Discover Cebu’s most beautiful and interesting destinations, from historic Cebu City and lively coastal towns to tropical islands, mountain landscapes and peaceful countryside escapes.
Cebu is much more than a single city. The province stretches across a long island surrounded by smaller islands, each offering its own attractions, scenery and experiences.
Whether you are visiting for the first time or exploring somewhere new, these destinations offer a wonderful introduction to Cebu.
Cebu City
Cebu City is the historic and commercial heart of the province. Known as the Queen City of the South, it combines centuries of history with modern shopping centres, restaurants, museums and cultural attractions.
Visitors can explore Magellan’s Cross, the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, Fort San Pedro and the city’s historic neighbourhoods. Cebu City also provides a convenient starting point for exploring the rest of the province.
Mactan Island
Connected to Cebu City by bridges, Mactan Island is home to Mactan-Cebu International Airport and many of the region’s popular beach resorts.
The island offers swimming, snorkelling, diving, island-hopping excursions and waterfront dining. Visitors can also explore historical sites associated with the Battle of Mactan.
Moalboal
Located on Cebu’s southwestern coast, Moalboal is particularly popular with snorkellers and divers.
Its famous sardine run attracts visitors who want to experience enormous schools of fish swimming close to shore. Sea turtles, coral reefs and nearby beaches make Moalboal an appealing destination for marine-life enthusiasts.
Bantayan Island
Bantayan Island, off Cebu’s northern coast, is known for its white-sand beaches, turquoise waters and relaxed island atmosphere.
Santa Fe is a popular base for visitors, offering beach accommodation, restaurants and easy access to the island’s coastal scenery.
Bantayan is particularly suitable for travellers who enjoy slower-paced holidays and peaceful seaside surroundings.
Malapascua Island
Malapascua is a small island north of mainland Cebu, internationally recognised for its diving opportunities.
The surrounding waters are especially famous for thresher shark encounters. Beyond diving, visitors can enjoy beaches, village life and the island’s laid-back atmosphere.
Camotes Islands
The Camotes Islands lie east of mainland Cebu and offer a combination of beaches, caves, lakes and quiet rural landscapes.
Popular attractions include Santiago Bay, Lake Danao and several natural caves. The islands appeal to visitors looking for outdoor activities and a more relaxed island experience.
Oslob
Oslob, in southern Cebu, offers coastal scenery, historical landmarks and access to nearby natural attractions.
Visitors can explore Tumalog Falls when accessible, enjoy the coastline and visit heritage sites in the town.
Oslob is also known for whale shark tourism. Travellers considering this activity should review current wildlife-welfare guidance before choosing an operator.
Badian and Kawasan Falls
Badian is best known for Kawasan Falls, one of Cebu’s most recognisable natural attractions.
The area’s turquoise pools, tropical vegetation and canyon landscapes attract visitors interested in waterfalls, outdoor adventures and guided canyoneering experiences.
Dalaguete and Osmeña Peak
Southern Cebu offers a different landscape of rolling hills, mountain trails and panoramic viewpoints.
Osmeña Peak, accessible from the Dalaguete area, is particularly popular for its distinctive jagged hills and sweeping views.
The surrounding highlands provide a refreshing contrast to Cebu’s coastal destinations.
Discover Cebu Beyond the Familiar
From busy city streets and historic landmarks to peaceful beaches, mountain viewpoints and small island communities, Cebu offers an impressive variety of destinations.
For transport, ferries and other useful travel information, see our Practical Cebu guide.
Exploring different parts of the province reveals the landscapes, traditions and everyday experiences that make Cebu such a rewarding place to visit.
- Photo Credits:
- Cebu City Skyline: Patrickroque01 via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped/resized by Cebu.PH. Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cebu_Business_Park_and_IT_Park_skyline_(Cebu_City;_09-07-2022).jpg · Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/
- Sugar Beach, Bantayan Island: Mike Gonzalez via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. Cropped/resized by Cebu.PH. Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sugar_Beach_Bantayan.jpg · Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/
- Osmeña Peak: Patrickroque01 via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped/resized by Cebu.PH. Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Osmeña_Peak_(Mantalongon,_Dalaguete,_Cebu;_01-20-2023).jpg · Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/
