Top 5 MOST BEAUTIFUL El Nido Beaches 2023
El Nido, Palawan is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. This post will detail the top 5 most beautiful El Nido beaches, including how to get there and what to expect from each one, updated for 2023.
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El Nido has gamed international fame for its limestone cliffs, crystal-clear lagoons, and white sand beaches.
Whilst many flock to the island hopping tours to admire the secluded paradisiacal beaches dotted around Bacuit Bay, there are actually many stunning white sand, coconut-fringed beaches not far from El Nido itself.
Not just breathtaking beaches to laze around in the sun, you will also find many water activities, world-class resorts, and a buzzing atmosphere as the sun goes down and happy hour begins.
None of the beaches on this list require a tour or kayak to reach. All can be accessed easily from El Nido town by land, either with your own scooter or with a tricycle or shuttle service.
This post will detail the most beautiful El Nido beaches, including how to reach them and what to expect at each one, updated for 2023.
Where are the best El Nido beaches?
Many of the most beautiful beaches in Palawan are located in and around El Nido. All of the beaches on this list can be reached from El Nido town in 10 – 90 minutes, depending on how far you are looking to venture.
Whilst typically you have the venture far for the most pristine and unspoiled beaches, there are a couple right around the corner from El Nido, if you know where to look.
The map below shows the location of the most beautiful beaches in El Nido. I can confirm that the Google Maps locations are correct.
How to get around El Nido
Like anywhere in the Philippines, the best way to get around El Nido is with a scooter.
You can easily find a scooter rental in El Nido town and it seems the standard price is 500 PHP ($7) per day. However, after a bit of haggling, we managed to get this down to 400 PHP.
The petrol in El Nido is actually the most expensive we experienced anywhere in the Philippines. The was roughly 95 PHP ($1.70 ) per litre. There is a petrol station just as you head out of El Nido town.
However, if you are not so confident on a scooter, many of the local beaches can be accessed with a tricycle. The further beaches on this list can be accessed with a shuttle service.
Las Cabañas Beach
Las Cabanas is undoubtedly one of the best beaches in El Nido. It is also one of the most beautiful beaches in Palawan and has to form part of your Palawan itinerary.
Located just 15 minutes from town and west-facing, this is the best beach to catch that magical El Nido sunset and admire the changing colours of the sky.
The beachfront is scattered with restaurants and bars with plenty of outdoor seating, from beanbags to deckchairs and hammocks. Offering happy hours and delicious bites, this is the perfect spot to enjoy a cocktail (or two).
You will also find the renowned Las Cabanas Beach Resort here if you fancy waking up in paradise. You can view prices and availability here.
During the day, Las Cabanas is a beautiful beach to relax and top up your tan, with calm waters ideal for taking a dip.
The beach gets busier around sunset, but if you keep walking left along the beach it wraps right around and becomes more peaceful.
If you’re not the type who likes lazing around on the beach, then the Las Cabanas Zipline is perfect for those in search of a bit of adrenaline-fueled fun.
This 750-meter zipline allows you to soar between the islands and enjoy the breathtaking views from a bird-eye perspective. This zipline adventure links Las Cabanas Beach with the nearby island.
The cost one way is 600 PHP ($10.50) and 1100 PHP ($19) return. The return is not strictly necessary, as you can walk back over the sandbar and shallow waters with ease.
Las Cabanas is one of the most beautiful El Nido beaches. Known for magical sunsets, tropical views, and a little sprinkle of adventure.
How to get to Las Cabanas Beach from El Nido town?
Las Cabanas Beach is located just 15 minutes from El Nido town. The easiest way to reach Las Cabanas is with a scooter. You can park your scooter at the Vanilla Beach shopping center.
You can also reach the beach easily by taking a tricycle, this will set you back about 150-200 PHP ($2-4). When you are dropped off at the shopping center, it takes a couple of minutes to walk through to the beach.
