Roxas City
A river city on Panay's north coast where the day's catch goes straight onto the grill.
Quick answer
- Where: the capital of Capiz, on the north-east coast of Panay island.
- Nickname: the Seafood Capital of the Philippines.
- Eat: crabs, prawns, scallops, oysters and the seasonal diwal (angel wing clams).
- Baybay Beach: a grey-sand beach lined with seafood restaurants, about 3 kilometres from the centre.
- Festival: Sinadya sa Halaran, held in early December.
Why it is a wonder
On the north-east coast of Panay, rivers, mangroves and fishponds wind out to a rich stretch of sea. That abundance has made Roxas City, the capital of Capiz, famous as the Seafood Capital of the Philippines.
The best place to taste it is Baybay Beach, a few kilometres from the centre, where restaurants line the shore and you can pick crabs, prawns, scallops and oysters to be grilled or steamed. In season, look for diwal, prized angel wing clams. Inland, bamboo-raft river cruises serve seafood lunches as you drift through the green.
The old town has a Spanish-era feel, and the Roxas City Bridge, built in 1910, still crosses the Panay River.
Beat the crowds
- Eat at Baybay Beach on a weekday evening.
- Book ahead in early December for the festival.
Getting there
Fly to Roxas Airport from Manila, or travel by road from Iloilo or Kalibo. Tricycles run between the city centre and Baybay Beach. See also Iloilo City.
A perfect day
- Walk the old town and the river bridge.
- Take a river cruise with a seafood lunch.
- Sunset on Baybay Beach.
- Seafood dinner by the sea.
Through the seasons
- November to May: drier and pleasant.
- Early December: the Sinadya sa Halaran festival.
- July: a festival celebrates the diwal harvest.
Respect the place
Choose seafood that is in season and legally caught, and support small local restaurants.
Photo gallery
Frequently asked questions
Is Baybay Beach good for swimming?
It has grey sand and calm water, but most people come for the seafood and sunsets rather than swimming.
What is diwal?
A prized angel wing clam, harvested seasonally off Capiz and celebrated with its own festival.
How do I get there?
Roxas City has its own airport with flights from Manila, or you can travel by road from Iloilo or Kalibo.
What else is nearby?
River cruises with seafood lunches, the old Roxas City bridge over the Panay River, and Capiz's coral-stone churches.
Anda
White beaches, blue cave pools and reefs on the far side of Bohol.
We checked this guide against the 3 sources listed below. Last updated 14 November 2026. Basis: researched from official sources. Written and edited by Delfin, with AI-assisted research (how we work). Prices, hours and rules change, so confirm before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
