Top 10 Popular Beaches in Luzon

The popular beaches in Luzon are charming and are perfect for quick getaway from the busy life in the city.

Beaches in the Visayas, especially the likes of Boracay’s White Beach and Bohol’s Alona Beach, attract tourists from various parts of the world. Thousands of foreign tourists fly to the Philippines to experience these ultimate tropical destinations. But considering the more than 7,000 islands the country is blessed with, there are also beautiful beaches in other parts of the Philippines, including the island group of Luzon.

Luzon is more than just the location of the country’s capital or the landlocked provinces with rich flora and fauna. It has beautiful and charming beaches, be it for a quick escape from the urban jungle of Metro Manila or a weeklong relaxation and exploration with family and friends.

Below are the 10 popular beaches in Luzon.

1 | Subic Beach

Subic Beach in Matnog | Image Source

Location: Matnog, Sorsogon

Not to be confused with Subic Bay in Zambales, Subic Beach in Matnog is blessed with pristine waters and pinkish white sand. The beach has a peaceful and relaxing ambience due to minimal development and sparse tourists, although it will surely not be the same in the years to come as it is becoming popular among tourists.

2 | Patar Beach

Patar Beach in Bolinao | Image Source

Location: Bolinao, Pangasinan

The western side of Pangasinan is lined with a number of beaches, one of those is Patar Beach known for its cream-colored sand and clear waters. Since it is a public beach, entrance is free for everyone and you only have to pay for the use of nipa huts or camping if you intend to stay the night. There are also some hotels and resorts in the area.

Not too far from the beach is the Enchanted Cave, a natural cave with an underground pool filled with refreshing blue water.

3 | Sabang Beach

Sabang Beach in Baler | Image Source

Location: Baler, Aurora

Facing the Pacific Ocean, Sabang Beach is known for its strong waves almost all year round, thus perfect for surfing and other water sports. In fact, it is the birthplace of surfing in the Philippines and hordes of surfing enthusiasts visit the place every year. Hotels, resorts, and restaurants line the shoreline to cater to the growing number of tourists.

Sabang Beach may not have the white sand other beaches have but with its strong waves and one of the best sunset views in the country, it is definitely worth a visit, especially for surfers.

4 | Saud Beach

Saud Beach in Pagudpud | Image Source

Location: Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

Listed as one of the 25 Most Beautiful Beaches in the World in 2021 by Travel + Leisure magazine, Saud Beach has fine white sand and clear blue water that resembles Boracay when it was still devoid of commercialism. On a good sunny day, the beach has peaceful waves perfect for swimming and exploring underwater life.

5 | Laiya Beach

Laiya Beach in San Juan | Image Source

Location: San Juan, Batangas

With its travel time just a few hours from Manila, Laiya Beach is one of the popular quick escape destinations from the country’s capital. Aside from its white sand and clear water, tourists will also enjoy a variety of water activities such as kayaking and jet skiing.

6 | Anawangin Cove

Anawangin Cove in San Antonio

Location: San Antonio, Zambales

Approximately 4 to 5 hours away from Metro Manila, Anawangin Cove Anawangin Cove is what it is today due to the deadly eruption of Mount Pinatubo in 1991. This crescent-shaped beach, originally with rocky shore, now has white to grayish sand that came from the mouth of Pinatubo. Agoho trees (sea pine tree) eventually grew in the area therefore creating a perfect spot for people who want to enjoy the tranquility and beauty of nature.

READ MORE: Anawangin Cove

7 | Urbiztondo Beach

Urbiztondo Beach in San Juan

Location: San Juan, La Union

Like Sabang Beach, Urbiztondo Beach and other beaches in San Juan are known among surfers for their several surf spots for various levels. La Union is approximately four hours away from Metro Manila.

8 | Nacpan Beach

Nacpan Beach in El Nido

Location: El Nido, Palawan

While its sands may not be as white as Boracay’s White Beach, Nacpan Beach takes pride in its 4-kilometer stretch of cream-colored sand, clear water, a fishing village, and swaying coconut trees instead of hundreds of business establishments like in Boracay. It doesn’t get really crowded either, so you can enjoy beach bumming, swimming, and hiking in peace.

READ MORE: Nacpan Beach | El Nido Visitors Guide

9 | Mahabang Buhangin Beach

Mahabang Buhangin Beach in Calaguas Island | Image Source

Location: Calaguas Islands, Camarines Norte

Mahabang Buhangin, the most popular beach in the area, is a 3km beach blessed with powdery white sand and clear water which stays clear regardless of the weather. It’s devoid of resorts, hotels, and restaurants therefore a perfect destination to enjoy the peaceful environment while feasting your eyes on the stunning view of the water and the hills.

READ MORE: Calaguas Islands Visitors Guide

10 | Masasa Beach

Masasa Beach in Tingloy | Image Source

Location: Tingloy, Batangas

Masasa Beach is found on the island of Tingloy which is less than an hour away from Anilao Port. Its waters boasts of a rich marine life considering its close proximity to Verde Island Passage, the richest part in the entire Coral Triangle which is deemed as the center of the center of the world’s marine biodiversity.

Other popular beaches in Luzon include Dinadiawan Beach (Dipaculao, Aurora), Puting Buhangin (Pagbilao, Quezon), and Puerto Galera White Beach (Puerto Galera, Mindoro). With so many beaches, you will surely never run out of options when you are planning to explore the islands of Luzon.