Ilocos Sur Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in May)

Historical City of Vigan!

The 16th-century planned Spanish colonial town of Vigan is the best preserved example in Asia. Its architecture is a reflection of the blending of cultural aspects from China, the Philippines, Europe, and Mexico to produce a distinctive culture and townscape that is unmatched in East and South-East Asia. In the Province of Ilocos Sur, Philippine Archipelago, Vigan, a significant trading hub prior to the colonial period, is situated near the Abra River's delta along the northwest coast of the main island of Luzon. #tripblazers #spanishera #spanishcolonialtown

Calle Crisologo

It’s my second time to visit #viganheritage #vigan #callecrisologo, and I am still in awe at the Spanish buildings and how they are well taken cared of. #solotravels #soloyolotravels

Vigan Heritage Village — Ilocos Sur

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Vigan is one of the best places to visit if you want to travel back to the Spanish-era. From beautiful ancestral houses to centuries-old churches, you’ll definitely have a fun-filled trip in this historical city. #viganheritage As one of the best preserved Spanish colonial towns in the world, Vigan City has a unique charm that anyone would be attracted to. In fact, you might not see much of its classic architecture and matching cobblestoned streets elsewhere in the Philippines. Plus, there are food and attractions of interest in and around the city that surely make the 8 to 10-hour road trip so worth it. #jmeshadiary #jmeshatravels #travelgoals #wheninilocossur

Vigan is a city that combines the rich history of the colonial era and the bustling atmosphere of an Asian city. But, it never forgot its roots. The Spanish-era architecture remained, attracting more than a million visitors, both local and international travelers, every year. Aside from its historical and architectural significance, a trip to Vigan can also be packed with gastronomic adventures where you can feast on Ilocano food. Plan a Vigan tour to experience this unique city’s old-world charm and cuisine. Here is everything you need to know for a complete Vigan experience. #unforgettableexperiences#nyedestinations#instagramworthydestinations#deliciousfood#awesomepic#wintergetaway#tripinspired#happynewyear

A Touch of Spain in Calle Crisologo Vigan

Address - Crisologo Street, Vigan, Ilocos Sur Highlights - This cobblestoned street highlights the ancestral architecture from the Spanish colonization in the Philippines. You must try riding a “kalesa” (a horse drawn carriage) here Hotels - I recommend you stay at Ciudad de Fernandina for their newly renovated rooms Shopping - Indulge yourself in native food delicacies and woven bags in Rowena’s Weaving store #culturewalk #tripmoments

Vigan takes you back in time!

Getting There - There are 3 ways to get to Vigan! There’s an airport in Vigan with flights from Manila. For those trying to get there quicker than usual, this is the best option. Second is by bus! There are different bus lines in Manila that has trips to Vigan. You just have to know which lines to check their schedule. Lastly, if you wanna drive or go on a road trip. It’s a tiring option, but, for the adventurous traveler, this might be a good one. Attractions - The famous Calle Crisologo, no less! This is the center of tourism in the city. It feels like you’re taken back in time. A journey to the past because of it’s wonderful architecture and rich culture. There’s a museum as well as a farm owned by a rich family in Ilocos. Hotels - The hotels in Calle Crisologo are quite expensive. We chose one not too far, a good 700 meters away from Crisologo. Food & Restaurants - If you’re in Ilocos Sur, you might as well try their local food like bagnet, Vigan longganisa, poqui-poqui, and dinengdeng. Try their native coffee with balicotsa or hardened sugar cane syrup. Shopping - Souvenir shopping is not a problem here as you can find them everywhere in the city. #mytripvlog #urbanexplorer #2023travelwish

Calle Crisologo, Vigan, Ilocos Sur

Come visit and #celebratewithtrip @ Calle Crisologo in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, Philippines! These ancient pre-colonial Spanish-inspired Philippine streets will surely make you feel retro and clique at the same time. Feel the history of the Philippines' North while roaming around Calle Crisologo. Each local person in the area has stories behind each nook and cranny "esquinitas" . While some say every day is a lively day here at Vigan as tourists consider, these long-standing streets and urban houses have conquered many historical moments, including natural phenomenons like earthquakes, yet remain resilient. #spooktaculartrip Note that there are also hotels and resorts you can consider to stop by when you're here. These streets are lively both by day and by night. Surely an awesome trip to consider in the Philippines! #tripblazers

