Named for St Fabian, the ‘Crusading Pope’, this city was founded two centuries ago by Dominican friars. Today it’s a popular weekend destination for residents of Manila who come to enjoy the sandy beaches here along the Lingayen Gulf]].
Today San Fabian is known more for its beaches than its colonial history, though there are a few heritage sites worth visiting. The beaches of the Lingayen Gulf are sheltered, characterized by calm waters and fine, powdery sand. Resort communities continue to spring up, prompting the influx of more tourism dollars.
The main tourist attraction is the San Fabian Church, a white colonial structure that ends up on postcards across town. The PTA Beach Resort is both a hotel and a tourist attraction. Given its early founding and status as a nationalized resort it received a great deal of attention in the old days of jet-set tourism.
Getting There & Away
The nearest international airport is in Manila, which can be reached by road in roughly 4 hours, 30 minutes. Direct buses operate between the capital and San Fabian, so getting to and from San Fabian is straightforward. Expect more traffic on weekends, when residents of Manila escape the city for a quiet beach break.
Things to Do
San Fabian Attractions
- San Fabian Beach
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The beach is what draws today’s visitors, and san fabian is one of the region’s most attractive. be sure to catch the sunset over the water at least once.
- San Fabian Church
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This white-washed colonial structure is the city’s most emblematic feature and is still active today.