If you’re planning to visit the Philippines, El Nido should be on your itinerary. Probably one of the most beautiful and popular areas in the country, El Nido impresses with its steep limestone mountains and pristine beaches.
I’ve spent a few days in this beautiful area and I’ve searched for the best beaches in El Nido. These hidden paradises are located on the mainland of El Nido and they are easily accessible by tricycle or motorbike.
I will rate all the beaches below (from 1 to 5 ★) according to the following criteria – swimming, restaurants & bars, and the distance from El Nido town.
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Put on your swimming suit, take your camera, and get ready to explore the most popular El Nido beaches:
The best El Nido Beaches
1. Las Cabanas Beach
The views from Las Cabanas Beach are simply incredible. With turquoise water and many restaurants and bars, Las Cabanas Beach will definitely steal your heart. If you’re feeling adventurous, don’t forget to try the zip line.
One secret that few people know about this beach is that Las Cabanas Beach has some of the most magical sunsets in the entire Philippines. I recommend arriving at this beach a few hours before the sunset.
Swimming – ★★★★★
Restaurants & bars – ★★★★
Distance from El Nido town – ★★★★
2. Marimegmeg Beach
Marimegmeg Beach is a continuity of Las Cabanas Beach. Situated just 5 km south of El Nido town, this beach is known for its creamy white sand and stunning views.
With many restaurants & bars to choose from, Marimegmeg Beach has the perfect infrastructure for tourism. Don’t expect to be the only one on the beach since this is a popular place for watching the sunset in El Nido.
Good to know: you can rent snorkeling gear on site.
Swimming – ★★★★★
Restaurants & bars – ★★★★
Distance from El Nido town – ★★★★
3. Corong Corong Beach
Corong Corong Beach is the perfect place to chill in El Nido. Although the water is quite shallow for swimming, this hidden paradise feels like a breath of fresh air.
There are a few local homes built on wooden stilts right on the beach. Taking a walk on Corong Corong Beach is a great way to explore and experience how the local life unfolds.
Swimming – ★
Restaurants & bars – ★★★
Distance from El Nido town – ★★★★★
4. Nacpan Beach
If you are looking for a remote beach near El Nido, you will absolutely love Nacpan Beach. Here, you will see a 4-kilometer long beach, guarded by tall palm trees to explore.
This awesome beach is a bit far from El Nido town but it’s one of the most beautiful places in the area. Rent a motorbike or take a tricycle and explore this incredible hidden paradise.
Swimming – ★★★★
Restaurants & bars – ★★
Distance from El Nido town – ★
5. Calitang Beach
Right near Nacpan Beach is Calitang Beach. The place where these two beaches meet is called the Twin Beach and it has become one of the main tourist attractions of El Nido.
Calitang Beach is pretty small but it’s one of the best places in El Nido to watch the sunset. Nothing compares with the orange sky, reflecting into the water.
Swimming – ★★★★
Restaurants & bars – ★★
Distance from El Nido town – ★
6. El Nido Bay Beach
This is the most popular beach in El Nido, the starting point for all the island hopping tours. If you want to avoid the crowds, I recommend visiting this beach mid-day. In the morning (8 am – 9 am) it will be full of people going on island hopping tours.
The advantage of visiting El Nido Bay Beach is that there are many restaurants nearby and the beach is situated right in the heart of El Nido town.
Swimming – ★★★
Restaurants & bars – ★★★★★
Distance from El Nido town – ★★★★★
Other popular beaches (part of island hopping tours)
1. Shimizu Island Beach
Shimizu Island is part of the most popular tour in El Nido – tour A. When stopping here, you will enjoy a delicious lunch and have some time to explore the island and its beaches. The water is absolutely incredible, perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
Actually, Shimizu Island is one of the best snorkeling places in El Nido. To read more about this place, click here.
Swimming – ★★★★
Restaurants & bars – ★
Distance from El Nido town – ★★
2. 7 Commando Beach
With tall palm trees guarding it, 7 Commando Beach is a true hidden paradise. Here you will find a few beach bars, an incredible resort and the perfect water for swimming. It’s definitely one of the best beaches in El Nido!
This beach is also part of island hopping tour A. To read more about it, click here.
Swimming – ★★★★★
Restaurants & bars – ★★★
Distance from El Nido town – ★★
How to get around El Nido
The easiest way to get around El Nido is by motorbike. You can rent a motorbike from your hotel reception or from El Nido town. The price is around 600 pesos per day and advantage is that you are the master of your own schedule.
If you’re not feeling comfortable about riding a motorbike, you can use the tricycles (they act as local taxis). A ride from El Nido Town to Las Cabanas Beach should cost around 150 pesos while getting to Nacpan Beach costs 600 pesos.
Where to stay in El Nido
Finding good accommodation in El Nido can be challenging to say the least but I am here to help you. I’ve been searching for the best accommodation, for each budget. Read below my recommendations.
- Budget – Carandang Inn – close to the city center, clean rooms, friendly owners
- Mid Budget – La Colonial – good location, beautiful pool, clean & spacious rooms, friendly staff
- Luxury – Frangipani – modern & clean rooms, beautiful design & view, breakfast included, good location
If you have any questions about the best El Nido Beaches, let me know in the comments section below. I’m sure you’ll love these places as much as I did!
May the travel bug bite you!
Aurelia Teslaru is a professional travel blogger and the writer behind Daily Travel Pill. With a 4-year experience as a travel writer and photographer, Aurelia only shares travel guides about destinations that she visited.
She has been to more than 40 countries during the past 10 years and aims to explore 50 countries before turning 30 years old. Aurelia is a digital nomad who transformed her passion for travel into a lifestyle. Read more about her here.
To follow her adventures, check out her Instagram and Facebook pages!