For 2026, the Philippines has another reason to be on beach lovers’ itineraries. Entalula Beach in El Nido, Palawan, was named the world’s best beach in the 2026 World’s 50 Best Beaches ranking. The list was compiled with input from more than 1,000 travel professionals, with Entalula taking the top position ahead of beaches in Greece and Australia.
With thousands of islands spread across three major island groups, the Philippines offers a wide choice of beaches, from well-known white sand destinations to quieter coves that take more effort to reach. Travellers can spend a weekend at a resort in Boracay, go island hopping around Palawan, surf in Siargao or look for a quieter sandy beach in Bicol.
But the country’s best beach destinations extend far beyond Entalula. From famous resorts to less developed islands, here are 10 pristine beaches and coastal destinations to consider for a trip around the Philippines in 2026.
1. Entalula Beach, El Nido, Palawan
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Entalula Beach sits within Bacuit Bay in El Nido, Palawan, surrounded by the limestone scenery that has made the area one of the Philippines’ most recognisable island destinations.
The beach combines pale sand, clear water and steep limestone cliffs. Its relatively secluded setting is also part of its appeal. The World’s 50 Best Beaches ranking highlighted its natural setting, clear water and calm swimming conditions when placing it at No. 1 for 2026.
A visit to Entalula is generally part of an island-hopping itinerary from El Nido rather than a standalone beach trip. This makes it easy to combine with other islands, lagoons and snorkelling sites around Bacuit Bay.
Best for: Island hopping, swimming, photography and snorkelling.
Getting there: Fly to El Nido or Puerto Princesa and continue to El Nido town, where island-hopping boats depart for Bacuit Bay.
2. White Beach, Boracay
Boracay’s White Beach remains one of the Philippines’ most established beach destinations. Its long stretch of pale sand is divided into Stations 1, 2 and 3, each offering a slightly different experience. The island’s powdery white sand and shallow turquoise waters are just too good to ignore.
Station 1 is generally associated with larger beachfront resorts and a quieter atmosphere, while Station 2 is the busiest section, with restaurants, shops and nightlife. Station 3 tends to have a more relaxed feel and a wider choice of smaller accommodation.
During the day, visitors can swim, paddleboard or take a traditional paraw sailing trip. In the evening, the beach becomes a popular place to watch the sunset before heading to one of the restaurants or bars nearby.
Best for: Resorts, nightlife, water sports and first-time visitors.
Getting there: Fly to Caticlan Airport and take a short transfer and boat ride to Boracay.
3. Nacpan Beach, El Nido, Palawan
Nacpan Beach is one of the most accessible alternatives for travellers who want a wider coastline away from the busier centre of El Nido.
Located around 17 kilometres from El Nido town, Nacpan has a broad stretch of pale sand backed by coconut trees. It forms part of the Nacpan-Calitang Twin Beaches, with a viewpoint offering views over both beaches.
The beach is suitable for swimming, walking and watching the sunset. It has also developed a small selection of accommodation and places to eat, while retaining a less concentrated feel than the main town.
Best for: Beach walks, sunsets, day trips and a slower pace.
Getting there: Take a tricycle, motorbike, shuttle or private transfer from El Nido. The journey usually takes around 45 minutes, depending on road conditions.
4. Port Barton, Palawan
For travellers who prefer a quieter coastal destination, Port Barton in San Vicente, Palawan, offers a more relaxed alternative to El Nido.
The area is known for island-hopping trips, snorkelling, swimming and smaller beaches around the bay. Itaytay Beach is close to the main village, while boat trips can take visitors to nearby islands, reefs and sandbars. Port Barton is also a base for visiting waterfalls and other natural attractions. It also has a vibrant marine life.
Its smaller scale makes it suitable for travellers who want to spend several days by the sea without following a packed sightseeing schedule.
Best for: Island hopping, snorkelling, slow travel and quieter beach holidays.
Getting there: Port Barton can be reached by road from Puerto Princesa, with vans and buses taking several hours depending on the service and road conditions.
5. Alona Beach, Bohol
@yanieagua @Hannah Mae Largo ❤️❤️❤️ until we meet again 🥰#alonabeach #bohol ♬ original sound – Gulin Cetin
Alona Beach on Panglao Island is one of Bohol’s main bases for beach and marine activities. The shoreline is lined with resorts, restaurants, dive shops and tour operators, making it convenient for travellers who want a mixture of beach time and organised activities.
The beach is also a starting point for trips to nearby marine sites, including Balicasag Island. Visitors can combine a morning of diving or snorkelling with an afternoon on the beach, while Bohol’s inland attractions provide another option for day trips.
Best for: Diving, snorkelling, families and combining beach and sightseeing.
Getting there: Bohol-Panglao International Airport is the main airport for the area, with Alona Beach around a short drive away.
6. Kota Beach, Bantayan Island, Cebu
Bantayan Island in northern Cebu offers a slower alternative to some of the Philippines’ more developed beach destinations. Kota Beach is known for its sandbar, shallow waters and relaxed coastal setting.
The island is also suited to travellers who enjoy exploring independently. Motorbikes and bicycles make it easier to move between beaches, villages and local restaurants.
For a longer stay, Bantayan can work well for travellers looking for a combination of swimming, local food and quiet island days rather than a resort-heavy itinerary.
Best for: Slow travel, swimming, budget trips and independent exploration.
Getting there: Travel from Cebu City to Hagnaya Port by road before taking a ferry to Bantayan Island.
7. Mahabang Buhangin, Calaguas
Calaguas, in Camarines Norte, is known for Mahabang Buhangin on Tinaga Island. The long sandy coastline and relatively simple setting make it popular with campers and travellers looking for a more basic island experience.
