Cebu, known as the "Queen City of the South," is a must-visit destination in the Philippines. It offers a mix of pristine beaches, historical landmarks, stunning waterfalls, and exciting adventures. Here are the top 10 places you should explore when visiting Cebu:
1. Magellan's Cross
This place consists of an octagonal building in which there is a large cross. This cross was established in the year 1541 by Magellan who had converted the local people to Christianity. Some people believe that this cross isn't the one established by Magellan as it was destroyed by the residents when this explorer left.
2. Cebu Heritage Monument
The Cebu Heritage Monument is a postmodern work of art that depicts the history of Cebu. The sculptures were built by Eduardo Castrillo and the monument features all major landmarks of Cebu and the region’s history through the centuries. You can make out the Basilica del Santo Nino and the Magellan’s Cross, as well as scenes from Cebu's history like the baptism of Rajah Humabon and the Battle of Mactan. For this and the art, the place is one of the most important places to visit in Cebu.
3. Olango Island
Olango Island, a declared wildlife sanctuary, offers an inviting escape into nature with its diverse coastal ecosystem, featuring expansive sandy beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and Cebu Province’s largest mangrove forest.
This 4,482-hectare protected island serves as a vital flyway for migratory birds. If you visit between November and February, you'll have the chance to enjoy birdwatching, where you can marvel at 97 different bird species as they flock to this serene haven.
4. Fort San Pedro
Built under the command of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi in 1560, this legendary fort was a defense structure and is triangular. This fort is probably one of the only constants in the ever-changing and ever-growing Cebu. Now, Fort San Pedro is a museum dedicated to preserving the legacy of the Spanish Government. You can find several artifacts, such as Spanish documents, sculptures, and paintings.
5. Basilica del Santo Nino
Situated on Osmeña Blvd in Cebu City, Basilica del Santo Nino (Minor Basilica of the Holy Child of Cebú) is the oldest church in the Philippines that was built in 1565 by Miguel Lopez de Legazpi. Also known as Santo Nino Basilica, the original church was built in hardwood, nipa, and mud. Unfortunately, the structure was destroyed by fire twice and this is only the third one.
6. Kawasan Falls
One of the most famous waterfalls in the Philippines, Kawasan Falls features crystal-clear turquoise waters surrounded by lush greenery. Visitors can go canyoneering, swim, or enjoy bamboo rafting under the waterfalls.
7. Oslob
The Cebu island is most famous for its enormous herds of whale sharks that live off the shore near the town of Oslob. These enormous marine animals are not the killer sharks that we have seen in the movies, in fact they are completely harmless. A large number of tourists go snorkeling and diving with the shark herds and there are plenty of shark tour companies that can offer guaranteed sighting and diving equipment. Shark sighting is one of the huge Cebu tourist attractions.
8. Carnaza Island
Carnaza Island, one of the newest tourist spots in Cebu Island Province, spans 173 hectares and offers endless sights to explore on its unique, turtle-shaped landscape.
This island is home to mangrove swamps, lagoons, rolling hills, and lush forests, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Visayan Sea. Its pristine white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters invite you to dive right in, while hidden caves and a scenic cliff offer the perfect vantage point for a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of the island.
9. Jumalon Butterfly Sanctuary
The butterfly sanctuary is certainly one of the most beautiful places in Cebu. Filled with tropical plants and flowers that are maintained in a near-rainforest fashion, the reserve is teeming with all kinds of butterflies. There is an indoor collection of butterfly specimens that showcases just how rich the biodiversity is in Cebu, and there is also an art gallery here which you should take time out to visit.
10. Carbon Market
Cebu, just like Manila is a popular shopping destination. The Carbon Market is an old marketplace that has existed for around 100 years. The market is popular for clothing, house décor, religious goods, vegetables, meat, and more. Besides, there are local food outlets and restaurants to try out different assortments of snacks and meals. Also, one of the most popular attractions of the Carbon Market is the horse carriages that take people around the market.
