Lio Beach
A serene, eco-friendly paradise in El Nido, Palawan, offering pristine white sands, clear waters, and a unique airport backdrop.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour for stunning photos
Lio Beach
Best Time
Golden hour for stunning photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene, eco-friendly paradise in El Nido, Palawan, offering pristine white sands, clear waters, and a unique airport backdrop.
"It is simply beautiful and quiet. You could not ask more from a beach."
🚶♀️ Easy Access
Trikes from El Nido town are available, though fares can be pricey. Free shuttles from resorts are a great option.
☀️ Free Amenities
Enjoy free shower areas, toilets, and sunbeds on a first-come, first-served basis.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Expansive Shoreline
Lio Beach
A long, wide stretch of clean white sand perfect for leisurely strolls and finding your own peaceful spot.
Sunset Spectacle
Lio Beach
Witness breathtaking sunsets painting the sky in vibrant hues over the calm waters.
Airport Ambiance
Adjacent to Lio Airport
A unique experience watching planes take off and land from the nearby airport, surprisingly without much noise disturbance.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Getting to Lio Beach
Embrace the Serenity
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Easy Access
Trikes from El Nido town are available, though fares can be pricey. Free shuttles from resorts are a great option.
☀️ Free Amenities
Enjoy free shower areas, toilets, and sunbeds on a first-come, first-served basis.
🐶 Pet Peeve
Be mindful of dog waste; some visitors noted owners not cleaning up after their pets.
✈️ Airport Views
Enjoy the unique sight of planes landing and taking off; it's closer than you think but not disruptive.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Easy Access
Trikes from El Nido town are available, though fares can be pricey. Free shuttles from resorts are a great option.
☀️ Free Amenities
Enjoy free shower areas, toilets, and sunbeds on a first-come, first-served basis.
🐶 Pet Peeve
Be mindful of dog waste; some visitors noted owners not cleaning up after their pets.
✈️ Airport Views
Enjoy the unique sight of planes landing and taking off; it's closer than you think but not disruptive.
🍽️ Delicious Bites
Don't miss the incredible oysters and other beachside dining options.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Lio Beach is widely praised for its beauty, tranquility, and accessibility, offering a peaceful escape from the usual El Nido crowds. Visitors appreciate the clean, spacious sands, clear waters, and the unique spectacle of planes landing. While some note the sand isn't the finest, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting the free amenities and stunning sunsets.
"It is simply beautiful and quiet. You could not ask more from a beach. Crowd is just enough, no one rowdy and you can get photos like mine easily without needing to wake up too early or go at weird hours.
The sand is not super fine but my standard for that is pretty high. The water is clear, and you don’t know it but it just a few meters ahead of you people can go swimming."
Pao Lorica
"This beach is very easy to get to. I love the fact that it has restaurants and accommodations near by. And it’s such a beautiful site seeing the airplanes landing and taking off. I can say, it wasn’t too loud. I never noticed the airport was that close until I saw the planes landing. Unfortunately it started raining while we were there but it doesn’t take away from the beauty. We stayed in the water even while it rained. The only downside was people were letting their dogs poop and not pick it up. Which is unfortunate bc people were laying in the area the dog pooped. They didn’t notice it at the time until the wind blew 🤣"
Shabrica Wadley
"I was impressed that it's free, Free shower area, free toilet, free sun beds! and No entrance fee. The road going to Lio Beach is just WOW!! Plus plus plus plus starsss for me. This is a long wide beach, you can always choose a less crowded spot. Overall it's just wow.."
Mayette baranggan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can easily reach Lio Beach from El Nido town by tricycle, which takes about 10-15 minutes. Some resorts also offer complimentary shuttle services. For more freedom, consider renting a scooter.
Yes, tricycles are generally available, but fares might be higher, especially after sundown. It's advisable to confirm the fare before starting your journey.
Yes, you can drive your own vehicle or a rented scooter to Lio Beach. There are parking facilities available.
Many visitors combine Lio Beach with Nacpan Beach on a land tour, often using scooters or hiring a tricycle for the day. The journey takes approximately 30-45 minutes by scooter.
