Top Summer Destinations in Cebu (2025 Travel Guide)

Last Updated on June 26, 2025 by Roxanne Tamayo

With its crystal-clear waters, white-sand beaches, hidden waterfalls, and rich cultural history, Cebu is one of the best summer getaways in the Philippines. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, beach lover, or cultural traveler, this list of top summer destinations in Cebu will help you plan your perfect escape.

Bantayan Island – Tranquility Meets Turquoise Waters

Bantayan Island – the island has three municipalities: Santa Fe, Bantayan, and Madridejos. I’ve been here so many times since my father’s relatives live here. The image above was taken at Sugar Beach Resort located in Santa Fe, Cebu. An overnight stay may cost less than 2K pesos.

Why go: Think powdery white sand, peaceful vibes, and postcard-worthy sunsets. Bantayan is ideal for couples, families, and solo travelers seeking a relaxed summer vacation.

Highlights:

• Kota Beach & Sugar Beach
• Ogtong Cave
• Virgin Island day trip
• Cliff diving at The Ruins

📍 How to get there: Bus from Cebu City to Hagnaya Port + 1-hour ferry to Santa Fe

Related Articles:

• How to Get to Bantayan Island from Cebu: The Ultimate Travel Guide
• 3 Days Bantayan Island Itinerary Guide
• Holy Week in Bantayan Island
• Budyong Beach Resort Bantayan Island Getaway
• Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Bantayan, Cebu
• Day Tour at Ogtong Cave Resort

Camotes Islands – Island-Hopping Without the Crowds

Camotes Island – I was here last August 2012. The island is made up of four islands with their municipalities: Poro – Poro and Tudela; Pacijan – San Francisco; Ponson – Pilar; and Tulang – an islet and also part of San Francisco. The image above was taken at Santiago Whit e Beach. For an overnight stay, you can have your budget less or more 2K pesos.

Why go: Often overlooked, the Camotes Islands offer a quiet escape with caves, beaches, and inland lagoons.

Highlights:

• Lake Danao
• Santiago Bay Beach
• Bukilat Cave
• Timubo Cave

📍 Ferry from Danao Port (1.5–2 hours from Cebu City)

Related Article: Camotes Island Travel Guide

Malapascua Island – Diving & Hidden Beach Bliss

Malapascua Island – a tiny island located in Daanbantayan, Cebu. I was here with my aunt and other relatives. I really don’t know the budget since we stayed at Cocobana Beach Resort. The image above was the view in front of where we stayed.

Why go: Malapascua is a diver’s paradise, home to the rare thresher shark and quiet, secluded beaches.

Highlights:

• Monad Shoal thresher shark dive
• Lighthouse Beach & Langob Beach
• Kalanggaman Island (nearby)

📍 How to get there: Bus to Maya Port + 30-min boat ride

Related Articles:

• Malapascua Island Hotels and Accommodation – Where to Stay?
• Pictures of Thresher Sharks Malapascua Island
• How to Get to Malapascua Island from Cebu City plus Kalanggaman Island Trip
• Thresher Shark Diving in Malapascua: A Must-Do Dive Experience in Cebu, Philippines
• The Beauty of Kalanggaman Island Tours Photos
• Best Place to Do an Open Water Diver Course Cebu

Moalboal – Snorkeling & Sardine Run Paradise

Why go: Moalboal offers some of the best underwater experiences in the Philippines—including swimming with millions of sardines!

Highlights:

• Sardine Run at Panagsama Beach
• Snorkeling with turtles
• Island hopping to Pescador Island
• White Beach for sunbathing

📍 How to get there: 3-hour bus ride from Cebu City

Related Article: Moalboal Travel Guide

Kawasan Falls – Adventure & Instagram Goals

Why go: One of the most famous waterfalls in the country, Kawasan Falls is known for its vibrant blue pools and adrenaline-pumping canyoneering.

