From volcanoes, stunning islands and beaches, and rich biodiversity - the Philippines has a lot to offer in terms of landscapes and vacation destinations. Here adventure, beach, nature, and culture are what awaits you. With over seven thousand islands, it can be confusing which island destination to visit first. What to see? What can’t I miss?
But don’t fret, to make the best out of your trip to this tropical island paradise, in this post, we share with you a selection of the most beautiful destinations and places you shouldn’t miss when you visit the Philippines.
You can easily travel to the Philippines. However, you should not underestimate the distances and travel times needed to get from one destination to the next. Before starting to organize the trip you have to know that as an archipelago, transport and transfers are slow. This can take up a lot of your time, so it is important to know how many days you have and what is your priority.
Luzon - The Largest Island of the Philippines
The island of Luzon is home to the country’s bustling capital, Manila. The island has a valuable role in Philippine history and many powerful people from different nationalities have invaded it throughout history. Today, Luzon is the gateway to the fascinating world of culture that is the Philippines, and scores with mountain landscapes, volcanoes, and coast with dream beaches. Several small islands also belong to the Luzon archipelago.
Luzon: The North

Manila is not only the capital but also the cultural center of the country. The huge metropolis is certainly an interesting city with many sights, but it is by no means popular with all travelers. It shows you the stark contrast between rich and poor in the Philippines and is often loud and chaotic.
However, many vacationers come here for a few nights since most long-haul flights land in Manila. With a little preparation, you can make your stay eventful.
Luzon: The southeast

Depending on the location you can reach Caramoan by bus, plane, or boat. The peninsula in the northeast of the province of Camarines Sur is still considered an insider tip due to the relatively complicated journey. Those who make the effort are rewarded with unspoiled nature, fantastic sunsets, and secluded beaches.
Visayas - Home to the Philippines’ top tourist attractions
The Visayas or Visayan island is another of the most chosen areas to visit the Philippines. This incredible archipelago has a fantastic interior full of palm trees and rice fields, as well as beautiful beaches with the richest and most exquisite seabeds on the planet that boast coral reefs, turtles, whale sharks, thresher sharks, mantas, and an endless number of unique marine fauna. The island is also home to major religious and cultural festivals in the country.
Western Visayas
In the center of the Philippines lies the Visayas. The Western Visayas is composed of two groups of islands and eight islets. Here, there is a lot to discover!

Water sports enthusiasts and sun worshippers have been fascinated by the beauty of Boracay Island for decades. Without a doubt, it is the best beach destination and one of the best places to visit in the Philippines. Included in the list of the best islands in the world in 2020 by Conde Nast Traveler readers, this world-famous island attracts travelers from all corners of the earth with its breathtaking sunsets, splendid turquoise waters, and remarkable powdery white sands. Plus, the island boasts a vibrant nightlife that would give Ibiza, the party capital of the world, a run for its money.
Central Visayas

Rugged volcanic landscapes meet maritime beach feeling on the island of Negros. Negros is located at the Visaya Sea, which separates the island from the main island Luzon.
The third-largest island of the Philippines, it is a hotspot for divers in the south and a dream for hikers in the north. Mount Kanlaon, the highest point on the island, is embedded in the national park of the same name.
Mindanao - The country’s Land of Promise
Mindanao is the second-largest island of the Philippines and is located in the south of the country. In an area larger than Austria there is a lot to explore. Mountains, lakes, and waterfalls characterize the landscape of the island but it is necessary to know that there are unsafe areas to which it is advisable not to go in Mindanao. Nevertheless, Mindanao, Philippines also offers interesting destinations that should be part of your itinerary.

Camiguin, aptly labeled the “Island Born of Fire,” is a charming island-province filled with volcanoes that include Mount Guinsiliban, Mount Uhay, Mount Hibok-Hibok, Mount Vulcan, and Mount Mambajao. Did you know that Camiguin holds the record for the island with the most volcanoes per square kilometer in the world?
Make no mistake, however. There's more to this tiny Philippine province than its volcanic riches - it's a secluded destination that features a host of natural wonders such as refreshing waterfalls, cold and hot springs, and a gorgeous sandbar called the White Island. In addition, it has many other interesting attractions to offer its visitors, including the infamous sunken cemetery, well-preserved ancestral homes, and centuries-old churches.
Palawan - The largest province in the Philippines in land area
In the west of the Philippines lies the island of Palawan. Together with the surrounding archipelago, it forms the province of Palawan. Fantastic water landscapes, which remind of sceneries from The Beach, make the region a popular destination.
Note: Heed the travel warning for the south of Palawan!

Puerto Princesa, the capital of the Palawan region, is located in the middle of the island of Palawan. Puerto Princesa itself is not a must-see. But the city is a popular starting point for tours.
Northwest of the island capital Puerto Princesa is the 7-kilometer-long Underground River, which is part of the Subterranean River National Park and a World Heritage Site.
Conclusion
That’s it for our list of the most beautiful destinations in the Philippines. We hope that what we have shared with you in this post clarifies a little more ideas for you when preparing your trip to the Philippines on your own and deciding which islands to visit in this lovely tropical paradise archipelago!