14 Tourist Spots in the Philippines That Will Make You Feel Like You’re in Europe

Many European destinations will always be considered an absolute “must-see” for any traveler - and we can guarantee that you have at least one European country on your bucket list! While we aren’t able to check those destinations off our list right now, there are a couple places in the Philippines that are inspired by countries like Italy, Paris, Amsterdam and more! 

With domestic travel slowly opening up, access to all these Europe-inspired spots is definitely within the foreseeable future. That said, be sure to jot these down for future reference!

Couples will certainly feel the romance when they visit this Italian-inspired waterway in MacKinley Hill, Taguig. However, it is also perfect for families and barkadas thanks to its picture-perfect facade! Apart from picture taking, you might want to partake in a gondola ride or a scenic stroll through the shops that line the canal.

If you’ll ever visit Italy after the pandemic, make sure to check out the real thing and get a Gondola Ride with a sweet Serenade via Klook.

Deep in the quiet municipality of Nasugbu, Batangas lies an enchanting tourism hotspot for those interested in architecture and history. Fortune Island Resort is a haven for photography enthusiasts with its Parthenon-inspired ruins, Grecian pillars, and statues looking over the vast West Philippine sea.

The 20-meter stretch of pristine white sand used to offer a lot of fun beach activities for visitors as well as wildlife sanctuaries, including a serpentarium and reptile zoo—all of which have been abandoned since 2006. However, there are still lots to see in the location including a lighthouse overlooking the beach. 

Far up north of the country, Batanes offers postcard-perfect views you won’t find elsewhere - or at least not in the Philippines. With its scenic mountains, rolling hills, clear water beaches - Batanes’ gorgeous sights are reminiscent of a European countryside - especially with the cooler climate, too! 

Visit during the dry season or the summer months to enjoy glorious sunsets and the many outdoor sights and activities Batanes has to offer.

Multiple tours are available on Klook for a spectacular Batanes holiday including this 3-day itinerary that will transport you to that other side of the world even for just a moment. 

Get a slice of Amsterdam in Sirao Flower Farm, a wonderland of colorful flowers and majestic windmills that will remind you of the Keukenhof in the Netherlands —one of Europe’s most famous and largest flower gardens.

Apart from the vast field of bright yellow and red celosias leading up to the windmills, Sirao Flower Garden now also features an infinity pool and many other picturesque sites for your social media feed!

When travellers think about going on a trip up North of Luzon, the waves of La Union, the windmills of Ilocos Norte, or the terraces of Sagada first come to mind. But the North has a hidden gem that one must experience at least once in their life and will make you feel like you’re in the thermal pools of Turkey. 

Kaparkan Falls, or Mulawin Falls, is easily one of Abra’s crown jewels. The high-terraced waterfall is truly a natural wonder with only a few like it all over the world. With that said, when you are able to travel to this majestic destination, be sure to indulge in a refreshing dip! 

While Europe has its own share of surf-worthy destinations, the Philippines also boasts of a couple including this natural sea-side pool in Siargao that’s reminiscent of Greece's Giola Lagoon.

45-minutes from General Luna’s main tourism area, this natural hotspot is best visited when the tides are low so you can cliff-jump or explore the area’s underwater sanctuaries. Aside from these, there are also plenty of activities you can indulge in including cave swimming, rope swinging, or stops at Cloud 9 Tower, Maasin River, or Pacifico Beach.

A pilgrimage through Europe’s age-old cathedrals and religious structures might not be in the books for now, but once Cebu opens up to local tourists - you’ll want to visit Simala Shrine!

One look at the structure and you’ll instantly notice a resemblance between the church’s architecture and that of the structures in Spain and Italy. Marian devotees list this as one of the best places to meditate and pray to the Holy Mother as it is home to the miraculous Birhen sa Simala, which was said to have cried blood in the past. 

Do note that proper attire and behavior should be followed in this attraction as it is a sacred institution.

Inspired by the whitewashed walls and bright blue facades of Santorini’s architecture, Camp Netanya in Batangas is one of the most relaxing, yet drivable, destinations in the Philippines that will make you feel like you’re in Europe. This resort by the sea has a certain Greek elegance that makes it a prime spot for intimate events such as weddings, reunions, and private parties. Though if you’re on the hunt for an adventure, its strategic location in Anilao also makes it an ideal spot to experience diving and snorkeling to enjoy breathtaking marine life, amazing coral formation, and a diversity of fishes. 

The south offers a wide selection of unique tourist spots, one of which is a picturesque farmstead that will make you feel like you’re in the Netherlands. The Old Grove Farmstead in Lipa, Batangas, is a 5-hectare piece of land designed with a Western farmstead, a big red barn complete with a pond and windmill.

One of the main attractions is their red barn that’s become a favorite destination for intimate celebrations such as weddings and receptions. Other than events, The Old Grove’s spectacular views and unique aesthetic has easily made it a prime spot for photoshoots!

Vigan’s historical and cultural significance makes it one of the top tourist spots in the Philippines - attracting millions of local and foreign travelers yearly —it’s no wonder it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site!

One attraction you can’t miss here is the Calle Crisologo - here you’ll find cobblestone streets bordered by well-preserved colonial houses that remind us a lot of Spain. During the day, you can ride a kalesa (horse-drawn carriage) or shop in stores selling antiques, furniture, and jewelry pieces that you can buy as souvenirs! 

Located off the east coast of Luzon, Balesin is a 500-hectare tropical island paradise with over 7.3 kilometers of spectacular white sand beaches and scenic views. Balesin Island Club, a members-only and private getaway, has seven themed villages—one of which is Mykonos, Greece where the architecture, restaurants, and accommodations will make you feel as if you’re really in Europe.

The paradise island can be accessed by propeller plane or a helicopter from Clark or Manila, or by ferry via Quezon ports. Becoming a member though requires a deep pocket as resort memberships start at P3,000,000. But if you can afford it, you’ll instantly fall in love with the place as Balesin Island Club’s unmatched natural beauty is the best place to revel and enjoy the high-life. 

Roughly two hours away from the metro and about 2 kilometers from the panoramic Tagaytay Picnic Grove, guests can find solace in Crosswinds Resorts Suites. This Swiss-inspired resort offers accommodations and amenities perfect for family or romantic getaways. For a quick getaway, book an overnight stay for two (2) or four (4) individuals on Klook and enjoy an exclusive discount!

One of the latest and most unique attractions in the country is just a two-hour bus ride away from Manila. Located in Bamban, Tarlac, just a few minutes from Clark International airport, you will find the spectacular Goshen Resort that’s inspired by European architecture. Throughout the resort, visitors will find many Instagrammable spots, including Dambana ni Yahweh which resembles The Colosseum in Rome, and even a Game of Thrones throne! Needless to say, every corner of this scenic resort is perfect for photo shoots––so be sure to clear your storage before you go!

You may have heard of the Pyramid in Cebu a couple years back when it first opened - thanks to its Louvre-inspired design. While the restaurant’s facade turns heads, they offer quite an exquisite dining experience, too! Despite how luxurious it may look, The Pyramid offers an elegant dining experience at an affordable price! If it happens to be your first time, be sure to try out their Seafood Pasta and Margherita Pizza, paired with a bottle of wine.