Top Religious and Cultural Sites to Visit in Ilocos
Ilocos is home to some of the most stunning and historically significant churches in the Philippines, making it an ideal Holy Week destination for faith, culture, and reflection. From centuries-old cathedrals to breathtaking pilgrimage sites, these sacred landmarks offer a mix of spiritual devotion, rich history, and awe-inspiring architecture.
1. St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral (Vigan Cathedral)
Located in the heart of Vigan, this UNESCO-listed Baroque cathedral dates back to the 1600s and has withstood wars, earthquakes, and fires. Its grand façade, thick buttresses, and solemn interiors make St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral a must-visit for Holy Week pilgrims.
Holy Week Highlights: The cathedral comes alive with Lenten processions, candlelit vigils, and special Masses.
📍 Must-do: Attend a Holy Week mass, light a candle for prayers, and take a short walk to Calle Crisologo, a well-preserved Spanish-era street lined with ancestral houses, souvenir shops, and traditional eateries.
2. Paoay Church (San Agustin Church, Ilocos Norte)
A true architectural marvel, the Paoay Church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its earthquake-resistant Baroque design. Built in 1710, its massive coral-stone walls and towering buttresses make it one of the most striking churches in the country.
Holy Week Highlights: A peaceful and solemn place for prayer, meditation, and reflection.
📍 Must-do: Offer prayers inside the church, admire the unique façade and intricate details, and visit the nearby Paoay Sand Dunes for an exciting 4x4 ride and sandboarding adventure.
3. Bantay Church and Bell Tower
Dating back to 1591, the Bantay Church and Bell Tower is a historic landmark that once served as a watchtower during the Spanish era. Overlooking Vigan, this site offers breathtaking views of the city and countryside, making it a popular pilgrimage and tourist destination.
Holy Week Highlights: Visitors flock here to pray, reflect, and enjoy the serene landscape.
📍 Must-do: Climb to the top of the bell tower for a stunning view, take photos with the scenic backdrop, and visit the church for a moment of reflection.
4. Badoc Church (St. John the Baptist Parish Church)
Home to the miraculous La Virgen Milagrosa de Badoc, the Badoc Church is a major pilgrimage site in Ilocos Norte. The sacred image of the Virgin Mary, believed to have been found floating near Badoc’s shores, has drawn devotees from all over the country.
Holy Week Highlights: Join the Marian processions and traditional Lenten devotions.
📍 Must-do: Offer prayers to La Virgen Milagrosa, witness the Holy Week traditions of Ilocos Norte, and visit the nearby Juan Luna Shrine, the ancestral home of the renowned Filipino painter Juan Luna.
5. Cape Bojeador Lighthouse
For a peaceful and scenic retreat, head to the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, a Spanish-era beacon that has guided sailors since 1892. Sitting atop a hill with sweeping ocean views, it offers a serene and spiritual escape perfect for Holy Week reflection.
Holy Week Highlights: Enjoy a moment of solitude, breathtaking sunsets, and panoramic coastal views.
📍 Must-do: Take in the breathtaking ocean views, capture the scenic beauty through photography, and visit during sunset for a truly magical experience.
Best Ilocano Dishes to Try During Holy Week
Ilocos isn’t just known for its historic churches and scenic road trips—it’s also a food lover’s paradise! With bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and time-honored cooking traditions, Ilocano cuisine is a must-try.
During Holy Week, many Filipinos observe fasting and meat abstinence, making Ilocano vegetable-based dishes and seafood specialties the perfect choices. Whether you're looking for a meat-free option or indulging after Lent, here are the best Ilocano dishes to enjoy on your road trip.
1. Poqui-Poqui
A dish as fun to eat as it is to say, Poqui-Poqui is a smoky and savory grilled eggplant scramble mixed with eggs, tomatoes, and onions. The charred eggplant aroma and rich texture make it a perfect Lenten dish, especially when paired with rice and bagoong (fermented shrimp paste).
