Dona Paula is located in west Tiswadi Taluka, just 7 kms south of Panaji, the capital of Goa. The Miramar beach is 3 kms north of Dona Paula and the Vainguinim beach is one km west. Dona Paula beach lies on the southern side of the rocky hammer-shaped headlands which seperate the Mandovi and Zuari river.

If you want some relief from the boring visits to churches and temples, head towards the romantic Dona Paula beach. Due to its proximity to Goa’s capital Panaji, you will find Dona Paula active throughout the year. Considered among the most attractive beaches of Goa, Dona Paula will offer you excellent opportunities to enjoy a sunbath and buy cheap goods from the seaside vendors. Walk along the palm and casuarina fringed beach and get wonderful views of the Mormugao harbour and the sunset on Arabian Sea. Dona Paula offers great fishing prospects also, while strolling along the beach you can often see anglers waiting for a bite.

Dona Paula beach is actually a combination of three beaches – Dona Paula, Hawaii beach and Vainguinim beach. Hawaii is just 200 m long and most of Goa’s sailing activities take place here, while the Vainguinim beach is much longer and totally encircled by the Cidade de Goa resort, with two entrances for public.

Many legends are attached to Dona Paula and the most popular among them is the romance between Dona Paula de Menzes, the daughter of Portuguese Governor and a young Goanese fisherman, Gasper Dias. As Dona Paula’s desire was not fulfilled due to family bar, she committed suicide by drowning herself in the Arabian Sea. Later, the city was named after her to commemorate her sacrifice. The myth says that on full-moon nights, Dona Paula emerges from the sea wearing only a pearl necklace.