Nacpan Beach
Voted one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, a trip to El Nido would be incomplete without visiting the powdery white sands of Nacpan Beach.
Boasting 4km of coconut-fringed shoreline, turquoise water, and white sand, Nacpan Beach is one of the most beautiful El Nido beaches and nothing short of paradise.
As well as many restaurants and beach bars, this El Nido beach offers many activities if you’re wondering what to do in Nacpan Beach.
Here, you can enjoy parasailing, banana boats, and sunset cruises. Perfect for those who bore easily sunbathing.
The area by the entrance is full of sunbeds, restaurants, and activities. Even though this beach does not attract hoards of tourists, this area felt a little commercialised and lacking in charm.
However, if you walk the stretch of beach a little you will be sure to find a serene atmosphere. When you find your own tranquil spot, it is easy to understand why this beach has worked its way into the hearts of many.
How much is the entrance fee to Nacpan Beach?
The entrance fee to Nacpan Beach is 50 PHP ($0.88). You will pay at the small stall at the entrance.
How to get from El Nido to Nacpan Beach?
Nacpan Beach is accessible by scooter and is roughly a 45-minute ride from El Nido town. The journey is pretty straightforward however after about 30 minutes the quality of the road deteriorates rapidly.
I would only recommend taking a scooter if you are an experienced driver. The dirt tracks and potholes are not the easiest to maneuver as you get closer to Nacpan Beach.
Perhaps the simplest way to get from El Nido town to Nacpan Beach is by shuttle service. The Nacpan Beach Shuttle Service departs 8 times a day, 7 days a week. It can be booked here.
The price is 700 PHP ($12) for the return journey.
Why is Nacpan Beach famous?
In 2016, Nacpan Beach was voted as the 10th most beautiful beach in the world.
Nacpan Beach has gained fame for its extensive coconut-fringed shoreline and for being one of the most stunning beaches in not just Palawan, but the Philippines in general.
Where to stay in Nacpan Beach?
If you want to stay away from the hustle and bustle of El Nido town, Nacpan Beach is a great alternative. If you are interested in partying, socialising, and activities, you cannot miss Mad Monkey Hostel.
However, for a more unique experience, I would recommend glamping.
Nacpan Beach Glamping offers the luxury of a five-star resort, but the simplicity of sleeping under the stars. If you are interested, be sure to book in fast as this can sell out months in advance. You can do so here.
Is Nacpan Beach swimmable?
The water at Nacpan Beach is calm and crystal-clear with mellow waves. It is perfect for swimming and a cooling dip, another reason why this is one of the best beaches in El Nido.
Lio Beach
Another one of the most stunning beaches in El Nido is Lio Beach. This is also my personal favourite.
This El Nido beach is the epitome of tranquility and boasts a laidback atmosphere with very few tourists.
There are many trees set back from the main strip of beach, creating lots of shaded areas. There is lots of outdoor seating, from sofas to deck chairs. All are free to use and perfect for lazing around with a book in hand.
The beach itself is wide and perfect for a game of frisbee or beach volleyball, with the limestone cliffs providing a picturesque backdrop.
Located just a 10-minute drive from El Nido town, Lio Beach is the perfect oasis of serenity for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the center. It is one of the best beaches near El Nido.
Although Lio Beach is situated right next to the airport, this does not upset the peaceful vibe. In fact, watching the planes come and go is rather entertaining.
The Lio Tourism Estate and Lio Beach Resort promote sustainable tourism and strive to preserve the area’s natural beauty. You will find many funky shops and restaurants littered along the shoreline. Many specialise in plant-based goodness.
How to get to Lio Beach from El Nido?
The best way to get to Lio Beach is with a scooter, the journey takes about 10 minutes from El Nido town.
If you are not confident with a scooter, then a tricycle should set you back no more than 150 PHP ($2) one way.
Is Lio Beach swimmable?
