Saud Beach in Pagudpud, hailed as one of the 'most beautiful beaches' in the world
Ilocos Norte is known to have some of the best beaches in Luzon and this year Pagudpud's Saud Beach made it to the top of Travel + Leisure magazine's list of the 25 Most Beautiful Beaches in the World.
The U.S. travel magazine's description of Saud Beach reads: “If you're searching for Southeast Asian beach bliss, super-mellow Saud Beach on the island of Luzon is a sure thing. Its white sand pitches gradually into the clear-as-glass water, like a real-world example of a zero-entry swimming pool. Swim in the peaceful waves, lunch under a thatch-roof cabana under the palms, or hire an outrigger for excursions on the water.”
The breathtaking beauty of Saud Beach in Ilocos Norte / Source: @Adventures of my life (Tripadvisor)
Saud Beach is more popularly known as “Pagudpud Beach.” The picturesque 2-kilometer white sand beach is often featured in travel photos of Ilocos Norte, and is known for its pristine waters and beautiful coast lined with coconut palms.
Aside from its Instagram-worthy beauty, Saud Beach has also become a popular surfing spot in the Philippines, especially during rainy season when the large Pacific swells roll in.
It's the ideal beach for tourists and surfers who want to avoid huge crowds as the destination is not as highly commercialized as other famous beach destinations in the Philippines.
Other equally stunning beaches in Pagudpud include the Sabang Beach, Pasaleng Beach, and the Blue Lagoon in Malingay Cove.
Aside from Saud Beach, other beautiful beaches that made it to Travel + Leisure's list are the Elafonissi Beach in Greece, Nungwi Beach in Tanzania, Hanalie Bay in Hawaii, Copacabana in Brazil, Cape Le Grand National Park in Australia, Clearwater Beach in Florida, Sotavento beach in Canary Islands, Camps Bay Beach in South Africa, and Anse Source D'Agent in Seychelles.
In 2020, Cebu and Luzon made it to Tripadvisor's 2020 Traveler's Choice Awards for Trending Destinations.
The Philippines also won three awards in 27th World Travel Awards in 2020, namely: Asia's Leading Dive Destination, Asia's Leading Tourist Board, and Asia's Leading Beach Destination.
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Check out also other must-see tourist destinations in Ilocos Norte in the gallery below.