The main beach area is relatively flat, but access to certain amenities or uneven sand might pose challenges. It's best to inquire with your accommodation about specific accessibility.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Lio Beach is free to enter. You can enjoy the beach, shower facilities, and sunbeds without any charge.
Lio Beach is generally accessible throughout the day and into the evening, especially for sunset viewing. Specific resort hours may vary.
While Lio Beach itself doesn't require booking, the resorts and accommodations nearby, such as Seda Lio, do. It's highly recommended to book in advance, especially during peak season.
While there are many dining options available, visitors can typically bring their own snacks and drinks. However, it's always good practice to be mindful of waste.
Yes, Lio Beach is a public beach and is accessible to everyone, regardless of where you are staying in El Nido.
📸 📸 Photography
The golden hours around sunrise and sunset offer the most magical lighting for photography. Midday can also be good for capturing the clear blue waters.
The jetty in the middle of the beach is a popular landmark for photos. The long stretch of sand and the backdrop of coastal jungle hills also provide beautiful compositions.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with local authorities or resort management regarding drone operation policies to avoid any issues.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive beach and landscape. A telephoto lens can be useful for capturing planes landing. Don't forget waterproof protection for your gear.
The juxtaposition of the serene beach with the active airport runway offers a unique photographic subject. Sunset shots with silhouettes of palm trees are also highly recommended.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Lio Beach offers a variety of beach-themed restaurants and bars, serving local and international cuisine. The oysters are particularly recommended.
While there are upscale resorts, you can find more casual dining spots and local eateries offering a range of prices. Packing some snacks can also help manage costs.
Absolutely! Being a coastal destination, fresh seafood, including delicious oysters, is a highlight at many of the restaurants.
Many restaurants are increasingly offering vegetarian and vegan dishes. It's best to check menus or inform your server about dietary preferences.
Prices can vary from mid-range to higher-end, depending on the establishment. Expect to pay more at resort-affiliated restaurants compared to local eateries.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
With readily available amenities like free showers and toilets, and a variety of dining options nearby, families can comfortably spend a day here. While there are no specific playgrounds, the natural environment offers ample opportunities for exploration and fun. Consider packing beach toys and snacks for a more enjoyable outing.
💰 Budget Travelers
While some of the restaurants can be pricey, you can manage costs by packing your own snacks and drinks, or by seeking out more local eateries. For transportation, negotiating tricycle fares or utilizing resort shuttles can help save money compared to private hires.
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
The unique element of the nearby airport adds an unusual twist, allowing for shots that blend tropical paradise with aviation. The golden hours are particularly magical, casting a warm glow over the landscape. Remember to bring a wide-angle lens for those expansive beach scenes and a polarizing filter to enhance the blues of the water and sky.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Lio Beach Experience: More Than Just Sand
The beach itself is a long, wide expanse of sand, offering ample space for visitors to relax without feeling overcrowded. The water is clear and inviting for swimming, and the gentle waves are suitable for various water activities. A unique aspect is its proximity to the Lio Airport, offering a fascinating spectacle of planes landing and taking off, which many find surprisingly unobtrusive.
Beyond the natural beauty, Lio Beach boasts a selection of restaurants and bars that complement the tropical vibe. Visitors often rave about the fresh seafood, particularly the oysters. The availability of free amenities like shower areas, toilets, and sunbeds further enhances the visitor experience, making it a truly relaxing getaway.
Navigating El Nido: Lio Beach to Town and Beyond
For those staying in resorts near Lio Beach, complimentary shuttle services can be a convenient and cost-effective option. Renting a scooter is also a popular choice for independent travelers, providing the flexibility to explore Lio Beach, Nacpan Beach, and other nearby attractions at your own pace. This is particularly useful for day trips combining multiple locations.
When planning your return to El Nido town, especially after sunset, it's good to be aware that tricycle availability might decrease, and fares could increase. However, most travelers find it relatively easy to secure transport back. The journey itself, whether by tricycle or scooter, offers glimpses of the local life and landscapes of Palawan.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit