Cebu is one of the Philippines’ most dynamic islands, with coral reefs fringing the coast, mountain ridgelines shaping the interior, and city life moving with busy purpose. As the country’s primary trading hub, Cebu City’s energy is palpable; street food stalls sizzle, students spill out onto university plazas, and cafés and galleries reflect a growing creative scene. The city is dotted with 16th-century landmarks, including the must-see Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, home to Magellan’s Cross, and the triangular Fort San Pedro, today a garden and museum. Outside the city, however, the pace is slower. Here, the shoreline gives way to white-sand beaches and sparklingly clear shallows with local fishermen eager to show off their beautiful home. Hop aboard a slender banca boat and weave through the 150 sun-drenched islets and islands for an unforgettable taste of what makes the Philippines so magical.
