Things To Do
in Santa
Santa is a coastal town located in the province of Ilocos Sur in the Philippines, known for its beautiful white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. The town is a popular destination for tourists seeking a peaceful getaway and water activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and diving. Santa also boasts historical landmarks like the Santa Maria Church, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the iconic Nueva Segovia Tower.
The town’s warm hospitality and delicious local cuisine make it a charming destination for travelers exploring the region.
- "Kumusta ka?" - How are you?
- "Salamat" - Thank you
- "Paalam" - Goodbye
- "Oo" - Yes
- "Hindi" - No
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $20 - $100
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $15
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.30 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $60
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $40
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the beautiful beaches of Santa. Enjoy the calm waters and stunning views as you relax on the sandy shore.
Explore the lush nature trails in the surrounding mountains. A leisurely hike will reveal breathtaking landscapes and a chance to see local wildlife.
Finish the day with a sunset dinner at a beachfront restaurant. Savor fresh seafood while enjoying the serene ocean view.
Kick off your island hopping adventure with a boat tour around the nearby islands. Snorkel in crystal-clear waters and explore vibrant coral reefs.
Visit uninhabited islands to relax and enjoy a picnic lunch. Take in the beauty of secluded beaches and pristine nature.
Return to Santa and unwind with a beach bonfire. Share stories and laughter while roasting marshmallows under the stars.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful natural scenery, including beaches and mountains.
- Rich cultural heritage and diverse local traditions.
- Friendly and welcoming local communities.
- Pleasant tropical climate, ideal for outdoor activities.
- Opportunities for water sports and eco-tourism.
- Limited infrastructure and access to basic amenities in some areas.
- Potential issues with environmental degradation due to tourism.
- Challenges related to transportation and connectivity.
- Seasonal weather variations, including typhoons.
- Economic reliance on tourism, which can be unstable.
Best Activities in Santa
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the beautiful beaches of Santa, including the pristine shores and crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming and sunbathing.
Discover the underwater beauty of Santa's marine life by snorkeling or diving in its vibrant coral reefs.
Visit nearby islands for a day of adventure, enjoying activities like swimming, picnicking, and exploring local wildlife.
Embark on hiking trails that offer stunning views of the landscape, whether through lush forests or along majestic coastlines.
Rent a kayak and paddle through the tranquil waters, exploring mangroves and observing native birds and other wildlife.
Engage in local fishing activities, either from the shore or on a boat, enjoying the peaceful environment.
Set up a tent at designated camping sites, enjoying nights under the stars and the sounds of nature.
Ride the waves at popular surfing spots, suitable for both beginners and experienced surfers looking for a challenge.
Tours
Uncover the best of Santa with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Santa
Visit one of these nice places.
Known for its sea of clouds and stunning sunrise views, Mount Pulag is one of the highest peaks in Luzon and offers breathtaking panoramic views.
A picturesque waterfall surrounded by lush greenery, Kagandahan Falls is an ideal spot for photography and enjoying the natural beauty of the area.
This secluded beach features fine white sand and crystal-clear waters, perfect for capturing stunning beach sunsets and enjoying a serene atmosphere.
A short drive away, the Laoag Sand Dunes provide an incredible desert landscape, perfect for adventurous photography and unique sunset shots.
This historic lighthouse stands on a cliff and provides panoramic views of the coastline, making it a great spot for stunning seascape photos.
Food in Santa
Santa Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A classic Filipino dish of meat (often chicken or pork) marinated in vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic, then braised until tender. It can be found at most local eateries and is a must-try for visitors.
Must-Try!
Crispy deep-fried pork belly that is tender on the inside. It's a popular dish available in local restaurants and food stalls.
A refreshing dessert that combines crushed ice, sweetened fruits, evaporated milk, and various sweet beans and jellies. It is a perfect treat to beat the heat and is available at many dessert shops.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Santa better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This bustling market offers a variety of street food options, including barbecue skewers, fried fish balls, and local delicacies like bibingka (rice cake) and puto bumbong (purple rice cake). It's a great place to immerse in the local food culture.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Use respectful greetings such as 'Po' and 'Opo' when speaking to elders. A handshake is common, but when greeting someone of higher status, a slight bow can be more appropriate.
When invited to someone's home, it is polite to wait for the host to start the meal. Bring a small gift as a token of appreciation, and use your right hand when passing food.
