Top 20 Tourist Spots In Ilocos Region [Updated]

A place where nature and history collide, Ilocos is truly a great place to visit. From the historical streets
of Vigan to the great formations of sand dunes in Paoay, Ilocos is near to perfection when it comes to
rest and recreation.

1. Calle Crisologo, Vigan

The most famous and major tourist magnet in Vigan, Calle
Crisologo is full of Spanish-styled houses that gives people of this
generation a glimpse of the Spanish era. This street also features
the prosperous lifestyle of the said era because of the Manila-
Acapulco trade.

2. Pagudpud Beaches

Saud Beach – one of the finest beaches in the Philippines, Saud

beach is actually what people usually refer to when they talk
about Pagudpud beach. The beach boasts of white sandy shores
with a great backdrop of coconut palm trees arrayed beautifully
perfect for a humming sound and gentle breeze during one’s stay
here

Blue Lagoon – this beach used to be a secret, however, as many

tourists find the place to be relaxing and cozy many have to come
to see the place themselves. Blue Lagoon also known as Maira-
Ira Point is a crescent-shaped beach with soft white sand lining
its pristine blue waters. The beach is the perfect place to stay if
you want to rest your tired bodies from the day’s event in Ilocos.

3. Baluarte

There are two good reasons why you should visit Baluarte, also
known as the Fortress: first, because of its mini-zoo that serves
as the home of many endemic animals in the Philippines and
second, is that it is actually owned by Mr. Chavit Singson, a well-
known politician in the country.
4. Cape Bojeador Lighthouse

Dubbed as the tallest lighthouse in the Philippines, Cape

Bojeador sets conveniently atop of a hill. The lighthouse is just
so tall that it gives the best panoramic view of the South China
Sea.

5. Bangui Windmills

These windmills have become one of the major attractions of

Ilocos and have since become a symbol for Ilocos Norte. It was
constructed primarily to provide electricity throughout the
province. It is conveniently located at a 9 kilometer stretch farm
that faces the South China Sea, the right spot for strong winds.

6. Kapurpurawan Rock Formation

Found in the rocky parts of Burgos, Ilocos Norte, these rock

formations cannot be classified as something common as they
are formed over years and years to a formation that you’d
unexpectedly see. For some reasons, seeing Kapurpurawan
Rocks makes you realize that when nature works, it’s definitely
something that no human can ever accomplish.

7. Kabigan Falls, Pagudpud

If you are on a tour to Pagudpud, don’t miss visiting the Kabigan

Falls. It’s a good breather actually to have about 30-40 minutes
lazy trekking en route to Kabigan and swim into its concave
basin or simply enjoy the bountiful trees and ferns surrounding
the mighty falls.
8. Bell Tower Bantay, Ilocos Sur

Sitting on top of a hill, the historical Bantay Belfry is not only a

must-see sight in Ilocos because of its historic and cultural
significance but also because of the panoramic view of the entire
Ilocos Sur when one goes to its top part.

9. St. Augustine Church in Paoay

The Paoay Church’s history is dated back in 1694 when its

construction was started by the Augustinian friars. If you’ll look
at it, the church’s design is a combination of Oriental, Baroque
and Gothic styles. The Paoay Church has been listed as a
UNESCO World Heritage site.

10. Paoay Sand Dunes

Who says you need to go to Dubai to experience sand boarding

and dune bashing? Our very own Paoay Ilocos Norte boasts its
sand dune adventure and sport for its tourists who wish to try
how it feels like playing in the sand. Sand dunes in Paoay is
uniquely Ilocos.

11. Marcos Museum

The late president Ferdinand Marcos hails from Ilocos and what
better way to commemorate his life, works and even visit his
mausoleum than visiting the Marcos Museum. Tourists,
especially students will be informed of his lifeworks thru getting
to know him and looking at his memorabilias. The mausoleum
is also inside the museum where anyone can have a glimpse of
 his body being preserved. There is a 5-peso entrance fee and no cameras allowed inside the
mausoleum.

12. Malacanang of the North

This tourist spot is also called as the Malacanang ti Amianan
as the locals dub it. The Malacanang of the North is a 2-storey
mansion in a 5-hectare land located at Baranagay Suba,
Paoay Ilocos Norte. This has been the official rest house of the
late President Ferdinand Marcos whenever the family goes to
Ilocos. It also became an alternative venue to receive foreign
dignitaries as well as locals. Inside the mansion is a museum
which is divided into three parts- the National Building Gallery,
The Diplomacy gallery, and the agriculture room.

13. Patapat Viaduct

The Patapat Viaduct is a road an elevated coastal bridge with
a distance of 1.3 kilometers. It gives a nice view of the elevated
concrete road winding along the mountainside of the
municipality of Pagudpud. It was constructed to solve the
landslides with causes many accident especially during rainy
season.

14. Cabugao Beach Resort

Cabugao Beach Resort is one of the goto beaches in the North.
Though far, the beach is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy
activities like surfing and diving. It is situated 45 minutes away
from the Laoag International Airport with complete amenities
like fully air-conditined guestroms, private hot and cold
showers, cabana bar and grill, conference or function rooms,
beach huts, laundry service and many more.
15. Pinsal Falls
Pinsal Falls is also known as the “Twin Falls” where it has a
height of 85 feet surrounded with nature’s beauty perfect for
swimming and going on a picnic. It is located in the town of
Santa Maria Ilocos Sur. It has been featured by different travel
shows and it was even featured on the famous movie
“Panday” by the late Fernando Poe Jr. because of its beauty.
Legend has it hat the natural pools found in the site are
believed to be the footprint of a giant named Angelo when he
was searching for his wife, Aran.

16. Pagburnayan Pottery Making

Pagburnayan Pottery Making is one of the most frequently

visited and photographed tourist spot in Vigan next to Calle
Crisologo. It is home to the famous pottery in the Philippined.
The locals say that they use the authentic and old method if
making jars with the use of a potter’s wheel. The root word
“Burnay” is an earthenware jar, which is the ones used by
pottery makers while anay is a material that is heated in high
temperature heat which makes the jars durable and and hard.

17. The Sinking Bell Tower

This tower was built in 1612 by the Agustinian Friars and this is
one of the noticeable landmark as you enter the city proper of
Laoag City in Ilocos Norte. It stands about 45 meters and called
with a “sinking” reputation due to the fact that it is just build
around a sandy surface and it is believed to be sinking about 1-
inch per year. Elderly locals used to say that the anyone can
enter the tower on a horseback without stooping. However
today, even a person with ordinary height needs to lean forward
to enter through the main door of the tower.
18. Fort Ilocandia Resort and Casino

The Fort Ilocandia Resort and Casino is the only 5-star hotel
in Laoag, Ilocos Norte. The classic-Spanish-architecture
themed hotel with brick walls lie in a 77-hectare land with
casino and golf-course. This was built by former President
Ferdinand Marcos just in time for the wedding reception of
her youngest daughter- Irene Marcos who wedded Greggy
Araneta in 1983.

19. Juan Luna Shrine

Juan Luna, hero, a well known painter was born in Badoc,

Ilocos Norte. His infamous painting is the Spolarium and many
other renowned paintings. The shrine showcases the legacy
of the family. A family gallery as well as vintage photograph of
the Luna clan is shown in the museum. It also showcases
different palettes done by Juan Kuna himself.