📍 Must-try at: Local eateries in Vigan and Laoag, such as Saramsam Ylocano and Dawang’s Place.
2. Bagnet
Ilocos’ legendary crispy pork belly, Bagnet, is deep-fried to golden perfection—not once, but twice—resulting in super crunchy skin and juicy meat. While not typically eaten during Holy Week, it’s a must-try after Lent for those craving an indulgent, crispy treat.
📍 Must-try at: Hidden Garden in Vigan and La Preciosa in Laoag.
3. Empanada
No Ilocos road trip is complete without trying the famous Ilocos Empanada! Unlike the usual empanada, this version features a crispy, orange-colored rice flour crust and a savory filling of grated green papaya, mung beans, egg, and longganisa.
Vigan-style – Thinner and crispier crust, with a lighter filling.
Batac-style – Thicker crust with a more generous filling, often served with sukang Iloko.
Holy Week Tip: For a Lenten-friendly version, go for the meat-free empanada with just vegetables and salted egg!
📍 Must-try at: Irene’s Empanada in Vigan and Dap-ayan ti Ilocos in Batac.
4. Dinengdeng
For a healthy and comforting meal, try Dinengdeng—a light vegetable soup featuring squash, okra, string beans, eggplant, and leafy greens simmered in a bagoong-based broth. Some versions include grilled fish for extra umami.
📍 Must-try at: Traditional home-cooked Ilocano eateries and local karinderias.
5. Tupig
For a sweet ending to your Holy Week feast, grab a stick (or five) of Tupig—a grilled sticky rice cake wrapped in banana leaves and cooked over charcoal. Made with glutinous rice, coconut milk, sugar, and sesame seeds, it’s an aromatic, chewy, and delicious Ilocano delicacy.
📍 Must-try at: Roadside vendors along the Laoag-Pagudpud highway, especially near bus stops and town markets.
Tips for a Safe and Stress-Free Holy Week Drive to Ilocos
A Holy Week road trip to Ilocos means stunning coastal highways, historic churches, and delicious Ilocano food. But with thousands of travelers heading to Vigan, Laoag, and Pagudpud, expect long hours on the road, unpredictable traffic, and varying road conditions. The key to a smooth, safe, and stress-free trip? Preparation! Follow these essential tips to make the most of your journey:
1. Check Your Vehicle Before the Trip
Long road trips put a lot of strain on your car. A breakdown in the middle of nowhere? No thanks! Before you hit the road, do a full vehicle check:
Brakes and tires
Ensure your brakes are responsive and your tires are in good condition to handle long drives and rough roads. Underinflated tires can cause blowouts, while worn-out brakes increase stopping distance.
Engine and fluids
Check your engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, and brake fluid to keep your car running smoothly. Low coolant levels can lead to overheating, especially on Ilocos’ long highways.
Lights and battery
Make sure your headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals are fully functional. A weak battery can leave you stranded, so check its charge and bring jumper cables just in case.
Wipers and washer fluid
Sudden rain can make roads slippery. Ensure your wipers are working well and your washer fluid is full for clear visibility.
2. Plan Your Route in Advance
Ilocos covers a vast area, and traffic can be unpredictable, especially in Vigan, Laoag, and Paoay. A little planning goes a long way:
Consider alternate routes
Holy Week brings processions, pilgrimages, and heavy tourist traffic. Avoid peak hours when entering major towns.
Check for road closures
Some areas may have blocked roads due to religious activities. Waze or Google Maps can help track real-time detours.
Map out fuel stops
Gas stations are far apart in rural areas, especially when heading north to Pagudpud. Top up your fuel whenever possible!
Pro Tip: Save key locations offline on Google Maps in case of poor signal in remote areas.
3. Follow Speed Limits and Drive Safely
Holy Week is a time for reflection and family travel, so expect a mix of cautious and impatient drivers on the road. Keep these in mind:
Be extra careful on mountain roads & coastal highways
Some routes have sharp turns, steep inclines, and sudden drop-offs. Maintain a safe speed and avoid overtaking on blind curves.