Unlike highly developed beach destinations, facilities can be limited, so visitors should plan ahead and bring essential supplies. The island is particularly appealing to people who enjoy camping, swimming and spending time outdoors.
Traveloka has also highlighted Calaguas as a quieter Philippines beach destination, noting its white sand and back-to-basics atmosphere.
Best for: Camping, swimming, island escapes and travellers seeking a simple beach experience.
Getting there: Travel to the Calaguas area in Camarines Norte before continuing by boat to Tinaga Island.
8. Caramoan, Camarines Sur
Caramoan is less about a single famous beach and more about exploring a coastline of islands, limestone formations and small coves.
Located in the Bicol region, the destination is suited to travellers who want to spend their time moving between different beaches and islands rather than staying in one resort area. Boat trips are central to exploring the surrounding coastline, although weather conditions can affect crossings.
The landscape combines white sand beaches with rocky islands and sheltered coves, giving Caramoan a different character from the long, open beaches found elsewhere in the Philippines.
Best for: Island hopping, secluded coves, photography and outdoor trips.
Getting there: Caramoan can be reached by road or by boat, depending on the route and starting point.
9. Kagusuan Beach, Siquijor
Kagusuan Beach is often included in lists of Siquijor’s quieter beaches, with clear water, pale sand and distinctive rock formations. Older travel accounts describe it as a secluded spot away from the island’s more established tourist areas.
However, travellers should check the latest access conditions before making plans. Current travel listings and previous reports indicate that access has been restricted or closed at different times, with parts of the surrounding land privately owned.
If access is unavailable, Siquijor has other beaches worth considering, including Paliton Beach, which is known for its white sand, clear water and sunset views.
Best for: Off-the-beaten-path beach lovers, subject to current access.
Getting there: Check local access conditions and directions before travelling to the site.
10. White Beach, Puerto Galera
@basti.natureboy White Beach, Puerto Galera 🏖️#CapCut ♬ original sound – The Rebellions
Puerto Galera’s White Beach is a practical option for travellers based in Manila who want a beach break without taking a domestic flight. There are a total of seven white beaches on Puerto Galera. For beach bums there is White Beach, Aniuan Beach, Palauan Beach and Talipanan Beach, and the more adventurous can go to Sandbar Island, Bayanan Beach, Coral Garden, and Antonio Island.
The main beach area has accommodation, restaurants, water sports and evening entertainment. Beyond the main shoreline, Puerto Galera is also known for its diving and marine environments, giving visitors the option to spend part of their trip underwater with crystal clear water.
Its relatively easy access makes it particularly suitable for a short weekend escape.
Best for: Weekend trips, diving, water sports and travellers based in Manila.
Getting there: Travel from Manila to Batangas before continuing by ferry to Puerto Galera.
How to Choose the Best Beach in the Philippines
The best beach in the Philippines depends largely on the type of holiday you want.
If you want a famous white beach with plenty of accommodation and restaurants, Boracay’s White Beach is an easy choice. For limestone scenery and island hopping, Entalula Beach and Nacpan Beach in Palawan offer two different experiences around El Nido.
Travellers looking for a quieter island setting can consider Port Barton, Bantayan Island or Calaguas, while Caramoan is better suited to those who want to spend more time exploring islands and coves.
For a quick trip from Manila, Puerto Galera is one of the more practical options. Meanwhile, Siquijor and other smaller islands offer a slower pace for travellers willing to spend more time getting there.
When Is the Best Time to Visit the Beaches in the Philippines?
The dry season is generally the most convenient period for a beach holiday in much of the Philippines, particularly from around November to May. During these months, travellers often have better conditions for swimming, island hopping and boat trips.
Palawan is particularly suitable between November and May, when calmer seas can make island-hopping and snorkelling easier.
However, weather patterns vary between regions. Travellers should check local forecasts before booking boat trips, especially when visiting destinations exposed to the Pacific, such as Caramoan.
Peak periods around Christmas, New Year and other holidays can also bring higher demand, so accommodation and transport should be booked ahead where possible.
Tips for Exploring Beaches and Islands in the Philippines
Travelling between islands can involve ferries, small boats, vans and local transfers, so packing light can make the journey easier. Some beaches have limited facilities, particularly those on smaller islands, so carry enough drinking water, sun protection and essential medication.
It is also worth checking local environmental fees and visitor regulations before travelling. Some destinations have conservation charges or limits on activities to help manage tourism.
Most importantly, take rubbish with you when facilities are limited and follow local rules around marine areas. The appeal of many of these beaches comes from their natural setting, and responsible tourism helps keep them accessible for future visitors.
People Also Ask
What are the top places to visit in the Philippines?
The Philippines has many destinations for beach and island holidays, from the popular beach destinations of Boracay and Palawan to the quieter Calaguas Group of Islands. Travellers can also explore an island in Cebu, go island hopping, or visit a secluded beach with white powdery sand and crystal clear waters.
What are some popular beach destinations near Manila?
Popular beach destinations near Manila include Puerto Galera, which can be reached by travelling to Batangas and taking a ferry, as well as the Calaguas Group of Islands in Camarines Norte. These destinations offer a mix of sandy beaches, island scenery and clear waters for swimming and relaxing.
What is the nicest beach in the Philippines?
The nicest beach depends on the type of experience you are looking for. Entalula Beach in Palawan is known for its dramatic limestone surroundings, sand and crystal clear waters, while Boracay’s White Beach is popular for its white powdery sand. For a more secluded beach experience, Calaguas and other smaller islands are worth considering.
Cover: Photo by XT7 Core/Pexels
