18 Must-Visit Iloilo Tourist Spots That Will Capture Your Heart

Home to some of the Philippines’ most beautiful beaches and historic churches, the province of Iloilo has its way of capturing every traveler’s heart. From the fine white sand beaches to the saltwater lagoons, you’ll never run out of amazing Iloilo tourist spots to enjoy.

Top 18 Iloilo Tourist Spots

Whether you’re a beach-lover or an adventure-seeker, Iloilo City tourist spots won’t disappoint. Here we’ve listed all the best places to visit in Iloilo.

1. Gigantes Islands
2. Miag-ao Church
3. Garin Farm
4. Calle Real
5. Molo Church
6. Iloilo River Esplanade
7. Concepcion Islands
8. Jaro Cathedral
9. Molo Mansion
10. Sicogon Island
11. Nelly’s Garden
12. Camiña Balay Nga Bato
13. Nadsadjan Falls
14. Pawikan Cave
15. Tangke Lagoon
16. Pototan Plaza
17. Malumpatan
18. Miagao Rice Terraces

What’s inside this blog?

• Top 18 Iloilo Tourist Spots
• Frequently Asked Questions About Iloilo Tourist Spots

If you’re looking for the best Pototan Iloilo tourist spot or Iloilo beach tourist spots, we got you covered! Read this guide where we listed all the beautiful Iloilo City tourist spots you must visit.

1. Gigantes Islands

Also known as Islas de Gigantes, Gigantes Island is a set of islands that make up a paradise of pristine beaches, clear water, and huge rock formations. But what truly sets it apart are its stunning, secluded beaches. From the city proper, Gigantes Islands is a five-hour trip. It’s untouched beauty is one of Iloilo’s best kept secrets making it the best tourist spot in Iloilo for island-goers.

Location: Carles, Iloilo

Attractions

• Cabugao Gamay Island
• Bantigue Island
• Antonia Beach
• Tinagong Dagat

2. Miag-ao Church

Built in 1786, Miagao Church, also known as the Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Parish Church is an amazing Iloilo tourist destination that offers not just a beautiful facade but also a rich history. More than a place of worship, it also served as a fortress. It was designed with the baroque features with touches of Chinese and Filipino style imposing designs, ornaments and motifs, making it a one of a kind church. That’s why the Miag-ao Church architecture is among the Philippines’ most beautiful architectural gems. Its old structure, history, and its UNESCO World Heritage mark make it a treasure not only for Iloilo but for the Philippines.

Must-read: Miagao Church: The Baroque Fortress Church of Iloilo

Location: Zulueta Ave, Miagao, Iloilo

Attractions

• Baroque architecture
• Unique facade
• A UNESCO World Heritage Site

3. Garin Farm

Photo credits to GarinFarm Pilgrimage Resort

Garin Farm in the town of San Joaquin is a one-stop destination for travelers looking for both chill and fun activities. Here you can kayak, swim, fish, chill, and ride the zipline. What makes Garin Farm among the famous Iloilo tourist attractions is its pilgrimage site where you’ll see nine biblical scenes depicted as life-size dioramas. This tourist spot in San Joaquin Iloilo is where the majestic white cross that stands atop a hill is located but to reach it, you have to climb the 456-step staircase. 

Location: San Joaquin, Iloilo

Attractions

• Pilgrimage site
• Pool
• Lake
• Recreational activities

4. Calle Real

Photo source: Wikimedia Commons

One of the most iconic Iloilo city tourist spots is Calle Real. It’s a favorite Iloilo tourist destination because of its old charm that the local government worked hard to preserve. Most establishments in the area date back to the 1800s and Commonwealth era (1930-1950). 

Location: JM Basa Street, Iloilo City

Attractions

• Retro-themed buildings
• Clean surroundings

5. Molo Church

Photo source: Wikimedia Commons

Molo Church is one of the most notable Iloilo City tourist spots that will truly interest you. Because of an all-women ensemble of statues of the saints in the church, Molo Church has been dubbed as “The Feminist Church.” It also features gothic architecture highlighted by the two pointed belfries on both sides of Molo Church. The interiors are decorated with murals painted by Mariano Mabunay and Jesue Huervas.

