The Philippines is made up of over 7,000 islands, which means there is no shortage of stunning beaches to discover. With pristine white sand, crystal clear waters, and dramatic landscapes, the beaches of the Philippines are some of the best in the world. This 7-day Philippines beach itinerary takes you to some of the most beautiful beaches across three popular islands – Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. With this guide, you can get ready for a week of sun, sea and sand as you make your Philippine Airlines booking and prepare to island hop and discover the stunning beaches of the Philippines.
Start your beach adventure in the capital city of Manila. Spend the day exploring historical sites like Intramuros – the famous walled city from the Spanish colonial era. Wander the cobblestone streets and visit landmarks like Fort Santiago and Manila Cathedral. In the afternoon, make your way to Manila Bay to watch the sunset behind the palm trees. End the evening by enjoying delicious local cuisine at one of the bayfront restaurants.
After breakfast, take a short 1-hour flight from Manila to Caticlan Airport. From there, hop on a boat for a quick 15-minute ride to Boracay Island – home to the world-famous White Beach. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the powder-soft sand or swimming in the gentle azure waters. Dine alfresco at a seaside restaurant as you take in the island’s romantic atmosphere. The nightlife on White Beach also makes for an exciting experience.
Take a quick flight up north to Puerto Princesa then transfer to the island of El Nido by shuttle bus or van (approximately 5-6 hour journey). This ecologically diverse region features majestic limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons, and secluded dive sites. Marvel at the towering cliffs of Cadlao Island, swim in the emerald waters of Pasandigan Beach and find your own private paradise at Natnat Beach. Snorkel at Helicopter Island to spy colourful fish and sea turtles gliding by coral reefs. Watch a fiery sunset at Nacpan Beach with a cocktail in hand before returning to El Nido town for dinner.
Hire a private boat to take you 25km north to the laidback beach village of Port Barton for some off-the-beaten-path exploration. Its location between the jungle and the sea gives it a remote and rugged feel. Spend the day island hopping around Port Barton, starting with a visit to Exotic Island’s long stretch of sand-hugging vibrant turquoise waters. Stop to swim with turtles around Albaguen Island before feasting on a beachfront barbecue lunch. Round out the afternoon snorkeling the rich reefs of Aqua Planet Eco-Tourism Park.
Make your way south to Siargao Island – renowned as the surfing capital of the Philippines. Regardless if you plan on riding waves or simply relaxing on the beach, Siargao offers a unique island vibe you won’t find elsewhere. Spend the morning beach-hopping to Daku Island, Guyam Island, and Naked Island. After working up an appetite, stop for a beachfront lunch of fresh seafood and coconut water. In the afternoon, head to popular Cloud 9 Beach to watch expert surfers effortlessly glide over crystal blue barrels.
Take an early morning flight to Cagayan de Oro then transfer to Camiguin Island, located in the Bohol Sea. Nicknamed “Garden Island of the South” thanks to its verdant rainforests, thundering waterfalls, and fertile farmland. Take a leisurely walk around Katibawasan Falls, picnicking in the cool mist of this 76-meter cascading waterfall. Refresh yourself with a dip in the deep emerald pool. Rent a parasol and lay out while enjoying uninterrupted views of Mount Hibok Hibok volcano.
Fly from Cagayan de Oro to Cebu then continue your journey south to Moalboal by private car. Situated on Cebu Island’s scenic southwest coast, Moalboal is famed for its world-class diving and snorkelling. Spend your last day underwater, exploring vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. Swim among millions of dazzling sardines making up the Sardine Run. Dive down to marvel at magnificent sea turtles around Pescador Island.
Related reading: Top Travel Destinations in Asia
With over 36,000 kilometres of stunning coastline, the Philippines is a beach lover’s dream. While here you can kayak through hidden lagoons in El Nido, relax on Boracay’s iconic White Beach, surf the legendary waves on Siargao and do so much more. So grab your swimsuit and snorkel gear to experience an unforgettable beach vacation exploring the Philippines’ island paradise!
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