Discover the best beaches in the Philippines, perfect for both relaxing and adventurous vacations.
The Philippines is one of the best destinations in Asia for beach tourism. With more than 7,000 islands, the country offers incredible natural beauty, especially beautiful beaches with fine white sand, clear water and stunning views.
From the bustling and famous beaches of Boracay to the hidden beaches of El Nido, the Philippines has plenty of places to relax, swim, snorkel, or just enjoy the beauty of the sunset. Here are the 10 best beach destinations in the Philippines that you must visit.
1. White Beach, Boracay
White Beach in Boracay is one of the most famous beaches in the world, and for good reason. Located on Boracay Island, this beach is known for its fine white sand that stretches 4 km, and clear and blue sea water.
This beach is divided into three stations, namely Station 1, 2, and 3, where Station 1 is a place with luxury resorts, while Station 2 is the center of the crowd.
There are many activities you can do here, from sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, jet skiing, to kite surfing. You can also enjoy food at the restaurants along the beach, or take in the spectacular sunset—both popular Things to do in Philippines.
To get to White Beach, you can fly to Caticlan or Kalibo Airport and continue your journey by boat to Boracay.
2. El Nido Beach, Palawan
Located on the northern tip of Palawan Island, El Nido offers stunning scenery with dramatic limestone formations, hidden lagoons, and pristine beaches.
Nacpan Beach and Seven Commandos Beach are two of El Nido’s most famous beaches, offering soft white sand and clear blue waters.
Activities you can do in El Nido include snorkeling, scuba diving, island hopping, and exploring hidden lagoons. El Nido can be reached by flight from Manila or Puerto Princesa, followed by land travel to El Nido.
3. Alona Beach, Bohol
Alona Beach on Panglao Island, Bohol, is a popular spot for divers and snorkelers. The beach offers beautiful stretches of white sand, calm waters, and stunning coral reefs.
Along the beach there are many resorts, restaurants and bars making it an ideal place to visit with family and friends.
Here, you can enjoy various activities, such as snorkeling, scuba diving, dolphin shows, and island hopping. To reach Alona Beach, you can fly to Tagbilaran Airport in Bohol and continue your journey by land to the beach.
4. Saud Beach, Pagudpud
Located in northern Luzon, Saud Beach in Pagudpud is often referred to as the “Boracay of the North” for its fine white sand and crystal clear sea water. This beach is still relatively quiet and offers peaceful natural views, making it a perfect place for those seeking peace and tranquility.
Activities that can be done here include sunbathing, swimming, windsurfing, and enjoying the beautiful sunset. You can access Saud Beach by flying from Manila to Laoag, followed by a land trip of about 2 hours to Pagudpud.
5. Puka Shell Beach, Boracay
Aside from White Beach, Boracay also has Puka Shell Beach located on the northern tip of the island. This beach is known for its coarser sand, which is filled with Puka shell fragments.
Unlike the more crowded White Beach, Puka Shell Beach is quieter and less crowded, making it an ideal place to relax.
You can enjoy activities such as sunbathing, swimming, collecting shells, or walking along the beach. This beach can be accessed by tricycle or boat from White Beach.
6. Nacpan Beach, El Nido
Nacpan Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in El Nido with a 4 km long coastline adorned with fine white sand and stunning blue sea water.
This beach is relatively quiet and offers tranquility, making it a perfect place for sunbathing, swimming, or simply enjoying local food by the beach.
Nacpan Beach is about a 45-minute drive from El Nido town. Here, you can enjoy a quiet time without the disturbance of tourists.
7. Malcapuya Beach, Coron
Malcapuya Beach, located in Coron, Palawan, is known for its fine white sand and crystal clear sea water. This beach is part of the island hopping tour in Coron and offers tranquility and stunning natural views. This beach is also a favorite place for snorkeling, swimming, and taking photos on the beach.
To get to Malcapuya Beach, you can take an island hopping tour that departs from Coron Town with a boat trip of about 1.5 hours.
8. Subic Beach, Sorsogon
Subic Beach in Matnog, Sorsogon, is famous for its unique pink sand and volcanic rock formations that add to the beauty of the beach. This beach is still relatively undeveloped, making it an ideal spot for those looking to get away from the tourist crowds.
Here, you can do activities such as snorkeling, swimming, or camping on the beach. Subic Beach can be reached by land travel from Legazpi or Sorsogon City to Matnog, then continuing the journey by boat to Subic Island.
9. Bantayan Beach, Cebu
Bantayan Beach in Bantayan Island, Cebu, is a haven for those seeking peace and quiet. The beach offers soft white sand, clear blue waters, and a calm and peaceful atmosphere. Bantayan Island is also known for its budget-friendly resorts and very friendly locals.
Activities that can be done on this beach include snorkeling, cycling, or simply sunbathing and enjoying the beautiful scenery. You can reach Bantayan Beach by flying to Cebu, followed by a land trip to Hagnaya Port and then taking a ferry to Bantayan Island.
10. Boracay Beach, Aklan
Boracay Beach, located on Boracay Island, is the most famous beach destination in the Philippines, even in the world. This beach offers extraordinary beauty with fine white sand, enchanting blue sea water, and a lively atmosphere.
Boracay is also known as the best place to enjoy beautiful sunsets, with a variety of activities to do, from horse riding on the beach to playing volleyball.
Boracay Beach is the perfect place for those who want to enjoy a lively beach atmosphere, with many restaurants, cafes, and fun activities for you to try. You can get to Boracay by flying to Kalibo or Caticlan and continuing by boat to the island.
The Philippines has many stunning beaches, each with its own beauty and appeal. From the serene and secluded beaches of El Nido and Coron to the famous beaches of Boracay and Alona, the country offers everything you need for the perfect beach vacation, along with Tourist Attractions in Manila that showcase its rich culture and history.
Whether you want to bask on the white sand, swim in the crystal clear waters, or explore the underwater world, the beaches of the Philippines will provide an unforgettable experience.
