Basco

Basco is the capital municipality of the province of Batanes in the Philippines. It is located on the eastern coast of Batan Island, the northernmost major island of the Batanes archipelago, near the Bashi Channel. Basco serves as the provincial seat and economic center.

The town has historical roots dating to the Spanish colonial period, and its development as the capital dates back to early modern times. The Ivatan people constitute the core community, and the area is known for stone houses with thick limestone walls and thatched roofs that reflect local building traditions and climate resiliency.

Basco is a gateway for visitors to Batanes because it hosts the province’s main air link, Basco Airport, providing access to Manila and other parts of the Philippines. The town offers coastal scenery with views of Mount Iraya, and features notable landmarks such as the Naidi Point lighthouse along the coast. The surrounding area highlights Ivatan culture, distinctive architecture, and a rugged shoreline that draws tourists and researchers alike.

Economy centers on agriculture and fishing, with growing tourism focused on architectural heritage, cultural traditions, and scenic landscapes. Basco experiences a temperate, windy climate and a seasonally typhoon-prone environment, typical of the northern Philippines.