Diu is a small island joined by bridges to the southern coast of Saurashtra. The Portuguese took it in the 1530s and held it until 1961, and the town still has a faintly Mediterranean air: a massive sea fort, whitewashed baroque churches, pastel houses and quiet lanes. Today it is part of the union territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu.
For Gujaratis it is above all a beach holiday — and, since Gujarat is a dry state and Diu is not, a place where bars are legal. For visitors to Gir it makes a relaxing two-night finish to a trip, around 100–110 km from Sasan.
What to see and do at Diu
Explore Diu Fort
Built by the Portuguese from 1535, the fort is surrounded by sea on three sides, with cannon still on its ramparts, a lighthouse and views across to the little island fortress of Panikotha.
Visit the churches
St. Paul’s, completed in the early seventeenth century, has an elaborate white façade and carved woodwork inside. The former church of St. Thomas nearby houses a small museum.
Wander the Naida caves
A maze of hollows and passages just outside the fort walls, thought to be old quarries, where shafts of light pour through openings in the rock. Best around midday.
Choose a beach
Nagoa is the busiest, a palm-fringed horseshoe with water sports; Ghoghla, on the mainland side, is longer and quieter; Jallandhar and Chakratirth are close to town for sunset.
See Gangeshwar
A seaside cave shrine near Fudam village where five Shiva lingas are washed by the tide.
How to get to Diu
- From Sasan Gir, Diu is about 100–110 km by road via Talala and Una or via Kodinar, a drive of two to three hours. From Somnath it is around 85–90 km along the coast.
- Diu has a small airport with a limited number of flights, schedules for which change often. The nearest railhead for most travellers is Veraval; Delvada, close to Una, is on a minor branch line.
Practical tips
- Weekends and Gujarati holiday periods are crowded and rooms cost more; midweek is calmer.
- Alcohol bought in Diu cannot legally be carried back into Gujarat. Checks are made at the border.
- Scooters and bicycles are an easy way to get around the island.
- The sea can be rough in and around the monsoon; follow lifeguards’ flags.
Best tours for Diu
These packages are the easiest way to see Diu with transport and a guide sorted:
Multi-day guided tour from US$435 Diu: 3-Day Heritage Tour with Hotel and Airport Transfer
The only Diu product we found on GetYourGuide: three guided days on the island with hotel and transfers arranged. A relaxed way to end a Gir trip by the sea. Unreviewed.
- Diu Fort and St. Paul’s Church
- The Naida caves and Nagoa Beach
- Hotel and airport transfers included
Guided overnight tour from US$187 From Rajkot: Gir and Somnath Weekend Tour
The classic Saurashtra pairing packed into two days from Rajkot: lion country and the temple on the sea. Read the inclusions closely to see which safari — the Jungle Trail or Devalia — is part of the price, and whether the permit is covered.
- Sasan Gir and Somnath in one weekend
- Transport from Rajkot, the nearest big airport city
- A night in the Gir–Somnath area
Multi-day guided tour from US$995 7-Day Gujarat Highlights Tour from Ahmedabad
A week-long sweep of Gujarat from Ahmedabad that folds Gir into a wider circuit of temples, coast and the Statue of Unity. It has a single, top-score review so far.
- The Statue of Unity, sacred temples and Gir wildlife
- Coastal towns and historic cities of Gujarat
- A full week with everything arranged
