Miramar Beach – Introduction & Attractions

Located 3 km from Panaji, the Miramar beach is a bustling tourist hub due to its close proximity to the town. Miramar in Portuguese translates to 'viewing the sea,' an apt sobriquet considering the azure waters of the mighty Arabian Sea that expand into the horizon. The beach was previously known as the Gaspar Dias beach.

Spread over a stretch of 2 km, the Miramar beach teems with vacationers and locals all the time. Pulsating with activities, the Miramar beach is definitely not the ideal place for those looking for a tranquil beach vacation. Apart from tourists, the beach also serves the cause of the people of Panaji, quite a few of whom come here an evening stroll.

Location
Miramar Beach is the nearest beach from the capital of the Goa, Panaji. The beach is just 3 km from Panaji in the north of the state and a km away from Dona Paula. It lies adjoining the estuary of the river Mandovi as it opens into the Arabian sea.

Climate
The climate is equable and moist throughout the year. While it is pleasant and temperate from October to May it is rainy from June to September. Temperature variations throughout the year are mild. May is the warmest month with a temperature of around 30°C and January is coolest with a mean daily temperature of 25°C. Due to its proximity of the sea, the territory is generally humid and even during the summer months humidity is generally above 60 percent.

The Beach
Miramar Beach also known as Gaspar Dias is a lovely golden beach of soft sand griddled with palm trees facing the blue Arabian Sea, where River Mandovi meets the Arabian Sea and a thick grove of shady palms form a dense canopy over the area. The word 'Miramar' in Portuguese stands for viewing the sea. On account of its good location, the Miramar Beach of Goa is ideal for evening walks. The tourists can spend a nice time in the Palm shaded area that is quite captivating for the tourists visiting the beach.

The 2 km long coast boasts of fine, soft silvery sand bed that sparkle in the moonlight. From here one can have a panoramic view of the Aguada fort just across the Mandovi River. It also offers a captivating view of the well-preserved Portuguese fort across the river, known as Aguada Fort. Not much crowded, it offers peaceful surroundings and the much-desired solitude for those who want few moments of life away from the crazy crowd of the city.

The Main Attraction of Miramar Beach
The importance of these coastal wintering grounds has been universally acknowledged all over the world. At least three-fourths (500 plus species) of migratory birds incorporate the coastline or the coastal plain into their migration routes. The migratory birds, like Plovers and Gulls return to Miramar beach each winter, as it gives them a brief respite from the harsh winter back home. Here they find food in plenty in the form of aquatic invertebrates, seeds and insects.