Diu, Portuguese Coastline & Quiet Beaches

Gujarat's best-kept secret — a small Union Territory with Portuguese

EXPLORING Diu
  • Best BeachNagoa Beach
  • Diu FortOpen Daily · Free
  • St. Paul's ChruchOpen Daily
  • Water SportsOct - May
  • From Somnath90 km
  • Best SeasonNov - Feb

Home -> Diu Travel Guide

🏖️ About Diu

Diu is a small Union Territory on the southern coast of Saurashtra — and Gujarat's most surprising destination. Unlike the rest of Gujarat, Diu was a Portuguese colony until 1961 and retains a distinctly different character: clean beaches, colonial architecture, seafood restaurants, and a relaxed atmosphere.

The island is separated from the mainland by a narrow channel and connected by two bridges. At just 40 square kilometres, it is small enough to explore entirely in a day by scooter. The contrast between Diu's colonial quietness and the pilgrimage intensity of Somnath (just 90 km away) makes it a perfect combination destination.

Diu is also a Union Territory — not subject to Gujarat's prohibition laws — making it popular for a relaxed coastal break after an intense pilgrimage circuit.

📋 Essential Visitor Information

Diu Fort
Built in 1535 — occupies an entire promontory. Stunning sea views, cannons, chapels and a lighthouse. Free entry, allow 1.5 hours.
St. Paul's Church
16th century Portuguese Baroque church — beautifully maintained. One of the finest examples of colonial architecture in India.
Getting Around
Rent a scooter for ₹300–500/day — Diu is tiny and a scooter lets you see everything at your own pace in half a day.
Getting There
Diu is 90 km from Somnath and 370 km from Ahmedabad. Diu airport has connections to Mumbai. Buses from Somnath daily.
Water Sports
Jet skiing, banana boat, parasailing available at Nagoa Beach from October to May. Avoid monsoon months.

📍 Best Beaches in Diu

Nagoa Beach

Diu's most popular beach — clean, calm, and beautiful. Water sports available. Best visited at sunset

Chakratirth Beach

Rocky and dramatic with a lighthouse nearby — best beach for photography and quiet reflection. Usually empty.

Ghoghla Beach

On the mainland side — wide, shallow, and calm. Good for families with children. Clean and uncrowded.

INS Khukri Memorial

Peaceful memorial near Sunset Point — almost always empty and offers the best view of the Arabian Sea.

🐟 Food & Seafood in Diu

Diu has some of the best fresh seafood on the Saurashtra coast — a stark contrast to the predominantly vegetarian food in mainland Gujarat. The catch is brought in daily by local fishermen and served at beach shacks and restaurants across the island.

Must Try
Grilled prawns, pomfret curry, crab masala and fresh lobster. Prices are remarkably affordable compared to other coastal destinations.
Recommended Spots
Apana Foodland for local Diu cuisine, O'Coqueiro for seafood and pasta, and beach shacks near Nagoa for fresh catch of the day.

💡 Visitor Tips

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Rent a Scooter

Diu is tiny — rent a scooter for ₹300–500/day and see the entire island in a few hours at your own pace.

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Best Sunset Spot

INS Khukri Memorial near Sunset Point — peaceful, almost always empty, and the best view of the Arabian Sea.

🗺️
One Day Is Enough

Diu is tiny — you can see everything in one long day. Combine with Somnath for a perfect 3-day circuit.

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Where to Stay

Govt Tourist Complex (budget), Azzaro Resort (mid), Radhika Beach Resort (premium beachside).

Most Gujarat travellers skip Diu — which means the beaches are often empty. Go to Chakratirth beach at 7 AM — just you,  the lighthouse, and the Arabian Sea. It is one of the most peaceful moments available anywhere in western India.