The waters at Lio Beach are calm but shallow. They are fine for a paddle but not exactly swimmable. If you want to appreciate the water from a different perspective, you can take a stroll out onto the long wooden pier.
El Nido Beach
El Nido Beach is not the most spectacular on this list, but it is worth noting anyway due to its convenience and breathtaking sunsets.
This beach is located right in town and is the jump-off point for island hopping tours. You will see all the boats lined up in the harbour.
You will find a buzzing atmosphere here as the sun goes down. Many of the main restaurants and El Nido nightlife spots back onto this beach. This makes it a great place to enjoy a cocktail and admire the view.
Full Post: El Nido Nightlife: Top 7 BEST Bars & Party Spots
Despite not being the most beautiful on this list, El Nido Beach has charm and the views of the limestone cliffs are simply stunning.
The stretch of sand is okay for sunbathing but I would not recommend swimming in the water as it is super dirty. Despite this, El Nido beach is just footsteps away from town and perfect for a stroll or to marvel at the sunset.
Is El Nido one of the best beaches in the world?
Whilst El Nido Beach itself is not one of the best beaches in the world, the area around El Nido is undoubtedly home to some of the most stunning, unspoiled, white sand beaches in Asia.
Duli Beach
Duli Beach is the final beach on this list and is without a doubt one of the most beautiful in El Nido. Due to its remote location 1 hour north of El Nido town, this is a totally off-the-beaten-path spot.
If you are willing to make the drive, you are rewarded with an unspoiled coconut-fringed shoreline, powdery white sand, and postcard views.
You will not find many tourists here as this is a more popular beach among the locals.
If you’re interested in surfing in Palawan, then Duli Beach is a must-visit. Although there are no huge crashing waves like those in Siargao, there are still some pretty great swells for both advanced and beginner-level surfers.
Duli Beach surfing is best from November – April each year. You can rent a surfboard from one of the beachside shacks or the Duli Beach Resort for about 500 PHP ($8.80) per hour. There are instructors available too.
This is also one of the best El Nido beaches for environmental enthusiasts. Duli Beach is a known marine turtle nesting area. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a turtle hatching in the summer months.
How to get to Duli Beach from El Nido?
Duli Beach is located about 30 minutes north of Nacpan Beach, but the journey is not for the faint-hearted. The dirt track to reach Duli Beach is treacherous and steep. I would only recommend it if you are confident on a scooter.
Fortunately, the same company that operates from El Nido to Nacpan Beach also runs a shuttle to Duli Beach. Due to the distance, it is slightly pricier and costs 800 PHP ($14) return. You can book in advance here.
Where can I surf in El Nido Palawan?
If you’re wondering where to surf in El Nido Palawan, then you cannot miss a trip to Duli Beach. Whilst the waves are much calmer, you could say this is the Cloud 9 of Palawan.
How many days in El Nido is enough?
I had heard a lot of mixed opinions about El Nido before visiting so did not know what to expect. We actually ended up extending our stay in El Nido because we loved it so much!
I would recommend at least 4 days in El Nido. As well as many island hopping and paradisiacal beaches, there are some pretty unique things to do in and around El Nido. For example, Taraw Cliff is a must-visit for panoramic views.
El Nido also has some great restaurants and a vibrant nightlife scene, so it is worth allowing extra time to take this all in too.
Full Post: Taraw Cliff: The BEST Guide To El Nido’s Canopy Walk
What month is best to visit El Nido?
The best time to visit El Nido is during the dry season which runs from November-May. This also coincides with the peak season, so you will be sure to meet many other travellers.
You are (almost) always guaranteed good weather and a lively atmosphere, so you can take advantage of all of the activities on offer. If you want to avoid flocks of tourists, January and February would be the best months.
Well, there you have it! This post has detailed the most beautiful beaches in and around El Nido.
If you liked this post and you’re going to be sticking around for a while, then feel free to check out my other handy guides –