Watch out for pedestrians, cyclists & slow-moving vehicles
Tricycles, kalesas, and even animals may suddenly appear on rural roads. Drive defensively and stay aware of your surroundings.
Avoid aggressive driving
You’ll likely encounter slow-moving vehicles, roadblocks, and sudden stops. Aggressive driving won’t get you there faster—it’ll just add stress.
Pro Tip: Avoid peak travel hours (4 AM–10 AM & 4 PM–8 PM) when highways and town centers are most congested.
4. Pack Emergency Essentials
A well-prepped car = a worry-free road trip. Pack these essentials for unexpected situations:
First-aid kit
Includes band-aids, pain relievers, antihistamines, alcohol wipes, and motion sickness meds.
Flashlight and batteries
Useful for nighttime roadside emergencies or dimly lit areas.
Drinking water and snacks
Traffic jams and long drives can leave you hungry and dehydrated. Keep bottled water, biscuits, and energy bars handy.
Basic car repair tools
Jumper cables, a tire inflator, a wrench, and a spare tire can prevent small issues from becoming big problems.
Pro Tip: Keep a fully charged power bank for your phone. You’ll need it for navigation, calls, and emergencies.
5. Take Rest Stops and Share the Drive
Driving long distances is physically and mentally exhausting. Stay sharp on the road by pacing yourself:
Switch drivers if possible
If you're traveling with others, take turns behind the wheel to prevent fatigue.
Stop every 2-3 hours
Stretch, grab a snack, and take in Ilocos’ scenic roadside views.
Get enough sleep before the trip
A well-rested driver is a safer driver. Drowsy driving is just as dangerous as drunk driving!
Pro Tip: Plan fun stopovers at La Union, Paoay, or Vigan for a refreshing break before reaching your final destination.
Why Car Insurance is Essential for Your Ilocos Road Trip
A Holy Week road trip to Ilocos is all about breathtaking scenic drives, historic churches, and delicious Ilocano food. But with thousands of travelers hitting the road, unexpected car troubles, accidents, or sudden weather changes can quickly turn your getaway into a stressful situation.
That’s where comprehensive car insurance comes in—keeping you protected, worry-free, and ready for the road ahead.
Accident Coverage
A minor fender bender or a major collision can ruin your trip and your budget. Car insurance covers repair costs, so you won’t have to worry about unexpected expenses.
Roadside Assistance
A flat tire, overheating engine, or dead battery in the middle of nowhere? No problem! With roadside assistance, you get immediate help to keep you moving.
Protection Against Theft & Vandalism
Leaving your car parked at tourist spots? Stay covered against theft, break-ins, or vandalism, so you can explore with peace of mind.
Acts of Nature Coverage
Ilocos weather can be unpredictable. Floods, typhoons, and falling debris can damage your car—insurance keeps you protected from costly repairs.
Hassle-Free Claims & Towing Services
If an accident happens, fast claims processing and towing services get you back on the road without the extra stress.
Drive with confidence! Get a free car insurance quote from Oona Car Insurance before your trip!
A Holy Week road trip to Ilocos is more than just a getaway—it’s a meaningful journey of faith, history, and adventure. Whether you’re exploring centuries-old churches, witnessing traditional Lenten processions, savoring authentic Ilocano cuisine, or taking in the breathtaking coastal views, Ilocos offers a deeply enriching experience for both reflection and discovery.
With long drives, heavy traffic, and unpredictable road conditions, preparing your vehicle is just as important as planning your itinerary. Oona Car Insurance ensures that you stay protected throughout your trip, offering comprehensive coverage for accidents, 24/7 roadside assistance for unexpected car troubles, and protection against theft, vandalism, and natural disasters.
By securing the right protection, you can focus on making lasting memories without the stress of unforeseen mishaps. Plan ahead, drive safely, and embrace the beauty of Ilocos this Holy Week.
Before you hit the road, get a free car insurance quote from Oona Car Insurance and enjoy a worry-free journey!