Calle Crisologo

Vigan is one of the few Spanish colonial towns left in the Philippines whose old structures have mostly remained intact, and one of it is the Calle Crisologo, which is very famous tourist attraction in the Western Coast of the large Luzon island. You cant resist to drop by here to take photo, and since this area is the busiest in the city, better drop here during road trip early in the morning, or late in the evening (or blue hour) to capture the beauty of it. Things to do: 1, shopping along the road, there are lot of things to buy, souvenirs, delicacies especially their famous Bagnet(fried pork) and Empanada(looks like dumplings?😅) 2. Eating restaurants around the area especially when you just have a long drive from Manila, (it took us 6-8 hours drive going here), 3. Taking rest hotels nearby the area and appreciate old buildings structurals(really cool🤩). 4. Of course taking selfie😍 and post it to Trip😊 #urbanexplorer #roadtrip #roadtrips #philippinespride #philippinestrip #historicculture #travelpictures

Vigan City❤️

Vigan is located in Ilocos Sur.It’s known for its preserved Spanish colonial and Asian architecture. And because of its beauty and its well-preserved Spanish-era streets, Vigan has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Vigan is one of the oldest towns in the Philippines. If you go there you will experience the ancient feels of the city. You can not just enjoy the view, but Vigan can also make your tummy happy with the delicacies they have! If you are getting to Vigan via plane, you can book a flight from Manila to Laoag thru Cebu Pacific. After arriving in Laoag, you can take a bus with Laoag-Vigan route or buses heading to Manila then drop off at Vigan. This trip will take about 2 hours and will cost 100 PHP.

Very Vintage, Vigan…

I had a short stay in Vigan City and enjoyed everything about it, except the rain… It was a travel back to a time when one would share cobblestone streets with horse-drawn carriages, flanked by old Spanish architecture, where the tallest structure is a watchtower atop a hill. But one gets jolted back to present Phililppines in the crowded central square where a pimped up karaoke machine on wheels beckons some shameless belting. What’s not to love? Viva la Vigan, I say! #vigan #philippines #ilocos

Trip to Vigan Philippines

Beautiful place to visit like old Spanish town with horses carriage and others.

Philippines - Vigan City - Ilocos Sur

Vigan is a city in the Philippines, on the west coast of Luzon island. It's known for its preserved Spanish colonial and Asian architecture. Calle Crisologo dominates the Mestizo district, with its cobblestone streets, malecón, horse-drawn carriages and rustic mansions. Near the white baroque Vigan Cathedral are Plaza Salcedo, offering fountain light shows, and Plaza Burgos, known for its street-food stalls. #philippines #philippines🇵🇭 #philippinestravel #pinas #vigan #vigancity #ilocos #ilocossur #travelling #travel #friends #trip #familyfirst #familygoals #friendsgoals #sheishappy #happybirthday #bestmedicine #wanderlust #wanderlusting

Vitalis White Sands💕

Vitalis White Sands combines its own seaside charm, contemporary design and elevated service with the romantic allure of the North. Located at the Sabangan Beach, Santiago Cove, Ilocos Sur Philippines. Situated near a local fishing village, guest will reminded the simple of life, as it did a hundred years ago, with the men going out to sea each day, bringing in the freshest catch from the serene waters. In Vitalis you can experience a highly personalized and unique style. At their restaurant, you can enjoy sunset cocktails by the beach, savor a sumptuous lunch or dinner by one of their master chefs with reasonable price. You can also enjoy a romantic stroll, all within the endless miles of Vitalis White Sands fine and beach.

