Dona Paula, as the tourists know it, is the famous landmark jutting out at the confluence of the River Zuari and the Arabian Sea.

One story about its past is that it is named after Dona Paula de Menzes, daughter of a Portuguese viceroy who threw herself off the cliff when refused permission to marry a local fisherman Gaspar Dias. The myth says that Dona Paula is entombed in the Cabo Chapel of the Raj Bhawan, and emerges from the moonlit waves wearing only a pearl necklace. There is also a statue sculpted by Baroness Von Leister called "Image of India", depicting a couple facing opposite directions.

Dona Paula has a lot to offer. Its water scooters allow tourists a chance to piggy back and ride the waves. The boat jetty used to be the disembarkation spot for ferries coming in from across the river - Vasco da gama. Dona Paula is also home to the Governor of Goa whose residence occupies the best Goa real estate - a sea facing property with sprawling gardens. The National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) has a Marine Biology Museum that is also an attraction. Dona Paula has also become a location for many Bollywood movies, the most famous being Ek Duje Ke Liye.

The upcoming Hi-Tech Habitat, the proposed International Convention Centre, the proximity to the five star Cidade de Goa and a few more proposed five star resorts, and the scenic views make the area much sought after. Also close by are the Vainguinim Beach and Bambolim Beach are very close by, as are Miramar Beach, and the city of Panaji.