ABOUT
Ilocos Sur is a province in the Philippines located in the Ilocos Region in Luzon. Its capital is Vigan City which located on the mouth of the Mestizo River.
LOCATION
Coordinates: 17°20′N 120°35′E 
FAST FACTS
The following are a few useful and interesting details about this province.
Plug commonly used is Type A but Types B and C are used as well.
Bring A to B adapter(s).
CLIMATE
The climate int his province is generally dry as defined by the Hernandez climate classification—the dry months are from October to May. However, the southernmost portion, Cervantes, is humid and rain is evenly distributed throughout the year while the southeastern part of Sugpon is drier. August has the most rainfall while January and February have the least. The mean temperature in the province is 27 °C (81 °F). January is the coldest.
It’s fine to visit Ilocos any time of the year.
The most appropriate clothing in this province is casual light clothing: shorts, t-shirt, sandals. Light jacket and pants at night, at higher elevations, and boating.
READ MORE: Climate & Weather in the Philippines
CITIES & TOWNS
The Ilocos Sur provinceis divided into 32 Municipalities, 2 Component Cities:
- Alilem
- Banayoyo
- Bantay
- Burgos
- Cabugao
- Candon
- Caoayan
- Cervantes
- Galimuyod
- Gregorio del Pilar
- Lidlidda
- Magsingal
- Nagbukel
- Narvacan
- Quirino
- Salcedo
- San Emilio
- San Esteban
- San Ildefonso
- San Juan
- San Vicente
- Santa
- Santa Catalina
- Santa Cruz
- Santa Lucia
- Santa Maria
- Santiago
- Santo Domingo
- Sigay
- Sinait
- Sugpon
- Suyo
- Tagudin
- Vigan
ISLANDS
None
POINTS OF INTEREST
The following is a list of points of interest relating to the Ilocos Sur province:
- Archbishop’s Palace
- Baluarte
- Ban-aw Resort
- Banaoang Bridge
- Bantay Bell Tower
- Bessang Pass Natural Monument
- Buridek Children’s Museum
- Calle Crisologo
- Chapel by the Ruins
- Crisologo Museum
- Dancing Fountain
- Hidden Garden
- Mindoro Beach
- National Museum, Magsingal Branch
- Padre Burgos House – National Museum
- Pagburnayan
- Pinsal Falls
- Plaza Burgos
- Plaza Salcedo
- Quirino Bridge
- Santa Maria Church
- Santa Maria River
- Santiago Cove
- St Augustine Church
- St John de Sahagun Church
- St Paul Metropolitan Cathedral
- Syquia Mansion
- The Sakada Workers Monument
- Tirad Pass
- Vigan Heritage Village
If you plan to visit the province of Ilocos Sur, you can use the following sites to determine the best places to stay:
FESTIVALS
The following is a list of festivals celebrated in Ilocos Sur throughout the year:
- Sinait Garlic Festival (1st to 3rd of May) – Sinait
- Viva Vigan Festival (1st week of May) – Vigan
- Longganisa Festival (3rd week of January) – Vigan
- Pinakbet Festival (April 23) – Sta. Maria
- Tabako Festival (Last week of March) – Candon City
FAQs
The following are the most frequently asked questions about the Ilocos Sur province.
Where in the Philippines is Ilocos Sur located?
Ilocos Sur is located along the western coast of Northern Luzon.
Is Ilocos Sur a city or province?
Ilocos Sur is a province.
What is the Capital of Ilocos Sur?
The capital of Ilocos Sur is Vigan.
What is Ilocos Sur famous for?
Ilocos Sur is famous for old churches, ancestral houses, and cobblestone streets.
How do I get to Ilocos Sur?
There are several ways to get to Ilocos Sur, the most common being from Manila:
- Bus | 8 hours | $15-$23
- Taxi | 6 hours | $100-$130
- Drive | 6 hours | $28-$44
- You can fly to an alternate airport (Laoag or Clark), travel time is shorter, but the cost will be significantly more.
RESOURCE: Best Online Transportation Resource for the Philippines
How many islands are in Ilocos Sur?
There are NO islands in the Ilocos Sur.
What does Ilocos Sur mean?
Ilocos was derived from the local word “ylokos” which means “from the lowlands”.
How Safe is Traveling in Ilocos Sur?
Ilocos Sur is generally safe for locals and tourists.
Is the climate in Ilocos Sur the same as the rest of the Philippines?
The climate of the province is classified as generally arid wherein there are more dry than wet months.
To learn more about the various climate types in the Philippines, and for a Climate Map, click the link below…
READ MORE: Climate & Weather of the Philippines
GUIDES
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