Vigan is one of the places in the Philippines that is worth traveling to and exploring. There are plenty of heritage sites and picturesque places that have old world charm in this region. If you are a shutterbug, there are plenty of exciting views to capture in Vigan. Aside from satisfying your visual senses, Vigan also has tasty regional cuisine that can satisfy your hunger and fill you up after a long hard day. Another tourist attraction worth exploring when you visit this Ilocandia region are the beaches in Vigan. These beaches may not be as well-known as those in the North, but they are still worth exploring. Going to these beaches allows you to get in touch with local folk and lifestyle and lets you see spectacular sunsets that are the crowning glory of every beachscape.
Beaches in Vigan–Facts about Vigan
When you travel to Vigan, you will surely travel back in time. This region is also known as the Heritage City of the Philippines. Back in 2015, it was selected as one of the New 7 Wonder Cities. Notable attractions of Vigan are its cobblestone streets, Spanish era homes, and horse-drawn carriages. These elements will transport you back to the 16th century.
You can take walks along these pathways and visit the notable Syquia Mansion or plan a visit to either the Crisologo Museum or the Elpidio Quirino National Museum where you will likely see a lot of interesting exhibits.
The gastronomic scene in Vigan is equally interesting as you indulge yourself with empanadas and Longganisa. If you want a real gastronomic adventure, head over to Plaza Burgos where local dishes are being sold in food stalls. If you are a food lover, beach lover or simply a history buff, you will find it all in Vigan.
Fast Facts
Public Transportation
You can get around Vigan using the modern transportation of tricycles and jeepneys, kalesas are also widely used.
Languages
The languages spoken here are Tagalog, English and of course the Ilocano dialect
Payment Options
The most reliable option you can pay for your purchases is through cash.
What to Know Before Visiting?
Cale Crisologo is the well-known historical street of Vigan and the best time to visit it is during twilight to capture the romantic atmosphere.
January is the month of the Longganisa festival. The middle of the month is the beginning of the celebration.
Every seven in the evening the dancing light show in plaza Salcedo starts and lasts for 45 minutes. Anyone can witness this show since the entrance is free.
Best Time to Visit Vigan
You can go to Vigan at any time of the year but if you want to have more fun and activities, the best time to go is from November to April where there is the least rainfall. The most spectacular events and festivals in Vigan also happen during these months.
Fiestas in Vigan are celebrated for a week. May marks the beginning of the celebration of Viva Vigan Festival of Arts. Going to these celebrations will help you learn more about cultural and historical facts about Vigan.
How to Go to Vigan
By Air
The speediest way to go to Vigan from Manila is via the Laoag International Airport. As of this time, only Philippine Airlines has a direct flight to the region. From the airport traveling by land can take a couple of hours.
By Land
Traveling by land is the most economical way to reach Vigan. Several bus companies offer trips to Vigan regularly. You can catch these buses in the terminals of Pasay and Cubao. The trip will take seven to ten hours, so you have to be ready for a long trip. The time can even be stretched further depending on the traffic.
By Sea
You can’t travel by sea to Vigan since it has no port.
Beaches and Accommodations
Beaches In Vigan, Mindoro Beach, Vigan, Ilocos Sur
Vigan is mostly known for its cultural heritage village, which is a historical remnant of the Spanish era. However, there is also a beach in Vigan which is frequently visited by locals and tourists. This beach is called Mindoro beach, and it is located five kilometers from the eastern side of the town proper.
When you travel via road to Vigan beach, one of the notable places you will pass is the Vigan Airport. Beside this landmark is Barangay Mindoro.
The location of the beach is at the West Philippine sea. The sands are dark-coloured but very fine. The waves are relatively calm and tranquil here, and visitors and locals can be seen enjoying their swim. There is always an abundance of people on the beach, both locals and tourists. Visitors as far as India enjoy the waters of Mindoro Beach.
Dusk in Mindoro Beach
The crowd in Mindoro beach begins to thicken as dusk approaches. Like most beaches in the western area of the Philippines, there are glorious views of the sunset. The beach is also lined with cottages where people can take a rest and enjoy the sea air. There are also some commercial improvements in the area, and these stores sell light snacks. The area is well secured with the presence of a police outpost. A feature that stands out on this beach are the giant breakwaters that are structured like huge jackstones. This special structure takes the force of the strong waves before it hits the shore.
Mindoro beach is a great side trip is you want to go nature tripping or if your itinerary has to absolutely include a swim and a visit to the beach.
Directions to Mindoro Beach
Private
When you are travelling from Vigan Heritage Village travel the road that will take you to the airport. Once you reach the airport, travel straight until you reach Barangay Mindoro. Follow a straight route, and it will take you to the beach. Free parking spaces are available for vehicles.
Commute
If you are traveling from Vigan Heritage Village, get a tricycle going to Mindoro. You can get a better deal if you are in a group because it will maximize the fare.
Some thoughts
The coastline of Vigan includes Caoayan, and it is rich in natural mineral resources such as black sands. However, widespread mining has caused alterations in the structure of rivers and seas, and it is slowly going underwater. Several islands in the areas of Caoayan and Bantay have already gone beneath sea levels because of mining.
