Best PH Summer Destinations 2026
Date Published
Boracay will always have a crowd this summer, but so will a growing list of summer destinations that most travelers are still sleeping on. If you’re planning a trip between March and May 2026, this guide covers eight of the best alternatives across the country, from globally ranked beaches to food-first cities and dive spots that rarely make the usual lists.
Best summer destinations in the Philippines for 2026:
Camiguin
Romblon
El Nido and San Vicente, Palawan
Siargao
Bacolod and Iloilo
Dauin, Negros Oriental
La Union and Liwliwa, Zambales
Benguet and the Cordilleras
1. Camiguin
Camiguin is the Philippines’ biggest travel story in 2026. The island province in Northern Mindanao landed on the New York Times’ “52 Places to Go in 2026” as the country’s sole entry, ranking No. 37. Writer Patrick Scott described it as a “water lover’s paradise with sandbars and hot springs,” pointing to its black-sand beaches, lush mountain peaks, and growing reputation as a sports tourism destination.
A typical itinerary covers White Island Sandbar, the Sunken Cemetery, Katibawasan Falls, natural hot and cold springs, and diving sites around Mantigue Island. New infrastructure in 2026 includes a 65-kilometer road encircling the island and Mambajao’s first boardwalk, making it more accessible without making it crowded.
Best time to visit: March to June
How to get there: Fly to Camiguin via Cebu, or fly to Cagayan de Oro, take a bus to Balingoan Port, then a 45-minute ferry to Benoni Port
Budget range: Low to Mid
Best for: Divers, nature travelers, couples, adventure seekers
2. Romblon
Romblon’s Bonbon Beach ranked 38th on the World’s 50 Best Beaches 2025 list, up from 45th the year prior. Think Palawan-level scenery with significantly fewer visitors and lower costs. The province covers three main islands: Romblon, Tablas, and Sibuyan, each with its own draw.
Romblon Island is also a heritage destination with Spanish colonial-era architecture, centuries-old churches, and the distinction of being the Marble Capital of the Philippines. In February 2026,
the Tourism Promotions Board brought 20 travel and tour operators to the province for a familiarization tour. More packages and accommodations are coming, but the island hasn’t hit the crowds yet.
Best time to visit: March to June
How to get there: Ferry from Batangas Port via 2GO Travel, Montenegro Lines, or Romblon Shipping Lines (8 to 12 hours depending on route)
Budget range: Low
Best for: Beach lovers, heritage travelers, budget travelers, snorkelers
3. El Nido and San Vicente, Palawan
El Nido has a new headline for 2026: Entalula Beach was named the best beach in Asia and second-best in the world on the World’s 50 Best Beaches 2025 list. It’s accessible only by boat, which keeps the crowds manageable. Island-hopping tours across El Nido’s limestone karst landscape typically range from PHP 1,200 to PHP 1,800 per person.
For travelers who want the Palawan experience with even fewer people, San Vicente is the better call. It has the longest white sand beach in the Philippines at 14 kilometers and a fraction of El Nido’s foot traffic. Accommodation here is still growing, which keeps both prices and noise levels lower.
Best time to visit: March to May
How to get there: Direct flights to El Nido via AirSWIFT from Manila, or fly to Puerto Princesa and take a 5 to 6-hour van transfer
Budget range: Mid to High
Best for: Island hoppers, snorkelers, couples, first-time Palawan visitors