Diu, a tranquil coastal town nestled on the western shores of India, exudes a unique charm with its pristine beaches, Portuguese architecture, and a serene ambience. Steeped in history, Diu showcases remnants of its colonial past through landmarks like the Diu Fort and the elegant Church of St. Paul. The city's culinary scene is a delightful journey for the taste buds, featuring a fusion of seafood delicacies, Portuguese-inspired dishes, and local flavours. From delectable fish curries to savoury snacks like the popular Diu Prawn Koliwada, Diu tourism mirrors the town's diverse cultural influences. This Diu travel guide unfolds a captivating narrative, inviting you to explore the town's hidden gems and savour its unique blend of history, culture, and coastal beauty. Let's embark on an unforgettable journey to the soul of coastal India.
How to reach Diu
- By air: Diu Airport (DIU), located around 7 km from the city centre, connects Diu with major cities in India. It has one terminal that caters to both domestic and commercial flights to Diu, providing a convenient option for travellers.
- By road: Diu enjoys well-maintained road connectivity with neighbouring cities and towns. State-run and private buses operate services to and from Diu, making it accessible by road. The Ghoghla Bus Stand serves as the main terminal in Diu and is well-connected to various parts of the region.
- By sea: The city can also be reached by sea. The Diu Port connects the island with Veraval in Gujarat, and ferry services are available for passengers.
- Getting around/local transport in Diu: The city is best explored on foot as the compact size of Diu makes it pedestrian-friendly. Additionally, Diu offers various modes of local transportation such as auto-rickshaws and taxis that are readily available for convenient travel within the city and its outskirts. Tourists can also rent bikes and scooters and explore the island at their own pace, while buses operate services to different parts of the city.
Places to visit
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Diu Fort
It is a historic marvel featuring grand architecture and scenic views of the sea.
Experience Time: 2-3 hours
St. Paul's Church
Exploration time: 1 hour
Ghoghla Beach
Exploration time: 2 hours
Diu Museum
Exploration time: 1-2 hours
Diu's Lighthouse
Exploration time: 1-2 hours
Gangeshwar Mahadev Temple
Exploration time: 1-2 hoursView All 6 places
Places to eat
Food in Diu blends coastal flavours with diverse influences, offering a delightful journey. Here are some popular places to eat while you are in the city:
O' Coqueiro
A seafood paradise with a delectable array of fresh coastal specialities, O' Coqueiro captures the essence of Portuguese and Goan cuisine.
Popular dishes: Grilled lobster, fish curry rice, and bebinca.
Apana Foodland
Apana Foodland is a local favourite known for its diverse menu featuring Gujarati, Indian, and continental dishes. The vibrant ambience and welcoming staff make it a tourist and local go-to spot.
Popular dishes: Prawn curry, dhokla, and chicken biryani.
Aqua De Goa
Kostamar Beach Resort houses Aqua De Goa, a restaurant offering global cuisine with a touch of Goan flavours. Enjoy beachside dining with a diverse menu that caters to various tastes.
Popular dishes: Seafood paella, chicken cafreal, and tiramisu.
Apaar Restaurant
vibrant music and cultural scene are all that you can see, feel and experience in Chennai
Apaar Restaurant at Hotel Apaar provides a comfortable setting to savour local flavours. With a menu featuring a mix of Indian and continental dishes, it's a reliable choice for a satisfying meal.
Popular dishes: Lamb kofta curry, vegetable biryani, and gulab jamun.
Things To Do
Diu, with its serene beaches, rich history, and lively culture, offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. Here are some things to do in Diu:
Heritage excursions
Nature walk
Historical sites
Cave exploration
Local cuisine
Museum visits
Temple visits
Beach outing
Water sports
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Diu is from October to March. The weather is pleasant, making it ideal for beach activities and exploring the city's attractions without the intensity of summer heat.
Most commonly spoken languages
The primary languages spoken in Diu are Gujarati, Hindi, and English. While Gujarati is the regional language, Hindi is widely understood, and English is commonly used in tourist areas.
Shopping
Exploring the markets of Diu is an exciting experience, offering a mix of local craftsmanship, traditional artefacts, and seaside charm.
- Diu Bazaar: Diu Bazaar is the bustling heart of shopping in Diu, where you can find a diverse range of local crafts, traditional textiles, and souvenirs. Stroll through the lively lanes to discover handmade items, seashell artefacts, and intricately designed jewellery.
- Fort Road Market: Situated along the historic Fort Road, this market is a treasure trove of local delights. From traditional textiles to handmade crafts, Fort Road Market captures the essence of Diu's cultural heritage, providing a delightful shopping experience.
- Ghoghla Market: Ghoghla Market caters to locals and tourists, offering a range of shops selling everyday essentials, clothing, and local products.
Festivals
Here are some of the festivals that hold cultural significance and are celebrated with much fervour:
Nariyal Purnima
Nariyal Purnima, also known as Coconut Day, is a unique festival celebrated in Diu. It usually falls in August and is marked by rituals performed on the beach. Fishermen and sailors offer the Sea God, Varuna, coconuts for safe voyages and a bountiful catch.
Liberation Day
On 19th December, Diu commemorates its liberation from Portuguese rule in 1961 with Liberation Day. This momentous occasion is marked by various events, including cultural programmes, festive celebrations, and patriotic displays, reminding everyone of the island's journey to freedom.
Navaratri
This nine-day festival, celebrated across India, holds special significance in Diu. During Navratri, the island comes alive with the rhythmic beats of garba, a folk dance performed by men and women in colourful attire. The evenings are filled with music, devotion, and celebratory spirit.
Christmas
The island embraces the spirit of Christmas, transforming into a charming winter wonderland during December. Churches come alive with special Christmas services, echoing with carols sung in both English and local languages. The streets are adorned with festive decorations and twinkling fairy lights. Bakeries offer an array of delicious Christmas treats, from traditional plum cakes to rich fruit breads.
More reasons to visit
As you plan to visit Diu, you'll uncover additional facets contributing to its allure. Let's delve into more reasons that make Diu a captivating destination.
- Jalandhar Beach: Bask in the serene beauty of Jalandhar Beach, a tranquil stretch of coastline along the Arabian Sea. Its soft sands and clear water provide an idyllic setting for leisurely walks, beach picnics, or simply unwinding as you listen to the rhythmic sounds of the waves.
- INS Khukri Memorial: Pay homage to the INS Khukri Memorial, dedicated to the Indian Navy's sacrifice during the Indo-Pak War in 1971. The memorial is a poignant reminder of the bravery and courage of the naval personnel. The picturesque location overlooking the sea adds a sense of solemnity to the tribute.
- Festa De Diu: If your visit aligns with the Festa De Diu, city’s longest beach festival, you're in for a cultural extravaganza. The festival celebrates music, art, and culture, attracting artists and performers worldwide.
- Adventure activities: Diu is great for water sports like parasailing, jet skiing, and scuba diving. You can also go on a boat trip to see dolphins or visit the nearby island of Panikota Fort. Enjoy a fun ride with bumper boats and banana boating, or explore the coastline at your own pace with stand-up paddleboarding.
