Diu
Portuguese Island of the Saurashtra Coast
Overview
Diu is an island town off the southern coast of Saurashtra, administered as part of the union territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, not part of Gujarat. A Portuguese colony from 1535 until 1961, it retains a 16th-century seaside fortress, whitewashed churches such as St Paul's, and a relaxed, distinctly Iberian atmosphere. Its beaches at Nagoa and Ghogla, sea caves, and, unlike dry Gujarat, legally available alcohol make it a favourite coastal escape. MyTripMyTravel runs Diu as a laid-back beach-and-heritage counterpoint to the Saurashtra temple circuit, with comfortable transfers and escorted sightseeing.
Diu is a small island just off the southern tip of the Saurashtra peninsula, linked to the mainland near Una by bridge. Though it sits against the Gujarat coast, it is not part of Gujarat: it is governed as part of the union territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, a legacy of its centuries as a Portuguese possession.
The Portuguese held Diu from 1535 until 1961, and their imprint defines the island. The great seaward Diu Fort, whitewashed churches including St Paul's, cobbled lanes and pastel houses give the town an atmosphere unlike anywhere on the neighbouring coast. Beaches ring the island, Nagoa with its palm-fringed curve, Ghogla on the mainland side, alongside the eroded Naida Caves, the wave-lapped Gangeshwar shore temple, and the INS Khukri memorial to a warship lost off Diu in 1971.
Diu's other distinction is practical: as a union territory it permits alcohol, unlike dry Gujarat, which has long made it a relaxed coastal break. MyTripMyTravel runs Diu as the easygoing end of a Saurashtra journey, escorted heritage, quiet beach time, and comfortable transfers from Somnath and the Gir forest nearby.
At a glance
Diu in brief
When to visit
October to March
October to March is the ideal season for Diu, with warm, dry days perfect for the fort, churches, and beaches and pleasant sea breezes. This is also the busiest holiday period, especially around Christmas and New Year, when the island's relaxed atmosphere and its licensed bars draw crowds from mainland Gujarat. April to June is hot and humid, and the monsoon (July to September) brings rain and rougher seas that can limit water activities. We plan Diu within the comfortable winter window.
Things to do
Experiences in Diu
Diu Fort
The sprawling 16th-century Portuguese sea fortress on the island's eastern point, with ramparts, cannon, and lighthouse over the water.
St Paul's Church
The grand whitewashed Baroque church of 1610, the finest survivor of Diu's Portuguese Catholic heritage.
Nagoa Beach
The island's signature palm-fringed, horseshoe beach, the hub for swimming and water sports.
Naida Caves
A maze of eroded, light-shafted rock chambers near the fort, quarried by the Portuguese for stone.
Gangeshwar Temple
Five Shiva lingas set among the rocks on the shore, washed over by the incoming tide.
INS Khukri Memorial
The clifftop memorial to the Indian Navy frigate lost off Diu during the 1971 war.
Getting there
How to reach Diu
Diu (DIU) has its own small airport with limited connections; many guests fly into Rajkot or Ahmedabad and drive down.
The nearest useful railheads are Delwada and Una on the mainland; we handle the short onward transfer across to the island.
Diu is reached by bridge from Una on the Saurashtra coast, an easy chauffeured drive from Somnath and Gir.
Our air-conditioned, GPS-tracked vehicles link Diu with Somnath, Gir, and Junagadh comfortably across the coast.
Where to stay
The best sea-facing resorts near Nagoa and Ghogla, the pick for relaxed island beach time.
Character stays in and around the old Portuguese town for a sense of Diu's colonial atmosphere.
Well-run mid-range hotels near the town and fort with concierge support for an easy island base.
Where to eat
Unlike much of dry, vegetarian Gujarat, Diu's kitchens serve fresh fish and prawn dishes with a Portuguese-influenced touch.
The vegetarian thalis and Saurashtra specialities of the surrounding coast are still widely available on the island.
Relaxed licensed cafes and beach shacks, a rarity so close to Gujarat, for a drink with a sea view.
Good to know
Diu, your questions
Is Diu part of Gujarat?
No. Although it sits against the southern Saurashtra coast, Diu is governed as part of the union territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, a legacy of its long Portuguese history, it is administered separately from Gujarat.
Can you drink alcohol in Diu?
Yes. As a union territory, Diu permits the sale and consumption of alcohol, unlike neighbouring Gujarat, which is a dry state. This is a large part of why Diu is a popular relaxed break for mainland visitors.
What is Diu's main sight?
The 16th-century Portuguese Diu Fort on the island's eastern point is the headline monument, alongside St Paul's Church, the Naida Caves, the Gangeshwar shore temple, and the beaches at Nagoa and Ghogla.
How do I reach Diu?
Diu has a small airport (DIU) with limited flights; most guests fly into Rajkot or Ahmedabad, or reach the mainland railheads at Una and Delwada, then cross the bridge. We arrange the transfer from Somnath or Gir.
Can Diu be combined with Somnath and Gir?
Yes. Diu lies about 90 km from Somnath and close to the Gir forest, so it pairs naturally as the relaxed, beach-and-Portuguese-heritage end of a Saurashtra circuit.
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Pairs well with Diu
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