Things to Do in Ilocos Norte

GalaTayo PickHeritage · Paoay PoblacionPaoay Church (St. Augustine Church)Free entry

Massive buttresses, golden coral stone and UNESCO status - Paoay Church is the Ilocos icon you have seen on every postcard. Built from 1694 to 1710 by Augustinian friars, the Church of St. Augustine is the best-known example of 'Earthquake Baroque': 24 huge buttresses, each about 1.67 meters thick, brace its walls against quakes. The separate coral-and-brick bell tower stands a safe distance away so it would not fall on the church. It glows warm in the late afternoon and is lit up beautifully at night. Grab empanada or kakanin nearby, then continue to the Paoay Sand Dunes, Paoay Lake and Malacañang of the North - tara, Ilocos road trip!

GalaTayo PickActivity · SaudSaud Beach₱50/head

Ang Boracay of the North, minus the crowd! Saud Beach in Pagudpud, at the very top of Luzon, is a long curve of fine white sand fringed by coconut palms, with clear emerald water and the Bangui windmills on the horizon. Resorts line the shore, yet it still feels wide and calm compared to busier beaches down south. Swim, kayak, or just laze under the trees with a buko in hand. Pair it with a road trip to the Patapat Viaduct, Kabigan Falls and the Bangui windmills for the full Ilocos Norte experience. Best in the dry months, when the sea is calm and blue.

GalaTayo PickActivity · Balaoi / Maira-ira PointBlue Lagoon (Maira-ira Beach)₱50/head

Puting buhangin, asul na tubig, berdeng bundok - Blue Lagoon is Pagudpud at its most postcard-perfect. This half-moon bay at Maira-ira Point, near the northernmost tip of Luzon, is tucked between Nacatnagan Cliff and the Dos Hermanos islets, with thick forest running right down to fine white sand and crystal-blue water. On calm days it is ideal for swimming and paddleboarding, and the stretch is also a kitesurfing spot when the wind picks up. It is more developed than Saud Beach but still far quieter than southern beaches. Make it a half day, then add Kabigan Falls or the Patapat Viaduct on the drive.

GalaTayo PickActivity · Bangui Bay (Baruyen)Bangui WindmillsFree entry

Ang iconic Ilocos photo! Twenty giant wind turbines stand in a single row along about 9 km of Bangui Bay's shore, each 70 meters tall with 41-meter blades turning slowly above the dark sand. Walk the beach right under them, feel the strong sea breeze, and grab snacks and pasalubong from the stalls near the viewing area. It's a quick but unforgettable stop on the way to or from Pagudpud, and an easy add-on to Kapurpurawan and Cape Bojeador. Best moment: late afternoon into sunset, when the light turns golden behind the blades.

GalaTayo PickHeritage · Nagparitan Hill, BurgosCape Bojeador LighthouseFree entry

Over 130 years and still shining! Cape Bojeador Lighthouse was first lit on March 30, 1892, and still guides ships from Vigia de Nagpartian Hill in Burgos, marking the northwesternmost point of Luzon. Climb the brick steps up the hill, admire the 20-meter octagonal stone tower and the old red-brick keeper's buildings, then look out over the West Philippine Sea where Spanish galleons once sailed. On clear days the tower is visible from as far as Pasuquin and Bangui. It's a must-stop on the Ilocos Norte loop, an easy pair with Kapurpurawan nearby. Best moment: late afternoon, when the bricks glow and the sea breeze cools things down.

GalaTayo PickActivity · Saoit coast, BurgosKapurpurawan Rock FormationFree entry

Puting-puti sa tabing-dagat! Kapurpurawan in Burgos, Ilocos Norte is a cluster of creamy white rock formations sculpted by wind, water and waves into soft, wavy shapes facing the wild sea. The name comes from the Ilocano word 'puraw,' meaning white. From the drop-off, it's a short walk along the rocky shore, or you can ride a horse to the formations. Watch the waves crash, shoot the white rocks against blue sky, then continue to Cape Bojeador Lighthouse and the Bangui windmills nearby. Best moment: late afternoon, for softer light and less heat.

Museum · Paoay LakeMalacañang of the North₱50/head

A presidential mansion on the shore of Paoay Lake - whatever your take on history, Malacañang of the North is a must-see in Ilocos Norte. Built in 1977 for Ferdinand Marcos's 60th birthday, the two-storey house with capiz windows, wide hardwood floors and a veranda overlooking the lake is now a museum run by the provincial government. Inside are themed rooms on Marcos-era programs and family life, filled with period furniture, photos and memorabilia. Step out to the veranda and lakeside lawns for the view. Most South Ilocos Norte day tours bundle it with Paoay Church and the sand dunes, so it is easy to fit in.