Even the region’s mountain ranges, such as the Cordillera and the Sierra Madre, offer breath-taking views of verdant valleys, cascading waterfalls, and wildlife.
Meanwhile, the coastlines boast powdery white sand, crystal-clear waters, and picturesque rock formations perfect for water sports like surfing, swimming, and kayaking. Aside from the beautiful tourist spots in North Luzon, visitors can also enjoy a variety of gastronomic delights. Regional specialities include pinakbet, bagnet, and longganisa.
Below are some of the few exciting tourist spots in North Luzon that you can pick to explore on your upcoming holiday.
1. Vigan
Vigan is a well-preserved Spanish colonial city and a top tourist destination in Northern Luzon. It is one of the oldest towns in the Philippines. The city is known for its beautiful Spanish-type houses, museums, and cobblestone streets that evoke a bygone era.
Visitors can take a stroll along Calle Crisologo, a picturesque street lined with Spanish colonial houses. They can also explore the city’s various cultural and historical landmarks, such as the Syquia Mansion Museum and the Bantay Bell Tower.
The city’s unique blend of cultures is also evident in its food, which features a fusion of Spanish, Chinese, and Filipino flavours.
Vigan is also famous for its vibrant and lively festivals, such as the Viva Vigan Festival of the Arts and the Longganisa Festival, which celebrate the city’s cultural heritage and traditions. Overall, Vigan is one of the tourist spots in North Luzon that is holiday-worthy.
Reaching Vigan: One can travel by van, taxi, or bus. The estimated duration is no longer than 8 hours.
2. Pagudpud
Pagudpud, is a province of Ilocos Norte that offers stunning white-sand beach. Locals call it Pagudpud beach and dub it the “Boracay of the North”. The crystal-clear waters and powdery sand create a paradise-like ambience that attracts travellers seeking a serene and peaceful sea escape. The beach is also known for its picturesque rock formations, such as the iconic Kapurpurawan Rock Formation, which provide a dramatic backdrop for photo shoots.
Visitors can also enjoy various water activities, such as swimming and kayaking. Travellers can also enjoy surfing, as it is well-known for its ideal waves.
Several resorts and restaurants in the area offer affordable, comfortable accommodations and delicious local cuisine. Pagudpud beach is a must-visit tourist spot in the North for travellers seeking to enjoy the heat and waves in the north.
Reaching Pagudpud: With Manila as your starting point, you can board a flight to Laoag International Airport via Philippine Airlines and then take a two-hour bus ride to Pagudpud.
You can opt for the bus as well and enjoy sightseeing, Manila-Pagudpud route is about a 10-12 hour drive.
3. Paoay Church
Paoay Church, located at Marcos Ave, Paoay, Ilocos Norte. Known as the St. Augustine Church is surely a must-visit tourist spot in North Luzon. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most beautiful Baroque-style churches in the Philippines. The church’s intricate architecture features massive buttresses, beautiful, unique carvings, and an imposing bell tower that stands tall against the Ilocos Norte. The church’s interior is equally spectacular, with beautiful stained-glass windows and full of complex painted ceilings. Tourists can also learn about the church’s interesting history, dating back to the Spanish colonial era. Paoay Church is not only a beautiful remarkable landmark but also a significant cultural and historical site that is definitely worth a visit when exploring Northern Luzon.
Reaching Paoay Church: Travellers can book a flight from Manila to Laoag, the gateway to Paoay, Ilocos Norte. Flight travel is approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. Paoay Church is already 45 minutes to an hour away from the Laoag Airport. By Bus- It takes approximately 7h 8m to drive from Manila Airport (MNL) to Paoay Church.
4. Tuguegarao
Tuguegarao is a city in the Cagayan Valley region of Northern Luzon. It is known for its extensive historical and cultural legacy. The city is home to several landmarks and attractions that offer visitors a glimpse into the region’s unique history and traditions.
Ermita de San Jacinto, Buntun Bridge, and Tuguegarao Cathedral are just a few of the well-known sites that make it worthwhile to visit.
Even its Callao Cave, a natural wonder with majestic limestone formations and an underground river, would satisfy your adventure craving.
Plan your holiday to Tuguegarao and enjoy what it offers! A unique and immersive cultural experience worth visiting when exploring Northern Luzon.
Reaching Tuguegarao: The cheapest way to get from Manila to Tuguegarao is via bus but with a long journey on the road that takes at least 13 hours. The fastest way to get from Manila to Tuguegarao is via plane; the journey takes at least 3 hours.
5. Wind Farm
There are two major wind farms in Northern Luzon- the Bangui Wind Farm and the Burgos Wind Farm. The Bangui Wind Farm, located in Bangui, Ilocos Norte, features 20 gigantic wind turbines standing along the beach, while the Burgos Wind Farm, located in Burgos, Ilocos Norte, has 50 wind turbines spread across the hills and plains of the municipality. Both wind farms offer visitors a distinctive and impressive sight to see while making a substantial contribution to the Philippines’ push toward renewable energy.
Reaching Ilocos Norte: The fastest way to reach Ilocos Norte is by taxi, which takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Get ready to explore Northern Luzon, which offers a holiday worth of experiences for travellers seeking to explore the beauty of the northern Philippines. With its diverse communities, stunning landscapes, and a mix of modern and traditional elements, the tourist spots in North Luzon promise a unique and unforgettable adventure.
Plan your holiday and reach out to our Filipino Travel experts for cheap flights to the Philippines.