Highlights:

• Canyoneering from Alegria to Badian
• Bamboo rafting under the falls
• Cliff jumping spots

📍 Badian, Southern Cebu

💡 Tip: Book your canyoneering tour in advance during summer months!

Related Article: Badian Canyoneering in Cebu, Philippines

Oslob – Whale Shark Watching & Tumalog Falls

Why go: One of Cebu’s most talked-about destinations, Oslob offers a chance to swim alongside whale sharks and explore scenic spots nearby.

Highlights:

• Whale shark interaction (early morning)
• Tumalog Falls for a refreshing dip
• Sumilon Island day tour

📍 South Cebu (3.5–4 hours from Cebu City)

Sirao Flower Garden – The “Little Amsterdam” of Cebu

Why go: This Instagram-famous garden offers breathtaking flower fields and mountain views—perfect for day trips and couples.

Highlights:

• Sirao Pictorial Garden
• Mini windmill and flower installations
• Near Temple of Leah for a full afternoon tour

📍 Busay, just 30–45 minutes from Cebu City

Related Articles:

• That Amsterdam Feeling at Sirao Flower Farm in Cebu, Philippines
• Adventure Cafe and Zipline in Balamban, Cebu
• Ultimate Guide: Top Things to Do in Cebu City (2025 Edition)

Tops Lookout – Sunset with a View

Why go: Offering panoramic views of Cebu City and Mactan Island, this is the ideal spot to unwind after a full day of exploration.

Highlights:

• Best sunset views in Cebu
• Romantic atmosphere
• Nearby cafés and chill spots

📍 Busay Hills, Cebu City

Related Article: My First Discovery Scuba Diving Experience at Kontiki Dive Resort

Sumilon Island – Private Island Luxury

Why go: A stunning private island getaway just off Oslob—perfect for a luxurious summer day trip or overnight stay.

Highlights:

• Sandbar views that change with the tide
• Snorkeling and kayaking
• Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort

📍 Near Oslob, accessible by boat

Related Articles:

• Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort Travel Guide
• Kayaking and Lunch Time in Sumilon Island
• Sumilon Island Tour Images
• Bancogon Before Going to Sumilon Island

Dalaguete – Summer Hike & Highlands Escape

Why go: Home to Cebu’s highest peak, Dalaguete is a refreshing summer break away from the heat and crowds.

Highlights:

• Osmeña Peak (with sea of hills)
• Mantalongon vegetable terraces
• Cool mountain weather

📍 3–4 hours from Cebu City

Final Travel Tips

• Best time to visit: March to May (summer season in the Philippines)
• Bring reef-safe sunscreen and plenty of water
• Book transport early during holidays and weekends
• Pack light, breathable clothes and water shoes for waterfalls

Cebu is the ultimate summer playground—whether you’re diving with sharks, chasing waterfalls, or lounging on white-sand beaches. Let the sun lead the way and discover the best that Cebu has to offer this summer!

Places to Visit in Cebu and Other Things To Do

Cebu City

• Ultimate Guide: Top Things to Do in Cebu City (2025 Edition)
• MyBus PH Cebu Route Updates
• The Best Flower Farms in the Philippines: A Blooming Travel Guide
• Adventure Cafe and Zipline in Balamban, Cebu
• That Amsterdam Feeling at Sirao Flower Farm in Cebu, Philippines
• My First Discovery Scuba Diving Experience at Kontiki Dive Resort
• RAFI-KAC Now Open to Serve the Public
• Lakwatsa sa Sugbo 2014
• Best Place to Do an Open Water Diver Course Cebu
• Top Summer Destinations in Cebu (2025 Travel Guide)

Cebu South

• Moalboal Travel Guide
• Moalboal Beach Resort – Secluded Yet a Lovely Stay
• Badian Canyoneering in Cebu, Philippines
• Dagitab Festival Street Dancing in City of Naga, Cebu
• Unwinding at Paulo Luna Beach Resort in San Fernando, Cebu
• Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort Travel Guide