Dive into paradise in Cebu
Book flights to Cebu and unlock white sand beaches, a vivid city life and crystal-clear waters frequented by ocean giants.
Cebu boasts sun-kissed sands, stilted beach huts and palm trees reaching out over crystal clear ocean waters.
The island’s mountainous interior is also there to be explored – take a trip to Tops Lookout to enjoy panoramic views – thrill-seekers might want to try the exhilarating Adventure Cafe zip wire.
Cebu City, the oldest city in the Philippines, is a wonderful example of the nation’s eventful history. Explore Spanish colonial roots and ancient Filippino traditions kept alive in historic buildings.
Take to the warm waters of the island’s coastline, rich in diving and snorkelling opportunities and perfect for spotting an array of colourful underwater residents, from tiny reef fish to graceful giant whale sharks.
Browse our Cebu flights today and begin planning your Philippine adventure – one where vast shoals of sardines may cascade around you in the warm waters this destination is renowned for.
Reasons to visit Cebu
Explore historic Cebu
Trace the history of the city in Cebu’s ancient centre, where Ferdinand Magellan and Spanish explorers first arrived in the 16th century. Remnants of its colonial past pepper the island, from Magellan’s Cross, constructed upon the arrival of Magellan to the beautiful Basilica del Santo Niño. Here, you’ll find stunning frescoes, chandeliers and stained glass. The triangular Fort San Pedro, built in 1738 by the Spanish to repel invaders is another must visit. Today it’s an oasis of calm with a beautiful garden.
There are also several museums to visit. Museo Sugbo is a former jail built in 1871 which now houses various artefacts drawn from the city’s history.
Filipino food
Cebu is known for its flourishing culinary scene, from street food to high-end restaurants. Local specialities to look out for include barbecued meat and fresh grilled seafood. Try Cafe Laguna for great seafood chowder and buttered chicken.
There are numerous ambitious, up-and-coming restaurants where local chefs put together delicious fusion creations, combining the best of local ingredients with worldwide flavours.
At weekends, head for Sugbo Mercado, where you’ll find an eclectic mix of pop-up venues serving the latest in Cebu and Filipino cuisine.
Hit the beach
Cebu island boasts some world-class beaches with everything from beach huts in palm trees to luxury resorts.
Some of the easiest to reach are on Mactan, an island that’s also home to Cebu’s airport. You could be on your sun-lounger, with your toes in clean, white sand just minutes after leaving the terminal.
For a more active beach break, head to neighbouring Bohol, a two-hour ferry ride from Cebu City – the resorts around its coast are perfect for a day out. Away from its beach, the island’s lush, green interior has locations like the enigmatic Chocolate Hills, over a thousand small conical limestone peaks.
Flying to Cebu: FAQs
How long do most people stay in Cebu?
Most people spend three to four days exploring Cebu City. After this, most people tend to head out to see the rest of the island or visit one of the other 168 islets in the Cebu province. You can stay in Cebu for longer and use it as a base for day trips.
What part of the Philippines is Cebu in?
Cebu is in the Visayas region, which makes up the central section of the Philippines archipelago. Cebu City is the most populous city in the region. Cebu island is one of its biggest islands at 122 miles long.
What's the national food of the Philippines?
Adobo is the nation’s most popular dish and worth seeking out in Cebu City. Stewed meat, usually chicken, is cooked in a sauce of vinegar, soy sauce and garlic for a wonderfully moreish dish.