Beach is the perfect choice for you.

Miramar Beach is an urban beach in North Goa, located just 3 km from Panaji, the capital city of Goa. It was formerly known as Gasper Dias Beach, after a Portuguese governor who built a fort there in the 17th century. Today, Miramar Beach is one of the most popular and visited beaches in Goa, attracting tourists and locals alike.

Miramar Beach has a long stretch of golden sand that curves along the Arabian Sea and the estuary of Mandovi River. The beach offers a stunning view of the sunset and the Fort Aguada across the river. It is also a birdwatcher's paradise, as it hosts a large number of migratory birds in the winter season.

But Miramar Beach is not just about relaxing and admiring the scenery. It also offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors who want to have some fun and adventure. Whether you want to try some water sports, spot some dolphins, explore some historical sites, or enjoy some nightlife, Miramar Beach has something for everyone.

In this article, we will give you a complete guide to Miramar Beach, including its top things to do, places to visit, best time to visit, where to stay, nightlife options, and more. Read on to find out why Miramar Beach is a must-visit destination for your next trip to Goa.

Things to Do at Miramar Beach

Miramar Beach is not just a place to sit back and relax. It also offers a range of activities that will keep you entertained and exhilarated. Here are some of the top things to do at Miramar Beach:

Water Sports: If you are looking for some adrenaline rush, then you can try some water sports at Miramar Beach. You can choose from banana boat ride, parasailing, jet ski ride, water scooter, and boat ride. These activities are available at reasonable prices and are supervised by trained instructors. You can also rent equipment such as life jackets and helmets for safety.

Dolphin Spotting: One of the most popular attractions at Miramar Beach is dolphin spotting. You can take a boat ride from the beach and head towards the mouth of Mandovi River, where you can see these friendly creatures jumping and playing in the water. You can also take some pictures and videos of them as they come close to your boat. Dolphin spotting is a fun and memorable experience for all ages.

Sunset Watching: Miramar Beach is one of the best places to watch the sunset in Goa. You can witness the sky changing colors from orange to pink to purple as the sun dips into the horizon. You can also see the silhouette of Fort Aguada and other landmarks across the river. Sunset watching is a romantic and peaceful activity that will make you fall in love with Miramar Beach.

Eating and Drinking: No trip to Goa is complete without indulging in some delicious food and drinks. Miramar Beach has plenty of options for eating and drinking, ranging from beach shacks to restaurants and bars. You can enjoy some local delicacies such as fish curry, prawns fry, xacuti, and vindaloo, as well as international cuisines such as Chinese, Italian, Continental, etc. You can also sip on some refreshing drinks such as coconut water, feni, beer, cocktails, etc., while enjoying the view of the beach.

Birdwatching: If you are a nature lover and a birdwatcher, then you will love Miramar Beach in the winter season. From October to March, Miramar Beach becomes home to a large number of migratory birds such as gulls, plovers, terns, sandpipers, etc. You can spot these birds on the beach or on the nearby islands such as Divar Island and Chorao Island. You can also take some pictures and videos of them as they fly or rest on the sand.

Places To Visit Near Miramar Beach

Miramar Beach is not only a destination in itself but also a gateway to some other interesting places nearby. Here are some of the places that you can visit near Miramar Beach:

Dona Paula Jetty: Dona Paula Jetty is a scenic spot located at the confluence of Mandovi River and Zuari River, about 7 km from Miramar Beach. It is named after Dona Paula de Menezes, a Portuguese lady who is said to have committed suicide here after being separated from her lover. The jetty offers a panoramic view of the Arabian Sea and the surrounding hills. It is also a popular spot for water sports such as windsurfing, water skiing, kayaking, etc.

Reis Magos Fort: Reis Magos Fort is a historical fort located on the banks of Mandovi River, about 9 km from Miramar Beach. It was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century and later used as a prison and a hospital. The fort has been restored and converted into a cultural center and a museum. It displays some artifacts and paintings related to Goa's history and culture. It also offers a splendid view of the river and the city.

Fort Aguada: Fort Aguada is another historical fort located on the opposite side of Mandovi River, about 12 km from Miramar Beach. It was built by the Portuguese in the 17th century and served as a defense and a water supply station. The fort has a lighthouse, a moat, a chapel, and some cells. It is one of the most well-preserved forts in Goa and a popular tourist attraction.

Basilica of Bom Jesus: Basilica of Bom Jesus is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Old Goa, about 13 km from Miramar Beach. It is one of the oldest churches in Goa and one of the most revered by Christians. It houses the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier, a Jesuit missionary who preached in Goa and other parts of Asia. The church has baroque style architecture and a rich interior with paintings, sculptures, and altars.

Best Time to Visit Miramar Beach

The best time to visit Miramar Beach is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant, the beach is less crowded, and the migratory birds can be spotted. This is also the peak season for tourism in Goa, so you can enjoy some events and festivals that take place during this time, such as:

Goa Carnival: Goa Carnival is a four-day festival that celebrates the culture and heritage of Goa. It is held in February or March, before Lent. It features colorful parades, floats, dances, music, food, and fun. The carnival is led by King Momo, a mythical figure who declares the rule of fun and frolic.

