Diu

Diu is a small island where a sixteenth-century Portuguese fort, old churches and calm beaches make a slow, low-key trip.

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Diu is a small island off the southern coast of the Kathiawar peninsula, in the Indian state of Gujarat. Portugal held it from 1535 until India took control in 1961, and that history is still visible in the sea fort and the old churches, including St. Paul's. Those sights are the main reason most people come, and they set the island apart from the rest of Gujarat.

Visitors usually split their time between the old town and fort walls and the beaches of Nagoa or Ghoghla. Gujarat is a dry state, but Diu is a separate union territory with its own alcohol rules, so bars and liquor shops operate here. The cooler months, roughly November to February, suit beach time and walking around the fort best. Diu Town is walkable, while the beach areas need an auto or taxi to reach the old town.

Diu in five

Know why people come: alcohol rules differGujarat is a dry state, but Diu has its own rules and is a weekend escape for Gujarati travelers. Check current excise rules, and do not drink in public.Ahmedabad
Walk Diu Fort and St Paul's Church earlyThe sea fort sits at the east tip, with bastions and old cannons. St Paul's Church, a white baroque landmark, is a short walk away. Both are best in morning light.
Rent a scooter or cycle for the island loopThe island is small, and a scooter or bike gets you from Nagoa Beach to the sunset viewpoints and the fort in a day. Wear a helmet and ride slowly on shared roads.
Plan the arrival; flights are limitedThe airport has limited flights, so most travelers drive via Una or take a train to a nearby station. Ahmedabad is about 8 to 9 hours by road, so build in a day of transit.
Pair it with Somnath and GirSomnath Temple is roughly 85–90 km away, and Gir National Park, home of Asiatic lions, is a road trip further inland. Safaris close during the monsoon and need advance booking.

Things to do in Diu

See all attractions in Diu

Castle · DiuDiu FortBring water and a hat. There is almost no shade inside the fort and it gets hot, especially in summer.

Grand white church with two towers and a dome

Church · DiuSaint Paul's Church

a group of people on a beach with Marina Beach in the background

Sight · DiuAhmedpur Mandvi Beach

Free trip plannerPlan a trip to DiuPut the places you like in Diu on a map, give them days, and let one button order each day. Free, with no account.Plan a trip

Need to know

Airport: Diu (DIU), limited flights; Rajkot and Ahmedabad are larger gateways
Getting there: Road via Una; rail to Delwada or Veraval; Ahmedabad about 8–9 hours
Getting around: Scooters, bicycles and autos; the island loop is short
Best base: Diu town for the fort; Nagoa for the beach
Time needed: 2 nights; 3–4 with Somnath and Gir

Weather by month

Rainy days

Best
Good
Mixed
Poor

JanuaryClear0 rainy daysHigh28°Low18°Dry, mild
FebruaryClear0 rainy daysHigh31°Low20°Dry, warm
MarchClear0 rainy daysHigh34°Low23°Warm, humid
AprilClear0 rainy daysHigh36°Low25°Hot
MayClear2 rainy daysHigh36°Low27°Very hot
JuneRain16 rainy daysHigh33°Low28°Pre-monsoon
JulyRain26 rainy daysHigh30°Low27°Monsoon
AugustRain22 rainy daysHigh29°Low26°Monsoon
SeptemberRain18 rainy daysHigh30°Low25°Humid
OctoberClear7 rainy daysHigh32°Low25°Warm, humid
NovemberClear1 rainy dayHigh31°Low22°Dry, pleasant
DecemberClear1 rainy dayHigh29°Low20°Dry, peak

Average daily high and low in Diu, 2016–2025. Rainy day: 1 mm of rain or more.

Right now in Diu

Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.

Feels like: 28°
Humidity: 76%
Wind: 8 km/h
Chance of rain: 8%

Diu

02:44 AM

Tuesday, November 3

GMT+5:30

Today33°25°8%Tuesday: Partly cloudy. High 33°, Low 25°. Chance of rain 8%.
Wed34°25°2%Wednesday: Partly cloudy. High 34°, Low 25°. Chance of rain 2%.
Thu34°25°0%Thursday: Clear. High 34°, Low 25°. Chance of rain 0%.
Fri34°24°0%Friday: Clear. High 34°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 0%.
Sat34°25°0%Saturday: Clear. High 34°, Low 25°. Chance of rain 0%.
Sun34°24°0%Sunday: Clear. High 34°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 0%.

Updated 11:29 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com

Money

Mid-market rate1 USD = 95.08 INR

Amount

Converted to

INR · Indian Rupee

Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API

Day trips by train

Somnathabout 1.5–2 hours by roadA major Shiva temple on the sea, with an evening light show.
Gir National Parkabout 2–2.5 hours by roadAsiatic lion safaris, with advance booking and a monsoon closure.
Ahmedabadabout 8–9 hours by roadGujarat's UNESCO old city, a long drive back.Read the guide

Before you go to Diu

Beach stays near NagoaSmall resorts close to the sandCheck availability

Car and driver from AhmedabadOne-way or return, with Somnath stopsCompare car hire

eSIM for the Saurashtra coastMaps and bookings on long drivesRead the guide

Cover for scooter ridesCheck that two-wheelers are includedRead the guide

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Rules for Diu, checked

Most foreign nationals need an Indian e-Visa or visa; apply before arrival at indianvisaonline.gov.in and save the approval.
Gujarat is a dry state, but Diu is a separate union territory with its own alcohol rules; check the current rules with the Daman and Diu administration.
Cover shoulders and knees at churches and temples, and remove shoes where a service or shrine asks you to.
Ask before photographing guards, gates or harbor installations, as some areas near the port and military sites may be restricted.

Plan around Diu

Ahmedabad

Gujarat's old city, the usual start for the road

Read the guide Mumbai

Western rail and flight hub for onward travel

Read the guide Goa

Another former Portuguese coast, with more beaches

Read the guide All of India

Regions, seasons and routes

Read the guide Getting around India

Trains, cabs and drivers compared

Read the guide India e-Visa

Apply online before flying to Mumbai or Ahmedabad

Read the guide

Diu FAQ

How many days do you need in Diu?

Two nights is enough for the fort, the church, a beach day and a sunset ride. Add two more if you link Somnath and Gir, which also need transit time.

Can you drink alcohol in Diu?

Diu has its own excise rules and sells alcohol, unlike the rest of Gujarat. Rules and limits change, so check with your hotel and do not drink in public places or drive after drinking.

How do you get to Diu?

By road via Una, or by train to a nearby station and a short taxi ride. Diu has a small airport with limited flights, so most travelers fly into Ahmedabad or Rajkot and continue by car.

Is Diu worth visiting?

Yes if you want a quiet, low-key coast with Portuguese-era architecture. It does not have Goa's variety, so go for the fort, the beaches and the pace.

What is the best time to visit Diu?

November to February, when it is dry and pleasant. Summers are hot and humid, and the monsoon from June to September brings rough seas and closures.