Location: San Pedro Street, Molo, Iloilo City

Attractions

• Stunning facade
• All-women sain statues
• Murals by Mariano Mabunay and Jesue Huervas

6. Iloilo River Esplanade

Photo source: Wikimedia Commons

If you’re looking for Iloilo City tourist spots perfect for family and friends to hangout, Iloilo River Esplanade is the place for you. It’s the locals’ favorite spot to exercise in the mornings and watch the sunset in the afternoons. There are also lots of local cafes and restaurants lined up in this Iloilo best tourist spot to satisfy your hungry tummy. 

Location: Mandurriao, Iloilo City

Attractions

• Calm ambiance
• Perfect place to unwind
• Nice views of the river
• Great spot for watching the sunset

7. Concepcion Islands

Photo source: Wikimedia Commons

Concepcion town is blessed with a lot of scenic seascapes that every beach-lover would enjoy like the Concepcion Island. It boasts 16 islands, including the most beautiful Concepcion Iloilo tourist spots, connected by stunning blue watters and rich marine life. 

Location: Concepcion, Iloilo

Attractions

• Tago Island
• Pan de Azucar Island
• Bag-o Isi Island
• Bocot Island

8. Jaro Cathedral

Photo source: Wikimedia Commons

If Molo Church is the “Female Church,” Joro Cathedral is the “Male Church.” It is called such because all the saints displayed here are male. But more than that, Jaro Cathedral is one of the most popular Iloilo tourist attractions because of its beauty and colorful history as it stood the test of time.

Location: Jaro, Iloilo City

Attractions

• Campanario de Jaro
• All-male saints

9. Molo Mansion

Photo source: Wikimedia Commons

Molo Mansion is one of the best places to visit in Iloilo as it exudes the life of the rich back then. It was built in the 1920s and owned by the Yusay-Consing family. 

Location: Yusay-Consing Mansion, Locsin St, Molo, Iloilo City

Attractions

• Filipino colonial architecture
• Molo Mansion Cafe

10. Sicogon Island

Photo source: Wikimedia Commons

Sicogon Island is one of the many majestic Iloilo tourist attractions that would totally capture your heart. 

It became popular during the 70s and 80s because of the high-end resorts operating in the island.there may not be any luxurious resorts in Sicogon now but you can still travel to the island to enjoy its picturesque sandy beaches, virgin forests, and amaazing waters.

Location: Carles, Iloilo

Attractions

• Fine white sand beach
• Virgin forest
• Cool waters

11. Nelly’s Garden

Photo source: Wikimedia Commons

Built in 1928 by Ilonggo Statesman Don Vicente Lopez and Doña Elena Hofileña. The Beaux Art Mansion was named after their first daughter. It is called the “Queen of Heritage Houses.” An icon of old Iloilo Grandeur, Nelly’s Garden is a mansion where you can experience what it’s like to live like the aristocrats in the old times. There’s also a shop inside this tourist spot Iloilo where you can buy gifts or souvenirs.

Location: Brgy, E Lopez St, Jaro, Iloilo City

Attractions

• Huge garden
• Witness the life of the rich back then

12. Camiña Balay Nga Bato

Photo source: Wikimedia Commons

Aside from being known as the home of the sweetest and softhearted people, Iloilo is also filled with history from the old churches and ancestral houses. One of the most famous ancestral houses is the Camiña Balay Nga Bato. This tourist spot Iloilo was built in 1860 and was strategically located beside the river to have easy transportation of the family’s business of hand-woven textile products.

While learning its history, you can sip a hot chocolate that they’re also famous for, or dine at the restaurant, or just shop for pasalubongs.

Location: Camiña Balay Nga Bato

Attractions

• Rich history
• Beautiful architecture

13. Nadsadjan Falls

If you want to take a break from the Iloilo beach tourist spots, but don’t want to gve up on swimming, go to Nadsadjan Falls. Standing at 100-feet tall, Nadsadjan’s waters fall beautifully to the natural swimming pool below.

Location: Brgy. Passi, Igbaras, Iloilo

Attractions

• Trekking
• Swimming

14. Pawikan Cave

No, it’s not a place where you can see turtles. Pawikan Cave got its name because of the huge rock formations in the area that look like eggs. 

