//
Ilocos Sur, Philippines
Photo: Derivative work by john2690. Other authors listed on source image page., CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Santa Maria is a town in Ilocos Sur with extensive beaches, a UNESCO World Heritage-designated Spanish-era church and a towering waterfall.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Santa Maria Church
Santa Maria's main Roman Catholic church, built during the Spanish era in the Baroque style in 1765. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993 for its unique architecture and its dual purpose as a fortress built on a hilltop to defend the town against pirates and foreign invaders from the South China Sea.
A stunning cascade with turquoise waters on the boundary with Abra province.
The main beach in Santa Maria, featuring cream-colored sands and free access.
Santa Maria is along Route 2 (Manila North Road). Buses heading to Vigan and Laoag also ply this highway.
Read in the guideTricycles are the main form of transportation in town, particularly as downtown Santa Maria is further inland from the coast.
Read in the guideArticles and travel topics about Santa Maria (Ilocos Sur) and Philippines.
Travel tipsFull 2026 list of visa-free countries for Philippine passport holders. Check ASEAN entry rules, stay limits, and Bureau of Immigration clearance tips.
6 min read
InspirationExplore the best islands to visit in the Philippines, including Palawan limestone lagoons, Boracay white sands, Bohol hills, and Cebu waterfalls.
6 min read
ItinerariesLearn the real difference between Palawan and Boracay with our breakdown of sand quality, boat tours, nightlife, travel transit, and vacation costs.
7 min read
Travel tipsReal-world 7-day Philippines travel budget covering hotel prices, domestic flights, island hopping tours, tricycle fares, and food costs.
7 min read
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.