Be mindful of local customs and traditions. Participating in local festivals and respecting religious practices will foster better relationships with the community.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Santa with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Santa
Ensure a smooth experience
In Santa, Philippines, tipping is generally appreciated but not mandatory. It is common to leave a small tip for service workers, especially in restaurants and hotels, as a token of appreciation for good service. The amount can vary, but typically ranges from 10-15% of the total bill. For other services, such as taxis or bellhops, rounding up the fare or giving a small extra amount is common.
Payment practices in Santa, Philippines, usually involve cash transactions, especially in smaller establishments. However, more urban areas and larger businesses may accept credit and debit cards. Digital payment methods have been gaining popularity, with local mobile wallets and online payment systems becoming more widely used. It is advisable for visitors to carry enough cash for small purchases and transactions in local markets.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Santa.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
This is considered the best time to visit Santa, Philippines, due to the pleasant weather with minimal rainfall. Expect ideal conditions for outdoor activities such as swimming and beach outings. The temperatures are generally warm and sunny, making it perfect for tourists.
The wet season brings a higher chance of rainfall and typhoons, especially from July to September. While visiting during this time could mean less crowded attractions, expect sudden downpours and more humidity. It may be challenging for outdoor activities, but this period can also showcase lush landscapes.
Visiting Santa in January offers the unique opportunity to experience local festivals. Expect colorful parades, cultural activities, and lively crowds. This month is part of the dry season, which enhances the festival experience with generally favorable weather.
This is a transitional period before the wet season where hotel rates may be lower, and there are fewer tourists. Expect warm temperatures and occasional rain, making it a good time for budget travelers who want to explore the natural beauty of Santa without the crowds.
Santa at Night
Hiking in Santa
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
One of the highest peaks in the Philippines, Mount Pulag offers stunning views and a diverse ecosystem, making it a popular hiking destination.
A relatively easy hike, Mount Yangbew offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding area, including La Trinidad and Baguio City.
This hike provides beautiful views of Baguio and other nearby areas, with a challenging trail that rewards hikers with scenic landscapes.
A lesser-known trail that offers a peaceful hiking experience through picturesque nature, leading to fantastic viewpoints.
Features unique rock formations and a stunning view of the surrounding landscape, ideal for both seasoned hikers and beginners.
Aiports
How to reach Santa by plane.
Located approximately 78 kilometers north of Santa, Clark International Airport serves as a major gateway to the Philippines, with various international and domestic flights.
Situated around 105 kilometers south of Santa, Ninoy Aquino International Airport is the main international airport serving Metro Manila and is the busiest airport in the Philippines.
About 66 kilometers from Santa, Subic Bay International Airport is a key airport in the region that supports both international and domestic flights.
Approximately 89 kilometers from Santa, Baguio Loakan Airport is a small airport that mainly serves domestic flights but is a nearby option for travelers.
Located around 150 kilometers from Santa, Kalibo International Airport serves as a hub for international flights, especially for travelers heading to Boracay.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Includes Indigenous Peoples such as the Ilocano and Kankana-ey, representing the diverse ethnic backgrounds of the region.
Predominantly Roman Catholic with a presence of other Christian denominations and some other religions.
Younger population predominating, with a significant portion of children and young adults, and a smaller elderly demographic.
Variety of socioeconomic statuses, with a significant number of families engaged in agriculture and some in trade and services.
Generally balanced gender ratio, with slight variations in certain age brackets.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Basketball is one of the most popular sports in the Philippines, including Santa. It is played in neighborhoods, schools, and local leagues, and has a passionate following.
Volleyball, particularly women's volleyball, has gained immense popularity in the Philippines. It is played both recreationally and competitively in Santa.
Sepak Takraw is a traditional sport in the Philippines that combines elements of volleyball and soccer, played with a rattan ball. It is popular in many regions, including Santa.
Badminton is widely played in Santa and across the Philippines, with many local clubs and tournaments. It is enjoyed by people of all ages.
Football is growing in popularity in the Philippines, and while it may not be as dominant as basketball, there are local teams and youth leagues forming in Santa.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Santa.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While many Filipino dishes contain meat, some eateries in Santa offer vegetarian versions of classic dishes, such as adobo made with tofu or seitan. Additionally, fresh tropical fruits and vegetable-based dishes are widely available.
Finding gluten-free options may require some vigilance, but rice-based dishes like sinangag (garlic fried rice) and grilled seafood or vegetable dishes can often accommodate those seeking gluten-free meals.