El Nido is undoubtedly one of the most popular tourist spots in the Philippines, attracting local and foreign tourists alike. Famous for emerald lakes and stunning lagoons, El Nido is also home to fascinating beaches that would make any traveler flutter in excitement. Among those paradise beaches is Lio Beach.

Lio is a picturesque beach only about a 12-minute trike trip away from the town proper and is also the nearest beach from the El Nido Airport (Lio Airport). Before you land at the airport, you’ll be welcomed by this blue-green gem that stretches 4 kilometers.

Getting around is convenient and without hassle, as the area has location tags and maps. A few paces from the beachfront, you’ll find yourself under the trees, hearing the chirps of the birds and spoiling your lungs with clean air.

Beyond the shades, the celeste sky is exposed, decorated with tall palm trees that are just too lovely not to notice and take snaps of. I mean, look at these…

Let’s Talk about the Beach

While other beaches in El Nido are crowded with happy folks, Lio Beach offers guests a relaxing experience away from the island noise and commotion. You can simply take a seat and enjoy the panoramic view. Read a book, finish a glass of smoothie, or lie down there unclothed—the choice is yours.

Lio Pier

You can quickly notice the Lio Pier in the area. It serves as the docking point for tourists going to exclusive islets nearby. Guests are free to walk here, photograph the crashing waves, and feel the windy moment.

Beach Activities

Regarding beach activities, Lio Beach may fall short compared to Boracay and Puerto Galera, making the place less commercialized. However, you can try the lagoon kayak and stand-up paddle for an hourly rate of P200. Getting active while on a beach break is possible as you can play volleyball, soccer, and frisbee by the beach.

Must-Try Establishments

The Lio Estate is in charge of the area’s development, which features luxury hotels such as Seda Lio, Isla Amara, Hotel Covo, Pandan Villas, Huni Lio, and Balai Adlao.

Restaurants, cafes, bars, and wellness centers keep Lio Beach alive. Get ready to spend, though, as products and services here are at a premium. There are also estate events that happen regularly, such as Taco Tuesdays, Thirsty Thursdays, and live band performances, to name a few.

The Freakin’ Beautiful Sunset

It can be pink, it can be purple, it can be yellow. Sometimes, it turns orange and light green, too. The sunset in Lio Beach, with the majestic silhouette of Cadlao Island as the backdrop, makes the 5 PM beach scene perfect. God has granted us this spectacular sunset; we should thank Him every day.

About 2 kilometers from Lio Beach, the Lio Eco-Trail is a hiking spot ideal for travelers wanting to get somehow lost in nature. Go on an adventure and find yourself adoring the karst formation, the seasonal stream, and the views of Lio Beach from the view deck. The hiking track is zigzag, but if you want to speed up the hike, you can take the straight route instead.

Closer to the beach is the Lio Forest, which is excellent for walking and biking. Monkeys and other animals occasionally show themselves in this part.

Good to know:

• There are comfy seats by the beach, which you can use for free. If you’re coming from the town proper, you can take packed food with you and eat it there, saving you some dough.
• There are ATMs in the area, which don’t dispense P100 bills at times. It’s best to withdraw cash before your visit.
• Feeling seasick or in need of vitamins? A Mercury Drugstore branch is ready to serve you.
• Fare is expensive. You can rent a trike from the town proper and pay the driver about P300 for one way. Jumping from one point to another within the Lio Estate costs trike passengers P50 each. There are instances when walking by the beach is encouraged, as the route only requires a short walk. For example, a walk from Seda Lio to A Spa only takes about five minutes.
• Expect to be greeted by friendly (and stout) beach dogs. They’re simply adorable.