Top Beaches in the Philippines

How do you start picking the best beach in the Philippines? With 7,641 islands to explore, a dart thrown at a map is likely to land you on beautiful sandy shores and crystal-clear waters.

For years, the Philippines has captivated travelers seeking to swap bustling cities for serene coconut palm-lined coastlines. Beach lovers flock to destinations like Boracay, Bohol, Cebu, and Coron, where stunning white sands and lively dive spots are just a quick flight from Manila.

Getting to some of the finest beaches requires inter-island flights, land travel, and several sea crossings, but this journey is part of the allure of exploring the Philippines. Adventurers willing to veer off the main path will discover peaceful, uncrowded beaches, warm weather year-round, and an even warmer reception from the locals.

Whether it's your first visit to the Philippines or your fifteenth, here’s our selection of the top islands for beach enthusiasts.

1. Palawan

Top beaches for thrill-seekers

You can't go wrong with the standout destination of Palawan, where attractions are conveniently bundled into organized tours. Paddle into hidden coves to uncover pristine beaches framed by rugged limestone cliffs at El Nido, then take a plunge into the crystal-clear waters of Kayangan Lake or snorkel among shipwrecks in Coron.

Stunning beaches are everywhere. On the mainland, visit Nacpan Beach, a 4km (2.5-mile) crescent of soft golden sand bordered by clear blue waters. Over on the northwest coast, San Vicente boasts the country's longest white sand beach; you could rack up nearly 20,000 steps walking the entire 14km (9-mile) length of Long Beach, or simply relax in a hammock instead.

Side trip: For the flexibility to create your own itinerary, rent a motorcycle in Puerto Princesa for a trip to El Nido and back. Stop at Port Barton, where boat tours let you snorkel and swim with sea turtles. Travel southwest from Puerto Princesa to reach Balabac at the southern tip of Palawan, where the untouched sands of Onok Island beckon adventure-seekers with time and budget to spare.

2. Boracay

Ideal for a group retreat

Fringed by palm trees for 4km (2.5 miles), White Beach has long been a major attraction in Boracay. Air-conditioned accommodations, fast-food spots, and lively bars are mere steps from the sandy expanse. Expect a whirlwind of activities, from diving adventures to paddling in crystal-clear kayaks, or relax with a chilled fruit shake or a rejuvenating massage right on the beach. As the sun sets in vibrant hues, visit the Hue Hotel for a cocktail by the pool or Los Indios Bravos for a craft beer, or hop on a paraw (outrigger boat) for a sunset cruise; the views from the water are breathtaking.

Side trip: To explore the island, rent a mountain bike and ride to Mount Luho, the highest point on the island. At just 7km (4.3 miles) long, you can circle Boracay in under three hours, passing by charming beaches like Puka Beach and Bulabog Beach.

3. Cebu

Ideal for underwater lovers

Easily reached by air and sea, the island of Cebu is alive with beaches, accommodations, activities, and fantastic dining options. Sun-seekers flock to the pristine white sands of Bantayan Island, Malapascua Island, and Mactan Island, while vibrant coral reefs filled with sea turtles and diverse marine life make it a haven for snorkelers and divers. For a unique experience, visit Moalboal or Pescador Island, where breathtaking sardine runs can be spotted near the surface all year round.

4. Bohol

Ideal for quality time

Bohol is a fantastic option, featuring plenty of accommodations and a variety of fun activities to enhance your trip. Family-friendly resorts line the beautiful Alona Beach on Panglao Island, with more stunning white sand available at Dumaluan Beach. Bangka boats are ready to take visitors offshore—on the islands of Pamilacan and Balicasag, you can relax on gorgeous beaches and enjoy dolphin watching and snorkeling.

Located on the eastern edge of Bohol, Anda provides a more tranquil escape, boasting 3km (1.9 miles) of sparkling sand perfect for leisurely lounging; the Amun Ini Beach Resort & Spa is an intimate retreat for couples seeking privacy.