Location: Gigantes, Northern Iloilo

Attractions

• The large egg-shaped rock inside the cave resembling a giant turtle’s egg
• Many massive rock formations

15. Tangke Lagoon

As if the Iloilo tourist spots beach at Gigantes Islands aren’t enough, this little paradise offers another Iloilo tourist destination that will take your breath away—Tangke Saltwater Lagoon. It is a saltwater pool featuring blue-green waters surrounded by massive rock formations.

Location: Isla Gigantes Sur, Carles, Iloilo

Attractions: 

• The water changes its color from blue to a greenish hue as the tide rises later in the afternoon
• Giant rock formations

16. Pototan Plaza

One of the most fun seasons to visit Iloilo is during the holidays because every corner becomes so festive especially in Pototan Plaza. It is dubbed as the Christmas Capital of Western Visayas because of its festive mood during the holidays. This Pototan Iloilo tourist spot will definitely spread cheer!

Location: Pototan, Iloilo

Attractions

• Tall mahogany trees 
• Man-made lagoon
• Gazebo
• Pototan Coliseum

17. Malumpatan

Another Concepcion Iloilo tourist spot you must visit is the Malumpatan. It is a small beach found on the coast of Pan de Azucar Island. While this isn’t among the Iloilo tourist spots beach with fine white sand, it offers a different charm that beach-lovers would also enjoy. It features a pebbled shore and surrounded by stunning rock formations.

Location: Concepcion, Iloilo

Attractions: 

• Rock formations
• Charming beach

18. Miagao Rice Terraces

Surprisingly, there are many rice terraces in the Philippines, not just only in Ifugao. In fact, Miagao has its own. Miagao Rice Terraces is one of the best tourist spots in Iloilo. Situated in Cabalaunan village, Miagao Rice Terraces covers a 500-hectare rice fields with beautiful terraces carved in perpendicular slopes that will surely engulf the mountain climbers. It was built with minimal equipment, mostly by the meticulous hands of its inhabitants in order to adapt to its mountainous environment.

Location: Miag-ao, Iloilo

Attractions

• Stunning rice terraces

Frequently Asked Questions About Iloilo Tourist Spots

Q: What are the beautiful Iloilo tourist spots?

A: From Concepcion Iloilo tourist spots to Sara Iloilo tourist spot, here are the best places to visit in Iloilo:

1. Gigantes Islands
2. Miag-ao Church
3. Garin Farm
4. Nadsadjan Falls
5. Calle Real
6. Molo Church
7. Iloilo River Esplanade
8. Pawikan Cave
9. Concepcion Islands
10. Tangke Lagoon
11. Pototan Plaza
12. Jaro Cathedral
13. Molo Mansion
14. Malumpatan
15. Sicogon Island
16. Nelly’s Garden
17. Miagao Rice Terraces
18. Camiña Balay Nga Bato

Q: Is Iloilo worth visiting?

A: Yes, Iloilo is definitely worth visiting. The province does not just feature beautiful Estancia Iloilo tourist spots, Lemery Iloilo tourist spots, and pristine islands, but Iloilo is also home to sweet, friendly, and hospitable people.

Q: What are the things to do in Iloilo?

A: Here are some of the fun things to do in Iloilo for a memorable trip:

1. Taste the original La Paz Batchoy
2. Join the Dinagyang Festival
3. Tour old Iloilo
4. Stroll along the Iloilo River Esplanade
5. Party the night away at Smallville Complex
6. Bask in the beauty of Gigantes Island
7. Visit Miag-ao Church, a UNESCO World Heritage site
8. Go island hopping at Concepcion Island
9. Swim in a natural saltwater lagoon
10. Celebrate Christmas at Pototan’s Iwag Festival of Lights

Q: What are the beautiful Sara Iloilo tourist spots?

A: Here are the top 3 Sara Iloilo tourist spots:

1. Sara Public Plaza
2. Bajada Farm and Resort
3. St. John the Baptist Parish Church

Q: What are the best Anilao Iloilo tourist spots?

A: Here are the must-visit Anilao Iloilo tourist spots:

1. Anilao River
2. Mt. Hamugnaw
3. Agtambo Falls

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