Santiago: A Beach Town with Breathtaking Sunsets
Officially known as the Municipality of Santiago, it is a quaint little town in the province of Ilocos Sur, Philippines. It is home to Santiago Cove, tagged as the "Boracay of Ilocos Sur" for its fine white sands. Located 30 miles from Vigan City, the provincial capital, Santiago has a number of watchtowers along its coast dating back to the Spanish colonial era.
Best Time to Visit
January to August is perhaps the finest time to visit Santiago and the rest of Ilocos Sur for some excursion under the sun. The months after that are usually already prone to typhoons and heavy rains. The summer months of March to May are the most popular times for tourism in the area and this is when Santiago, PH hotels are jam-packed as well as more expensive. You can visit the town at the end of March when the neighboring city of Candon holds the Tabako Festival as a celebration for a bountiful harvest of tobacco.
What to Do & Area Attractions
A promenade at the San Roque Plaza and the Municipal Hall of Santiago is a great way to familiarize yourself with the town before you head to Sabangan Beach, touted as the best beach in Ilocos Sur in terms of its fine white sand quality. Located a few steps from the beach is Santiago Cove Hotel and Restaurant which offers top-of-line accommodations. On a cliff overlooking a cove is Vitalis Villas, a trendy hotel with an outdoor pool, a snack bar & sea views. In the nearby town is the Staylite Hotel, a comfortable place that’s a favorite among business travelers and backpackers. Other options include the Zen Rooms Hotel Ni Among Vigan.