The ❤️ of Rodrigo

Wanna have a lunch or dinner at the beachfront? Rodrigo’s Roast + Resto + Bar is the newest dining destination in Sabangan Beach, Santiago, Ilocos Sur, Philippines. It is near to Vitalis Villas known as the Santorini of Northern Philippines. It’s like you’re in a Greek Island right next to a blue and white sand beach. They have a fantastic view as you can see the Sabangan Beach, great to watch the sunset while having a i e cold beers. Went there for a meal with my family a few times and it was amazing. We have tried some of their specialties like the Ilocano cuisines and it was great. All staffs are accommodating, friendly and they have efficient service. Would love to be back and bring my family again.

Santiago Cove

The coast, spanning almost a kilometer long, boasts with white sands and calm waters that make it perfect for swimming. During the high sun, you can see the white fine sands that slowly dissolve when stepped on. During evenings, the water’s temperatures are just right for those who want to bathe. And being in a cove surrounded by reefs, strong waves are calmed down before reaching the shore. Surrounding the beach line are rows of the cabana, painted with different colors, that were built by the local government. Commonly, it is occupied with eateries or stores selling sea products. During evenings, electric lighting illuminates the beach. There are also cottages that can be rented. #2024wish

Santiago Cove

The Sabangan Cove, or more colloquially known as the Santiago Cove, is located in the small town of Santiago, Ilocos Sur. Because of its white sands, it is also known as the “Boracay of Ilocos Sur.” The coast, which is about a kilometer long, has white sands and calm waves, making it ideal for swimming. The white fine sands can be seen with the high sun. Discover a quiet getaway in a remote sanctuary. A location where the sea and the mountains meet. A place devoid of rush and activity. Only amazing experiences survive in this place. Everything about you is important here. Enjoy! The Municipality of Santiago Ilocos Sur, located after Candon City as you go north, is known as the “Boracay of Ilocos Sur.” Santiago Cove, known for its pristine white shoreline and quiet, shallow seas set against green mountains, is ideal for picnics and swimming. Cottages located nearby can be rented for a reasonable fee. There are also a few small restaurants nearby. #beachvacations

Oldest Tower in Ilocos! 🇵🇭

#timetotravel Built in 1591 Bantay Bell Tower has become one of the Iconic landmarks in Ilocos. There is no entrance fee here but I highly encourage you to donate just to support them maintain this historic structure. I also suggest that you go there early in the morning, like before 9 o'clock to avoid a lot of other tourists. Make sure to also climb up to the tower and see a great view of Bantay and Vigan. If you like to explore old and historical structures then this is a must for you to visit in while in Ilocos. Enjoy your visit! #mytripvlog #tripblazers #philippines #history #tower #landmark #attraction

The Bantay Bell Watchtower, or Bantay Belfry, is located in a little town called Bantay 10 minutes from Vigan City. Built in 1591, it once served as a watchtower for the Spanish colonists as a defense against the potential risk of invading pirates. The word 'bantay' means 'guard' in Tagalog; and even though the Bantay Watchtower was turned into a bell tower by the nearby church in 1857, it still was used as a watchtower during the two World Wars due to its strategic location. The Bantay Tower is also quite popular among the local tourists. This is because a famous Filipino movie 'Ang Panday' was shot around the bell tower. #unforgettableexperiences#nyedestinations#decembertravel#instagramworthydestinations#holidayvacation#tripinspired#happynewyear

Our vacation last year 2018 at Vigan City Philippines. We visit the Church and the Bantay Bell Tower and it was amazing view, took some picture,bought and tried their delicious signature especial empanada, coconut juice and taho for my son. after vigan. We’re planning to go back here soon. This place was amazing. #tripaway

A bell and it's history 😍

This is Bantay Bell Tower. One of the MUST SEE when you visit Vigan city in the Ilocos Sur region in Philippines. Also known as Bantay Belfry, it is located in Bantay district of Vigan along the national highway. According to history, Bantay Bell Tower used to be belfry of St. Augustine Parish church (one of the oldest chiurch in Ilocos region established in 1590) and it served to be a people's watchtower at the same time, part of the city's defense that helps in alerting it against possible enemies like invading pirates during the Spanish era. This was built in 1591-1592. #createwithtrip #throwback #ilovephilippines #culturewalk