travel guide El Nido

El Nido's Best Beaches

El Nido is a popular tourist destination in the Philippines known for its stunning island landscapes and crystal-clear waters. While the islands surrounding El Nido are famous for their picturesque sceneries, the mainland is often overlooked. But, did you know that the mainland is also home to many breathtaking sceneries and beautiful beaches? In this guide, we will take you on a quick tour of the most popular beaches in El Nido that you might not have visited yet.
So, join us and explore the hidden gems of El Nido's mainland.

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Nacpan Beach

Nacpan Beach is widely considered one of the finest beaches in El Nido, with a spectacular 4-km stretch of fine golden sand, turquoise waters and lush green surroundings.

Away from the busier areas, Nacpan offers a peaceful and scenic setting that is ideal for swimming, relaxing and enjoying the natural beauty of the coast. A handful of beachfront restobars serve snacks, meals and drinks, making it easy to spend a few hours by the sea.

There are also several accommodation options, ranging from simple and budget-friendly stays to more upscale properties such as Angkla Beach Club and Nacpan Beach Resort, as well as a glamping resorts.

👉Getting there: Nacpan Beach is around 45 minutes from El Nido town by schduled shuttle or tricycle. The road is mostly paved, with the final section passing through a more rural landscape. Private transfers can be arranged for a more comfortable journey.

Las Cabanas Beach

Las Cabanas Beach is a must-visit destination for those who want to experience the beauty of El Nido’s mainland beaches. It is known for its creamy white sand, clear turquoise waters and towering coconut palms.

More developed than some of El Nido’s other beaches, Las Cabanas has a selection of resorts, restaurants and beach bars while still retaining a relaxed and tropical atmosphere. In the early evening, the beach becomes a popular spot for watching the sunset, with tourists and locals gathering along the shore to enjoy the spectacular views.

👉Getting there: Las Cabanas Beach is about 20 minutes south of El Nido town. It is easily reached by tricycle or private transfer, followed by a short walk down to the beach.

Duli Beach

Duli Beach is a hidden gem in El Nido, offering a beautiful and peaceful stretch of golden sand backed by lush palm trees and clear waters. Its remote, unspoilt setting makes it an ideal choice for travellers looking to escape the busier beaches.

The name Duli means “female turtle”, reflecting the sea turtles that come ashore here to nest. During the rainy season, the beach also attracts surfers thanks to its stronger waves, adding an adventurous side to this otherwise tranquil destination.

Accommodation remains limited and mostly simple, so many travellers choose to visit Duli as a day trip, enjoying its natural beauty and laid-back atmosphere before returning to El Nido.

👉Getting there: Duli Beach is around 45–60 minutes north of El Nido town by car or tricycle. The final part of the journey follows a rougher rural road, so a private vehicle is recommended, particularly during or after heavy rain.

Lio Beach

Lio Beach is a beautiful stretch of golden sand framed by clear turquoise waters, coconut palms and lush tropical greenery. Its relaxed atmosphere makes it a lovely place to enjoy the sea away from the busier parts of El Nido.

One of the highlights is the long wooden pier, which offers beautiful views across the bay towards Cadlao Island and makes a great spot for photographs. The beach is part of the Lio Tourism Estate, a thoughtfully planned development surrounded by nature, with a selection of quality resorts, restaurants and other facilities nearby.

👉Getting there: Lio Beach is approximately 15–20 minutes from El Nido town by car or tricycle. The beach is part of the Lio Tourism Estate and is easily accessible by road, with restaurants, shops and resorts nearby.

Corong Corong Beach

Corong-Corong Beach offers a relaxed atmosphere and is particularly popular for its beautiful sunsets. The beach is relatively shallow, and the appearance changes considerably with the tide, with a wide stretch of sand revealed during low tide.

Although it may not have the dramatic scenery of some of El Nido’s more famous beaches, Corong-Corong has a lively yet laid-back character, with plenty of accommodation, restaurants and bars along the beachfront. Swimming is not ideal in some areas due to the shallow, rocky seabed, but the beach is a pleasant place to unwind, enjoy a drink and watch the sun go down.

👉Getting there: Corong Corong Beach is just 5–10 minutes south of El Nido town by tricycle or car. It is one of the easiest beaches to reach from town and is also within walking distance from some nearby accommodation.

Papaya Beach

Papaya Beach is a peaceful alternative to some of the busier beaches with white sand, clear turquoise waters and a relaxed, unspoilt atmosphere.

Access to Papaya Beach is exclusive to guests staying at The Funny Lion El Nido, as the beach is part of the same property. A visit is complimentary for resort guests and can be arranged as part of their stay, making it a wonderful option for those looking to enjoy a quiet stretch of paradise away from the usual island-hopping crowds. Guests can also enjoy beachfront hammocks and a private picnic set up on the shore.

👉Getting there: Papaya Beach is accessible exclusively to guests staying at The Funny Lion El Nido. The resort arranges the complimentary trip by boat, with the journey taking around 15–20 minutes depending on sea conditions. The visit can be arranged directly with the resort during your stay.

Dolarog Beach

Dolarog Beach is a secluded stretch of white sand offering beautiful views across the Bacuit Archipelago. With its peaceful atmosphere, clear shallow waters and spectacular sunsets, it is an ideal choice for travellers looking to escape the busier beaches of El Nido.

The beach is part of Dolarog Beach Resort, the only resort on this secluded stretch of coast. Its private setting means that it remains quiet and uncrowded, making it particularly appealing for guests looking for a more peaceful beach experience surrounded by nature.

👉Getting there: Dolarog Beach is accessible by boat from El Nido and is primarily visited by guests staying at Dolarog Beach Resort. The resort can arrange boat transfers for its guests, with the journey taking around 20–30 minutes depending on sea conditions.