Cebu
The Philippines' oldest city and a long, mountainous island ringed by dive sites, waterfalls and beaches.
Quick answer
- What it is: a long island in the central Visayas, with Cebu City and Mactan-Cebu International Airport as the region's main hub.
- History: Cebu was the first Spanish settlement in the Philippines; Magellan's Cross and the Basilica del Santo Niño mark where that story begins.
- Beyond the city: Moalboal's sardine run, Kawasan Falls, Malapascua's thresher sharks and Bantayan's beaches.
- Getting around: buses from the North and South terminals, ferries to Bohol and beyond, and Grab in the city.
- Best time: the drier months, roughly January to May; January for the Sinulog festival.
Cebu is where the Spanish story of the Philippines begins. Ferdinand Magellan landed here in 1521, and Cebu became the first Spanish settlement in the islands. Today Cebu City is a busy port and business centre, the main hub of the Visayas, with flights from around Asia into Mactan-Cebu International Airport.
Outside the city, the island stretches for about 200 km, with mountains down its spine. The southwest coast has Moalboal and Kawasan Falls; the far north has Malapascua and Bantayan.
Top things to do
- Walk Cebu City’s heritage core: Magellan’s Cross, the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño and Fort San Pedro are all within a few minutes’ walk.
- Watch the sunset from Tops Lookout in the hills above the city.
- Snorkel with the sardines in Moalboal. See our Moalboal guide.
- Swim or go canyoneering at Kawasan Falls. See our Kawasan Falls guide.
- Dive with thresher sharks at Malapascua. See our Malapascua guide.
- Unwind on Bantayan Island. See our Bantayan guide.
Areas to know
| Area | Why go |
|---|---|
| Cebu City | Heritage sights, food and transport connections |
| Mactan | Beach resorts near the airport and day-trip dive sites |
| Moalboal and Badian | Sardine run, turtles, Pescador Island and Kawasan Falls |
| The north | Malapascua for diving and Bantayan for beaches |
When to go
The drier months from about January to May are best for beaches and diving. January brings the Sinulog festival in Cebu City, the island’s biggest event. From roughly July to December, typhoons can affect ferries and boat trips. See our guide to typhoon season.
Getting there and around
Mactan-Cebu International Airport has domestic flights across the country and international routes around Asia. In the city, use Grab or taxis. Buses leave the South Bus Terminal for Moalboal and Badian and the North Bus Terminal for Hagnaya (Bantayan) and Maya (Malapascua). Fast ferries run from Cebu City to Bohol, Dumaguete and other islands. See our guide to getting around the Philippines.
Where to stay
Stay in Cebu City for a night or two of sightseeing, on Mactan for resorts near the airport, in Panagsama (Moalboal) for diving, and on Malapascua or Bantayan for island time.
What to eat
- Lechon: Cebu is famous for its crisp-skinned roast pig
- Puso, rice cooked in woven coconut leaves
- Dried mangoes, the classic Cebu souvenir
Day trips and next stops
Take the fast ferry to Bohol for the Chocolate Hills and tarsiers. See our Bohol guide. Continue south to Dumaguete and Siquijor.
Opening hours, ferry schedules and fares change. Check before you travel.
Photo gallery
Frequently asked questions
Is Cebu City worth visiting?
For a day or two, yes, for the old heritage sights and food. Most visitors then head south to Moalboal and Badian, or north to Malapascua and Bantayan.
How do I get from Cebu to Bohol?
Fast ferries from Cebu City to Tagbilaran take about 2 hours, with several departures a day.
Where is the best diving in Cebu?
Moalboal for the sardine run and Pescador Island, and Malapascua for thresher sharks.
When is Sinulog?
On the third Sunday of January, with a huge street parade in honour of the Santo Niño. Book well ahead.
How long should I spend in Cebu?
Five days covers the city, Moalboal and Kawasan. Add two or three days for Malapascua or Bantayan in the north.
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.
