Things to Do in Ilocos Norte

Ilocos Norte stretches along the northwestern coast of Luzon, where Spanish colonial architecture meets dramatic coastlines and rolling tobacco fields. The province feels like stepping into a different era - cobblestone streets wind through Vigan's UNESCO World Heritage core, while the Marcos family's political legacy looms large in the regional capital of Laoag. What strikes you most is the landscape's diversity: one moment you're standing before centuries-old churches, the next you're watching massive wind turbines spin against desert-like dunes that seem borrowed from another continent entirely. The region has this interesting way of balancing preservation with progress. You'll find kalesa horse-drawn carriages sharing roads with modern jeepneys, while local artisans still weave traditional textiles using techniques passed down through generations. The coastline alternates between protected coves and wild, windswept beaches where locals have learned to harness nature's power - both literally with wind farms and culturally through their famously resilient character.

Ilocos Norte's food scene centers around several distinctive local specialties that reflect both Spanish and indigenous influences. Vigan longganisa (a garlicky local sausage) appears on most breakfast menus, while bagnet - deep-fried crispy pork belly - shows up in various preparations throughout the province. The region is famous for pinakbet, a vegetable stew that tastes notably different here than in other Philippine regions due to local ingredients and preparation methods. Street food is excellent and affordable - try empanada from Vigan's evening markets, which feature a unique orange rice flour wrapper. For sit-down dining, many heritage houses in Vigan have been converted into restaurants serving traditional Ilocano cuisine in atmospheric colonial settings. Laoag offers more contemporary dining options alongside local favorites, while coastal areas like Pagudpud focus on fresh seafood preparations.

The dry season from November to April offers the most reliable weather for sightseeing and outdoor activities, with March and April being particularly pleasant before the intense summer heat arrives. December through February can be surprisingly cool, especially in the evenings - you might actually want a light jacket. The wet season (May-October) brings afternoon thunderstorms and occasional typhoons, though mornings are often clear and the landscape becomes notably greener. Interestingly, the windmills are most impressive during the windier months of November through March, when they're operating at full capacity. If you're primarily interested in heritage sites and indoor attractions, the shoulder months of May and October can offer good value with fewer crowds, just be prepared for occasional rain showers.