When it comes to Philippine beaches, it’s extremely unlikely that anyone would ever have the luxury of enough free time and resources to explore them all. With 7,107 islands, countless beaches are strewn and scattered almost everywhere across the Philippine archipelago.

The best regarded of all the Philippine beaches is White Beach on Boracay Island, just north of Panay, famed for its outstanding white powdery sand and stunning sea, just one of several very fine beaches on the island, with a range of resorts to suit all budgets.  

With numerous water sports, including kitesurfing, wakeboarding, parasailing, diving and snorkelling and even a luscious golf course at the exclusive Fairways and Bluewater Resort, designed by golfing luminary Graham Marsh, there is always more to Boracay than lazing on its superb beaches.

Across the sea to the west the clusters of islands around Palawan present countless beaches to delight the senses, and are easily among the finest beaches to be found in the World.

On the mainland of Palawan, just south of El Nido, Seven Commandos Beach is the finest of several fine sandy stretches along the coast including, a little way north of El Nido, Nacpan and Calitang Beaches, which charmingly merge back to back on a headland presenting an all-round view.

Palawan’s real jewels are offshore, where you’ll discover a bewildering abundance of sparklingly beautiful beaches, among the best on the planet, set amid stunning coves, luminous lagoons, coral gardens and shapely seascapes.

The startling beauty of the Bacuit Archipelago is not only accessible for numerous varied day trip potentials from El Nido, but many of the islets also have accommodation, including luxury options such as Pangulasian and Apulit Islands, both home to lovely pristine beaches, for those who fall in love with this unbelievably delightful paradise.

Though not as magically majestic as Bacuit Bay, Palawan’s Honda Bay has some fabulous beaches on Pandan, Cowrie and Snake Islands, the latter named for its gorgeously sinuous strand of sand. For those wishing to linger, a luxury resort is found nearby on Arrecife Island.

Also in the Palawan chain, Coron Island is the centre of excursions to the numerous beachy islets to be found between Busuanga and Culion Islands, which feature beautiful beach day escapes, such as those on Malcapuya, Bulalacao, which also hosts a luxury resort, and the Banana Islands.

Another shapely island haven is found off the Caramoan Peninsula in southern Luzon, which itself has some lovely coastal beaches. The offshore islands are great for island hopping among its rock formations and pretty beaches, the best of which are to be found on Matukad and Lahos Islands. With no accommodation, these islands are suitable for day trips only.

On Mindoro’s northern coast, there are some splendid beaches in the coves and islands around Puerta Galera, well serviced by a wide range of resorts. On Mindoro’s south coast, numerous remote beaches litter the coastal fringes and offshore islands. 

Off the northern tip of Cebu, Malapscua Island has some lovely beaches, and its waters are also a draw for snorkelers and divers. 

Bohol’s finest beaches are found on Panglao Island, which has a number of fine sand beaches and several good resorts, the most popular of which is Alona Beach. 

Far from the regular tourist trail, and hovering between the southernmost tip of Luzon and Samar, the San Vicente group of islands is famed for the pink sands found on its Sila Island, The fine white beaches of its neighbours are also worth exploring. With nowhere to stay, the nearest resorts are found closer to Samar on Dalupiri Island, from where you can visit.

Siargao Island, offshore from Mindanao in the southern Philippines, is best known as a stop on the international annual surfing caravan, which has ensured the provision of a wide array of accommodation choices. A little way from the famous Cloud 9 rollers, you’ll find some remarkable beaches, including the heavenly beaches at La Jonosa, Dako, Guyam and Naked Islands, the latter being a stunning white sandbar, from which it derives its name.

Another sandbar delight is found near Caminguin Island, whose offshore island, Putting Pulo, known to tourists as White Island, is a popular day trip. Another beach encircled delight here is Magsaysay Island.