Ilocos

Timeless Landscapes and Living Heritage

In the northwestern corner of Luzon lies the Ilocos Region, a land shaped by wind, sea, and centuries of history. Comprising Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur, this region offers a compelling mix of colonial towns, heritage churches, wind-swept coastlines, and resilient Ilocano traditions. Whether you are exploring cobblestone streets, riding sand dunes, or tasting age-old recipes, Ilocos delivers an experience that feels both historic and alive.

Windmills, Dunes, and the North Coast

In Ilocos Norte, the land tells the story of power—both political and natural. The provincial capital, Laoag City, blends Spanish-era churches, ancestral homes, and modern civic spaces. Visit St. William’s Cathedral and the iconic Sinking Bell Tower, which slowly descends into the ground due to its massive weight and soft foundation. North of the city is Paoay, where you will find the Paoay Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 18th century, this Baroque church with its massive buttresses is considered one of the finest examples of earthquake-resistant architecture in the Philippines. In nearby Paoay Sand Dunes, thrill-seekers can ride a 4×4 or try sandboarding on the coastal desert terrain. Head further north to Burgos, where the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse stands guard over the South China Sea, and marvel at the massive Bangui Windmills, the first of their kind in Southeast Asia. The town of Pagudpud awaits with its unspoiled beaches, including Saud Beach and Blue Lagoon, perfect for sunbathing, surfing, or simply watching the waves roll in under wide northern skies.

A Walk Through Colonial Elegance

In Ilocos Sur, the city of Vigan is a crown jewel of Philippine heritage. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Vigan boasts beautifully preserved Spanish colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and ancestral homes that line the famed Calle Crisologo. Hop on a kalesa or horse-drawn carriage and take in the sights at a slow, elegant pace. Visit the Syquia Mansion, Burgos Museum, and Father Burgos House to explore the lives of national heroes and influential Ilocano families. The Vigan Cathedral and Plaza Salcedo remain at the heart of local life and history. In the evening, the dancing fountain show at the plaza adds a touch of magic to this historic town. Vigan is also known for burnay pottery, abel Iloko weaving, and its signature longganisa and empanada, making it a cultural and culinary haven.

Living Traditions and Local Pride

Ilocano culture is rooted in hard work, family, and resourcefulness. Across both provinces, festivals such as Pamulinawen in Laoag, Binatbatan in Vigan, and Guling-Guling in Paoay celebrate faith and folklore with vibrant pageantry. Markets overflow with garlic, tobacco, handwoven fabrics, and native delicacies, showing the region’s agricultural and artisanal strength.

From coastal villages to highland farms, the Ilocano identity remains strong—one that honors both tradition and progress.

Experience the Soul of the North

Whether you are standing before a centuries-old church, racing across sand dunes, strolling through Vigan’s quiet alleys, or gazing at windmills turning against a sunset sky, Ilocos invites you to slow down and rediscover the grace of the past woven into the rhythm of the present. Come to Ilocos not just to see, but to feel the enduring spirit of the north.