Beaches In Vigan, Sta. Catalina Beach
The beach of Sta. Catalina is located near Plaridel Street in Vigan City. This beach is fairly hidden and is generally known only by the locals. The beach boasts of lush black sand and interesting rock formations on the cliffs found in its shores. The sea is perfect for swimming adventures since the waves are relatively calm and tranquil.
Accommodations near Sta. Catalina Beach
OveMar Resort Hotel
This hotel is just a short distance away from the Sta. Catalina Beach. It is also a strategic 10-minute drive from the world heritage site of Vigan. The hotel provides a free transport service if you want to go there. There is free Wi-Fi as well as parking space.
OveMar Resort Hotel has expansive green lawns that give a relaxing vibe. Each room has fitted tiles, and air conditioning with a wardrobe and basic living room amenities including a TV with cable channels. The bathroom has a hairdryer and hot or cold shower options. The hotel provides free toiletries.
The front desk operates 24/7 and facilities for meeting and banqueting can be used upon request. They also have a large outdoor pool where guests can enjoy swimming. Cable shuttle services are available to enjoy scenic attractions around Vigan.
If you want to enjoy some international cuisines, the in-house Oceanic Restaurant serves a delicious and extensive menu. Local snacks and drinks, on the other hand, can be ordered at the Serenity Bar. You can also get room service.
If you want to enjoy Sta. Catalina Beach it is only a two-minute drive away while the Laoag International Airport is a couple of hours away.
ZEN Rooms Casa Marita Vigan
This accommodation near Sta. Catalina beaches in Vigan is one kilometer away from Calle Crisologo and four hundred meters away from the Bantay Bell Tower. Guests can enjoy a shared lounge. Each private room has air conditioning with free Wi-Fi. Each room has a private bathroom. The front desk is available round the clock and offers room services as well as luggage assistance for guests. Each room has a flat-screen TV and cable channels.
Casa Rizalina Hotel
This hotel in Sta. Catalina beaches in Vigan offers accommodations with a restaurant and free Wi-Fi access throughout the property as well as free parking space for guests who brought a vehicle. Family rooms are also available in the hotel.
All rooms in the hotel are equipped with a desk, TV, and private bathroom. Air conditioning and a wardrobe are available in all rooms at the Casa Rizalina hotel.
The polite and fluent receptionists and staff are always at hand to help guests.
LaVie Hotel
This accommodation in Sta. Catalina beaches in Vigan has accommodations that offer free Wi-Fi and parking space for guests with vehicles. Family rooms are offered in the hotel. Every room will have air conditioning, and flat TV with cable channels. The private bathroom has fitted showers with hot and cold options. You will be assured of a tranquil stay in this hotel strategically located near Vegan’s tourist attractions.
Beaches In Vigan, Puerto Beach
This beach is known mainly by locals and remains a hidden gem. The party starts in the afternoon on this beach where locals can sit back relax and simply enjoy a swim in the beach’s cool waters.
Puerto Beach is well secluded and hidden in the town of Santo Domingo in the region of Ilocos Sur. This is a special haven for many locals that lets them enjoy not only a refreshing beach but also fantastic sunset views.
There is not a lot of commercial improvements on this beach, and it is a hangout mainly for locals or for those who have come to discover its secret. The sunset views are especially inviting.
Puerto Beach is a great place for swimming because its waters are relatively calm. It is great for beach bumming and hanging out and bonding with your friends. You can even enjoy some beer and barbecue on the shore.
Getting to Puerto Beach
To get to Puerto Beach, use Vigan as your base. If coming from Manila ride a Vigan based bus. The top three recommended buses with Vigan route are Viron, Partas and Dominion. It will take you to a long eight-hour drive. It may not be a boring ride, though since many travelers have said that they get to see fantastic views along the way. Fares for these buses range from 500 to 700 pesos. Once you reach Vigan, look for accommodations to secure your luggage and belongings and plan out your itinerary.
Beaches In Vigan, Pagsanaan Beach Resort
This is a beaches in Vigan, beach-front hotel run by a family. It is strategically located near Vigan’s prime tourist draws and is only twenty minutes away from the Spanish Heritage town. It is just near the Manila North Road Highway which leads to Ilocos Norte. The hotel is situated in the Pagsanaan Sur beach. The beautiful hotel is well-secluded and offers the perfect peaceful retreat. The white sandy beaches are tantalizing, and the locals are friendly. This resort is a great place to take in some sun and sea and take a break from a hectic city life.
Suso Beach
Suso Beach is located at Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur. It is marketed as a Mini Eco Resort, and its beach is enjoyable. You can rent a cottage along the shore to have a comfortable day-long stay. Only a few people visit the beach, so you are guaranteed some privacy. The beach is very clean, and children and adults can have hours of fun. No drinks and food are available on this beach so you will have to bring your own. This beach is directly beside a highway but remains to be exceptional with its fine sands. A little precaution should be observed when swimming, though since the waters can be very deep on the shore.
Final Thoughts
Vigan is a tourist draw for history and culture buffs. Although the main attraction of Vigan are its historical sites and gastronomic offerings, a bit of research can lead you to hidden beach resorts that only the locals know. If you want to add some beach fun after your history lesson make sure to get in on the secret and make a side trip to any of these beaches in Vigan and add one more memento from your trip in this region.