Side trip: For a different experience, venture inland to explore Bohol's Chocolate Hills and tarsier sanctuaries—always a hit with kids—before treating yourself to some fruity ice cream at Bohol Bee Farm along the coast.

5. Siargao

Perfect for surfers

Home to the renowned Cloud 9 surf break, Siargao Island attracts surfers from around the world. The atmosphere is vibrant yet relaxed, and beginners can find surf lessons in the town of General Luna, surrounded by trendy cafes, social spots, and affordable hostels. Some shops offer customized motorbike rentals equipped with racks, allowing surfers to transport their boards to hidden breaks along the palm-fringed coastline, including the picture-perfect Pacifico Beach.

Boat tours to islets, rocky tidal pools, and the breathtaking Sugba Lagoon are easily bookable online. Beyond surfing, digital nomads and friendly solo travelers are captivated by the charm of laid-back island life, often finding themselves staying longer than they planned.

Side trip: The enchanting beaches of the Dinagat Islands can now be reached via a newly launched sea route as of April 2024. This hidden gem is seldom visited, even by locals; you can reach it from the village of Del Carmen on Siargao's west coast.

6. Romblon

Ideal for adventurous explorers

If you prefer the soothing sound of waves crashing to the hum of conversation, Romblon is for you. Days will slip by as you wander from beach to beach on this laid-back island. A short tricycle ride from the main town brings you to Bonbon Beach, a serene spot with soft sands and tranquil waters. During low tide, you can stroll along the sandbar to a nearby islet or watch children play in the surf. Romblon's coastline is dotted with pristine islets, their waters so clear they seem almost digitally created.

Side trip: Discover more stunning beaches on the nearby islands of Tablas and Sibuyan. Test your castaway skills with a trip to Cresta de Gallo, a winding sandbar off Sibuyan's coast where you can relish sweet solitude amidst sparkling waters. Afterward, return to Sibuyan to tackle the rugged trails of Mount Guiting Guiting, one of the country's most challenging climbs.

7. Batanes Islands

Perfect for photographers

The islands of Batan, Sabtang, and Itbayat in Batanes province, located in the far north of the Philippines, boast stunning coastlines, although you might find yourself taking more photos than actually swimming on these secluded islands. Despite their small size, exploring them takes time, and you'll fill your memory cards quickly with the breathtaking scenery.

The Batanes islands feature landscapes of rolling hills crowned with lighthouses and rugged beaches lined with volcanic rocks. Jump across the boulders at Valugan Boulder Beach on Batan for dramatic photographs, then make your way to White Beach, south of Mahatao, for a safe swim on a pebble-strewn stretch of sand.

From Batan, catch a wooden faluwa boat at Basco for a bumpy ride to Sabtang Island. After capturing images of the island's iconic stone houses, visit Morong Beach, known for its impressive natural rock arch. This picturesque seaside spot is perfect for swimming and is the best location on the island to savor local delights like turmeric rice, uvud (banana heart meatballs), and dibang (flying fish).

8. Santa Cruz Island

Ideal for an eco-escape

Santa Cruz Island, located just off the coast of Zamboanga on Mindanao, features one of the rare beaches in the world with pink sand. As you walk along the shore, you'll notice its unique rosy hue, created by crushed red organ pipe coral blending with white sand grains.

It's a perfect getaway for eco-conscious travelers; yellow-painted fishing boats provide trips into lush mangrove forests, where you can forage for edible seagrapes and encounter stingless jellyfish. At the island's heart lies a tranquil, shallow lagoon filled with vintas – traditional Zamboanga fishing boats adorned with colorful, rainbow-striped sails. This spot is ideal for paddling.

Side trip: Northeast of Zamboanga City are the Onse Islas, a group of eleven small islands featuring beautiful sandy beaches. Swimming, kayaking, and nature hikes are the main attractions in these community-managed islands, which remain delightfully free from commercial development.