best Beaches The Philippines

The 7 Most Beautiful Beaches in The Philippines

Whether you’re seeking a sandy stretch that feels like it’s your alone, hidden bays on tropical islands or buzzing party spots, we have all the top spots when it comes to the best beaches in the Philippines.

It’s a diverse list, with golden sand, snorkelling hotspots and secret coves. Here’s where we’ll be spending most of our time…

Most Beautiful Beaches in The PhilippinesHow do these rankings work?

1. Secret Lagoon – El Nido, Palawan

El Nido is a cluster of 45 islands just off the tip of Palawan, which is famous for its Secret Lagoon. Swim through a hole in the limestone rocks to enter a hidden bay with crystal clear water and soft sand.

It feels untouched, with white sandy beaches and tropical jungle.

2. White Beach, Boracay

White Beach is possibly the most famous beach in the country, known for its bright, fine sand and clear, shallow waters. It’s a long 4km stretch split into three sections, each with their own vibe. ‘Station 1’ is the least busy, so chill there for the day before making your way to Station 2 for buzzing beach bars and sunset views.

3. Paradise Beach, Bantayan Island

Bantayan Island is one of the best islands in the Northern Cebu area. Its most scenic beach, Paradise Beach, is a beautiful, quiet strip of sand that is worth spending a full day on soaking up the sun. You won’t find any tourist bars or restaurants here, just the sound of gentle waves and crystal clear water.

Image: Ana Marie Cabriana

4. Banul Beach, Coron

This beach is famous for its dramatic limestone walls and coral reef, with shimmering  turquoise waters. It’s a popular stop on boat trips when island hopping around Coron, so make sure you check it out. You can enjoy snorkelling or sea kayaking, or simply lounge around on the powdery white sand.

best Beaches The Philippines
Image: Emil/Flickr

5. Anawangin, Zambales

This is one of the more unique beaches in the Philippines: Anawangin Cove is covered with volcanic ash from Mount Pinatubo when it erupted in 1991. It’s now a popular camping and hiking destination for Manila locals looking to escape the city. With scenic hiking trails and a backdrop of lush trees, the beach is a must-see.

best Beaches The Philippines

6. Mahabang Buhangin, Tinaga Island

Tinaga Island is famous for its soft fine white sand beach, Mahabang Buhangin. It translates to ‘Long Beach’ and lives up to its name: this beautiful stretch of sand goes on for as far as the eye can see along the cove. Climb one of the jungle-y hills nearby for views of the entire cove below.

Image: Ian Limpangog/Flickr

7. Long Beach, Palawan

Long Beach – as the name suggests – is long. In fact, it’s one of the longest beaches in the Philippines. It goes on for a 14 km of shoreline, more than three times longer than Boracay’s White Beach. Settle here for the day, splashing in the blue waters and sipping on a coconut to experience pure paradise.

best Beaches The Philippines

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Sarah Clayton-Lea

Co-founder of Big 7 Travel, Sarah created the company through her passion for championing the world's best food and travel experiences. Before her career in digital media, where she previously held roles such as Editor of Food&Wine Ireland, Sarah worked in the hospitality industry in Dublin and New York.

Contact [email protected]

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