Beautiful Catanduanes Beaches You Should Visit this Summer
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Catanduanes, Philippines — Imagine living in a country made up of beaches — internationally recognized by both regular tourists and award-giving bodies. How awesome can the Philippines get, right? Ever heard of the stunning beaches in Catanduanes? Learn why this island is currently one of our favorites in PH.
Fortunately, I was recently invited by in partnership with to visit Catanduanes – the Land of the Howling Winds – to experience their much-anticipated Abaca Festival held at the last week of May.
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Apart from covering festival-related activities, we also visited some of the best beaches in Catanduanes which I considered as a refreshing experience before the summer ends.
1. Batag Beach
Catanduanes might not be the top-of-mind destination when it comes to beach hopping. Maybe because we usually hear the word Catanduanes as a reference point whenever there’s a typhoon. But just like Batanes, Catanduanes will surprise you. This island offers wonderful beaches perfect for strolling and unwinding just like this Batag beach. Known for its golden sand, rock formation, and clear waters, this one is a perfect hideaway beach because of its great distance away from the national highway.
Getting there: Batag beach is just 13km away from Virac town center and it’s just about 28 minutes drive if you have a private car.
2. Talisoy Beach
From Batag Beach, you can also visit the nearby Talisoy Beach. Just 20 minutes away from Virac downtown lies Talisoy beach – yet another gem in Catanduanes. Also known as Tampad Beach, this beach is known to house the “Jesus’ face” rock formation. The area is also a turtle sanctuary. Other things to do in here aside from sight-seeing include swimming, overnight camping, and prayer offering.
3. Amenia Beach
Located at Palawig in San Andres Catanduanes, Amenia Beach is another one to look out for! Known to be one of the most developed beaches in Catanduanes, the beach is also perfect for diving, swimming, and just strolling at its cream-colored sand while viewing its pristine and calm water.
To go here from Virac, take a jeepney ride or a tricycle going to San Andres. Travel time will take about 35 to 45 minutes.
4. Kosta Alcantara
It is no wonder that Kosta Alcantara has also drawn a great number of tourists because of its peaceful and tranquil atmosphere and of course, the majestic view of the Mayon Volcano. Named after a former governor in the province, he and his wife has opened it up to public years ago for everyone to enjoy the view as well.
Aside from the clear waters, the beach is bordered by coconut trees and rich flora which makes destination one-for-the-books! Travel time from Virac Airport to Kosta Alcantara takes about 35 minutes by car.
5. Puraran Beach
Who would have thought that there are beaches in Catanduanes which would serve as a great surfing spot? All you have to do is visit Puraran Beach in Baras, around the months of July to October. Locals say that waves could reach more than six feet!
Unlike the overrated surfing spots in the Philippines, this beach is uncrowded and you’ll be drawn with the irresistible aroma of the local food cooked nearby.
6. Twin Rock Beach aka Igang Beach
Found in Barangay Igang, the Twin Rock beach, made with almost-white and fine sand and surrounded with incredible rock formation is also one of the developed beaches in Catanduanes worthy of a visit. This semi-circular beach is great for morning walks, and available huts for resting or just chilling. There’s also a beach resort called Catanduanes Twin Rock Beach Resort () which is just located right in front of the beach. The resort features a freshwater pool, an al fresco restaurant, 3-star accommodation, and other facilities.
7. Mamangal Beach
Head over at Barangay Balite in Virac and you’ll get to visit the stunning Mamangal Beach. This place is perfect for skim boarding, picnics, and unwinding. With its crystal blue waters, you can just beach bum all day and relax as long as you like.
8. Pasa Tiempo Beach
Another unspoiled beach to visit at Catanduanes is the Pasa Tiempo beach located at Brgy. Yocti in San Andres. Known for its tamed waters and rich marine life, activities to do here include a leisure walk, swimming, skimboarding, picnic, and picture-taking.
9. Kumagat Beach in Panay Island
Just about 30 minutes from Tarahid port in the town of Panganiban is an island called Panay. The island is famous for its verdant green terrain, an inviting shoreline and a relaxing view of the tamed sea. It is famous for the Lolong Point lighthouse – a 15meter Parola located on the edge of the cliff. There’s a private resort on the island. Kumagat Beach Resort offers close to nature accommodation options. The resort also has cottages for rent for those who are planning a day tour.
10. Carangyan Beach
This secluded beach is located in Pandan, Catanduanes. In the local language, Carangyan means Paradise and I totally agree! The shoreline is dotted with coconut and local endemic trees making the area the best place to relax till sundown. There’s a resort there that offers well-maintained rooms and facilities. They also have an in-house restaurant that serves local food. For reservation, visit their website .
11. Sakahon Beach
Located on the southeastern part of Catanduanes. Sakahon Beach in Brgy. Bote in the town of Bato is another favorite destination by local beachgoers. The area is not that crowded and it offers a stunning view of the nearby islet.
It is only a 30 to 45 minutes ride from Virac Downtown.
How to get to Virac, Catanduanes:
By air
From NAIA
Take a direct flight from NAIA Terminal 3 to Virac Airport via Cebu Pacific. The flight takes less than an hour and is available every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.
From Clark
Philippine Airlines now offers flights to Virac from Clark International Airport in Pampanga. The flight takes about an hour to reach Virac airport. Flights to Virac are available on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. PAL 76-seater Bombardier Q400 fleet departs Clark at 6:00AM and arrives in Virac at 7:30AM. Return flights will operate on the same days, leaving Virac at 8:00AM and touching down in Clark at 9:30AM.
By land and water
Ride a bus in Manila bound to Tabaco City, Albay. From the seaport of Tabaco, hop across the sea via a RORO ferry to reach the island of Catanduanes via San Andres or Virac seaport.
Check out our complete list of recommended Hotels in Virac, Catanduanes via Agoda or you may also see available properties in the city.
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