The Dona Paula isn’t exactly a beach though it is often referred to as one. It is more like a pier with a very nice viewing gallery. The gallery has been the setting for the shoot of several Bollywood films. The most iconic of these is “Ek Duje Ke liye” which had made the Dona Paula quite infamous. The pier gets its name from Paula Amaral Antonio de Souto Maior, a very generous and charitable rich woman who lived in the village where the Donna Paula exists.

The rocks and the waves that crash against them make this place a very serene area to spend time at, especially if you are going in the non-tourist season. You can enjoy the view from the top, eat at the local eateries nearby and enjoy some bargain shopping here as well.

Water sports available here are jet skiing, water scooter and parasailing. Other activities you can consider is taking family boat rides, fishing rides and island trips which you are sure to enjoy. There are also a couple of interesting statues of disputed symbolism and origin which are placed around the viewing gallery.

• It makes sense to find out more about the person the beach is named after, from the locals. However, be careful not to fall for tourist traps. If you hire a guide, negotiate the price in advance.
• The Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is approximately 10 kilometers away from this beach.

• Goa University

• Sea Pebble Restaurant (Seafood)
• Poco Loco Restaurant (Mexican)

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