Sunburn Festival: Sunburn Festival is one of the biggest electronic dance music festivals in Asia. It is held in December or January, at Vagator Beach near Miramar Beach. It features some of the worlds best DJs, artists, and performers who play various genres of music such as EDM, house, techno, trance, etc. The festival also offers some activities such as camping, adventure sports, flea markets, etc.

Christmas and New Year Celebrations: Christmas and New Year are celebrated with great pomp and joy in Goa. You can see the churches and houses decorated with lights, stars, cribs, etc. You can also attend the midnight mass at the Basilica of Bom Jesus or other churches near Miramar Beach. You can also enjoy some parties and fireworks at the beach or at the hotels and resorts.

Where to Stay near Miramar Beach

Miramar Beach has plenty of options for accommodation near the beach that offer convenience and comfort for visitors. You can find hotels and resorts in every category ranging from budget to luxury. Here are some of the popular hotels and resorts near Miramar Beach:

Bela Hotel: Bela Hotel is a budget hotel located just 100 meters from Miramar Beach. It offers cozy rooms with basic amenities. It also has a restaurant that serves Indian and Chinese cuisines.

Hotel El Paso: Hotel El Paso is a mid-range hotel located just 200 meters from Miramar Beach. It offers spacious rooms with modern amenities such as AC, TV, Wi-Fi, mini-fridge, etc. It also has a swimming pool, a gym, a spa, and a restaurant that serves multi-cuisine dishes.

Varanda Do Mar: Varanda Do Mar is a luxury hotel located just 500 meters from Miramar Beach. It offers elegant rooms with premium amenities such as AC, TV, Wi-Fi, mini-bar, tea/coffee maker, etc. It also has a rooftop pool, a fitness center, a banquet hall, and a restaurant that serves continental and Goan cuisines.

You may also like to read: A Visit To Miramar Beach For Sunset | roadiaries

Nightlife on Miramar Beach

Nightlife on Miramar Beach is exciting and vibrant compared to other beaches in Goa. It is exotic and dazzling, which one should not miss out during their visit. It will simply tempt you to enjoy the whole night. On the other hand, the beach shacks and restaurants remain open till the wee hours of the dawn. The most popular and happening night spots are:

Sea Moon Bar: Sea Moon Bar is a beach shack that offers a lively atmosphere and a great view of the beach. You can enjoy some music, drinks, and snacks here. You can also dance to the rhythm of the ocean and have a fun time with your friends.

Club Extreme: Club Extreme is a nightclub that offers a thrilling experience and a high-energy vibe. You can groove to the tunes of some of the best DJs in Goa and enjoy some cocktails and mocktails here. You can also mingle with some of the locals and tourists and make some new friends.

Food Land Restaurant and Bar: Food Land Restaurant and Bar is a place where you can enjoy some delicious food and drinks at reasonable prices. You can savor some local delicacies such as fish curry, prawns fry, xacuti, vindaloo, etc., as well as international cuisines such as Chinese, Italian, Continental, etc. You can also sip on some refreshing drinks such as coconut water, feni, beer, cocktails, etc.

You may also like to read: Near to Miramar Beach ? Give a try to Food Land once!

Miramar Beach is a great destination for visitors who want to enjoy a variety of attractions and activities in Goa. It offers a mix of urban convenience and natural beauty that will make you fall in love with it. Whether you want to relax on the beach, try some water sports, spot some dolphins, explore some historical sites, or enjoy some nightlife; Miramar Beach has something for everyone.

So what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to Miramar Beach today and experience the urban beach paradise of Goa!

Miramar Beach Reviews

Anurag Tiwari

71 Followers

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We were on our honeymoon, It was our third day in Goa and we decided to roam in panaji area that day. We reached in panaji around 10am. As it was mid Feb, the sun had started showing its mightiness. By the time we reached the wonderful Immaculate conception Church, we were all drenched in sweat. We took all those iconic couple clicks in front of the church then we went inside, saw the church and sat there for some time but when we came out, I forgot my phone on the seat. We came out all the way down to the parking area, then I cross checked my belongings and had a mini heart attack, "Where the hell my phone is..??". I ran all the way upstairs to the main building, searched for my phone, asked peoples there but of no good. I was coming downstairs fully upset, dialling my number from my wife's phone then somebody shout, "Hello, Kya hua, kuch kho gya kya ?. I went back to talk to him then he told me that he has a phone that somebody left on the seat, I had a sigh of relief. Then he took out the phone, Oooo, it was mine. Actually he was one of the caretaker over there, He did couple of questions to me to cross check of it was mine then he handed over my phone to me. Thank God. It's too early to be happy. On the very same day we went to Miramar beach and parked our scooty, and went to the beach to take a joy ride in boat. The boat took us to the places like The Central Jail Aguada, The Jimmy's bungalow and many more things but a bolt from the blue came when the boat took us to the ground. My Scooty's key was missing, I ran back to boat like I'm going to have a competition with the great Ussain bolt, but all in vein as there was no such key. We search all that place on the beach, where we had been but nothing brought us fruits. We came back to parking with exhausted gloomy faces. Looking here and there as to find the keys. Then an incarnation of God came to us asking if we were looking for something, "Yes for our keys, we said" and no to our believe he handed over our keys. Hahahaha 🤣🤣🤣 oh God. Thank God...🙏 This is not the end... On next day we went to Calangute beach. We parked our scooty and went for shopping. But in the mid of the hussle of shopping, to our shock, we lost our keys. Now the is on pause and search for the key begins. Beating the bushes, following our trail. We reached to parking lot, checked in and around our scooty. Then we went to parking guy asked him about keys if he had found. He asked our Scooty's registration number, looked in his bag and "Sir ye lo aur theek se rakha kro". We said," Ji bhai". Thank god. #ThatOneTimeInGoa

