Things To Do
in Santa
Santa, Ilocos Sur is a quiet town tucked along the Ilocos coast, famous for its proximity to Vigan's UNESCO-listed streets and its rustic rural scenery. The town blends colonial echoes with Ilocano hospitality, offering easy day trips to heritage sites, markets, and scenic river views. Local life centers on markets, crafts, and slow-paced meals that celebrate bold Ilocano flavors.
Visitors can easily explore Santa on foot in the town core and then venture to nearby Vigan for deeper cultural immersion.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at the picturesque town of Santa and check into your cozy seaside accommodation. Take a leisurely walk along the beautiful coastline, inhaling the fresh ocean air and enjoying the serene atmosphere. Get a feel for the local culture by visiting nearby artisan shops and greeting friendly locals.
Visit the stunning Maranglao Beach, where you can soak up the sun or try out some beach volleyball with fellow travelers. Grab a delicious lunch at a local eatery, sampling fresh seafood caught that day. Spend the afternoon snorkeling in the clear waters, discovering vibrant marine life.
Enjoy a laid-back dinner at a beachfront restaurant, watching the sunset paint the sky with hues of orange and pink. Afterward, take a stroll along the shore, the sound of waves providing a soothing backdrop. Engage with some locals or fellow travelers over a drink at a beach bar, sharing stories of your day's adventures.
Start your day with a visit to the historic Saint Joseph Parish Church, a beautiful example of colonial architecture. Join a guided tour to learn about the local history and the significance of the church to the community. Reflect on the spiritual ambiance as you take in the intricate details of the interiors.
Head to the local market where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant colors and aromas of native goods. Sample fresh tropical fruits and local delicacies as you browse stalls filled with handmade crafts. Engaging with the vendors provides insight into everyday life in Santa.
Wrap up the night at a local karaoke bar, joining in the fun that the Filipinos love. Sing along to popular songs and cheer for locals giving their best performances. This is a great way to soak up the joyful spirit of the community.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $4-8 |
| 🧭One night in budget hotel | $20-45 |
| 🚗Local transportation (tricycle/jeepney) | $0.50-3 per ride |
| 🧺Markets groceries | $5-15 |
| 🍽️Dinner for two at mid-range restaurant | $20-40 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich Ilocano culture and cuisine
- Easy access to Vigan's heritage and historic sites
- Limited nightlife in Santa
- Big-city amenities require trips to larger towns
- "Kumusta" - Hello/How are you?
- "Agyamanak" - Thank you
- "Wen" - Yes
- "Saan" - No
- "Mabalin" - Please / May I?
Places to Visit in Santa
Visit one of these nice places.
A short hike to a hilltop with sweeping views over the Ilocos plains and the coast.
Cobbled street lined with colonial-era houses; best during dawn or night for soft light and warm tones.
Gothic-style cathedral and surrounding plazas—great for architectural and sunset shots.
Waterfront perspective with boats and fishermen at golden hour.
Food in Santa
Santa Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Crispy, tender pork belly that's a staple of Ilocano meals; best enjoyed with a dip of vinegar and chili.
Must-Try!
A vegetable stew with squash, eggplant, okra, and fish sauce, often flavored with bagoong.
Deep-fried pastry filled with eggs, green papaya, and sometimes longganisa; a popular street snack.
Garlicky, tangy pork sausage; great with fried rice.
Sticky rice cake wrapped in banana leaves and roasted until caramelized; a sweet finish.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Bustling market for fresh produce, dried fish, and Ilocano street snacks.
Try empanadas, okoy, and sweet sticky rice treats along the sidewalks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress modestly and remove hats when entering churches; ask before taking photos of people.
Greet with a smile and a warm “Kumusta” or “Hello”; using polite language is appreciated.
Offer small hospitality gifts appropriately in social visits; bargaining is common in markets but done courteously.
Safety
Tipping in Santa
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not required; 5-10% in restaurants if service is good; small tips for service staff in markets are common but not expected.
Peso cash is widely used in markets and small eateries; some hotels and larger restaurants accept cards; ATMs are available in Vigan and Laoag.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Dry and hot with temperatures often in the upper 20s to mid-30s C; expect sunny days, ideal for outdoor photography and coastal walks.
Santa at Night
Hiking in Santa
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A short, scenic hike to a hilltop with sweeping views over the Ilocos plains and coast.
Easy to moderate coastal walk with sea views and sunset opportunities.
Moderate hike through rice fields and through nearby villages showcasing agricultural life.
Airports
How to reach Santa by plane.
Primary gateway to the region; about 2.5-3 hours by road from Santa via the Pan-Philippine Highway.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominant ethnic group in the area, speaking Ilocano and Filipino; strong family and community ties.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A favorite sport in gyms, schools, and barangays across the region.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Santa.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
In Santa, vegetarian options are available at eateries with vegetable dishes like pinakbet and fried vegetables; communicate ingredients in Ilocano or Filipino, and request bagoong-free sauces when needed.