Family On Wheels

42 Followers

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Since my son, in the unique style of grumbling that only kids are capable of, had never stopped lamenting that it seemed he was never to see the seas again nor play on the beaches and that his fate was doomed at the hands of his church-hopping parents, we decided to stop by the Miramar beachnext. There were a handful of people at the beach, just-married honeymooners, bickering families, elderly couples, joggers, walkers, selfie-takers, photographers, a gaggle of young revellers immersing Ganpati and dancing, and us. As my son played in the water, the two of us talked and laughed and bickered, and made up and walked and ran and played with our son, till the skies cleared and the clouds parted for a beautiful red, orange, pink and gold sunset. The sun is the same and so are the skies, and yet each sunset is so different from the previous one and the one coming next. The last time all of us sat and watched the sunset was on the Seine with a bottle of red and some cheese. The next time all of us would sit and watch another one, would things be any different? Would my son still come running out of the water and hug me? I hope he would, but, like they say, que sera sera… Dinner was Goan Chorizo pulao, again at the Candolim Deck followed by a short visit to Newton, a supermarket in Candolim, where I bought Goan chorizo and Pinagr, a dark brown Goan sweet made of jaggery and rice flour (and what a hit this unusual looking sweet turned out to be back home!) Saturday was our initially planned day of departure, but since all of us had voted to stay back another day, and since our current hotel was running full, Saturday started with checking out of Riva Gold Coast and into Sea Mist, just across the road. This room, bathroom and bed were much larger, but the dim lighting and the dated furniture gave it a somewhat gloomy feel. So as soon as we dumped our bags, we headed out again. Click here, to see our review of the Sea Mist

Mrinal Chaudhury

22 Followers

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2. Felizardo Cafe In a trip spanning more than a couple of days, everyone sometimes feels the need to dial down a little and eat simple home like food - be it of any state! This little place doesn't show up on reviews as it is barely a gourmet eatery, it is a barely noticeable humble place serving a range as broad as goan baker breakfasts to typical home style Thalis! Looking like a corner for mostly youngsters and locals, the food here is immensely light on the budget & homely and has a simple Veg Goan Thali & a Fish Thali. The Veg Thali at a basic price of 100 INR comes with 2 rotis, a generous serving of rice, a spinach dal which varies with season, a veg vindaloo style curry and a stir fried side vegetable dish along with papad and a curd dish. The Fish Thali adds a delicious fish fry and a salad to go with as well. There is always the option of curating your own thali with the rest of the sumptuous veg or chicken goan dishes with roti or rice. In addition you can order any fresh Fish Fry in the season to complement your meal. No complaints if you wish to go for light snack items like sandwich or noodles as well with the Goan cream & cookie equivalent in a Serradurah.

Anjana. P

139 Followers

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We were nearly in the heart of Goa, Panjim. We boarded a 1 hour night cruise in river Mandovi. The options are abundant when it comes to cruise in Mandovi River. According to your economy range, you can select from 1 hour cruise to the famous Deltan casino cruise. One can even book a private cruise. The one that we chose costed Rs.300 since we arrived at evening. The wait was long since it was a holiday. There was a DJ party in the lower deck. We chose to sit in the upper deck munching on hot paneer pakodas and feel the cold breeze. Panjim city was all glimmering and the drizzling rain set the mood to the best. We stopped at Viva Panjim for the dinner after theride. There were numerous eateries and inns on the way to Viva Panjim, all of which were architecturally unique and colourful. Viva Panjim was no lesser. This place was fairly priced and kept a cosy ambience. The restaurant was dimly lit and was packed. We rode back to our stay booked via AirBnb in Calangutte and that’s how we wrapped the day!

Moulika Danak

243 Followers

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Now with a content heart, I drove to the nearest beach - Miramar. The clean wide roads with scanty riders reminded me why I loved riding bikes. The beach- to my surprise- is sans shacks and relatively crowded, open-for-all kinds. At the entrance, there are bunch of hawkers selling fruits and candies. Walking through the lines between sea and sand, I found a relatively secluded place to settle and soak in the dusk with a sunset. If people-watching interests you, Miramar beach is a spot to observe the frenzy of tourists -running in the sea, splashing water, clicking a zillion pictures- which pops out through the calm regime of locals walking their dogs, performing summersaults or training by the beach.