With its impeccable reefs and gaudy sealife, Cebu is a holy grail for divers. Mactan is best for newbies, Moalboal is famous for its million-strong ‘Sardine Run’, and Kimud Shoal sees hammerhead sharks congregate in April. Oslob is known for its whale sharks, but it's worth noting that they are hand-fed and do not naturally gather here. You may prefer to head to sustainable locations at Donsol in Luzon and Sogod Bay in southern Leyte instead.

Spanish settlers arrived in the 16th century to trade spice and evangelise, and they left a lasting legacy: the country now claims the third-largest Catholic population in the world, after Brazil and Mexico. It all began in Cebu, where some of the country's oldest churches still stand, including the glorious Basilica del Santo Nino and the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral.

Typically a centrepiece of a Philippine fiesta, the country is fiercely proud of their lechon — whole suckling pig, stuffed with scallions, bay and spices and roasted over charcoal made from coconut husks. It’s rich, unctuous and delicious, and Anthony Bourdain went so far as to declare Cebuano lechon the best roast pig in the world – which means it jumps to the top of the list of things to do in Cebu.

A Cebu holiday is not complete without a dip in a waterfall. The Mantayupan, Inambakan or Dao Falls all offer cool lagoon waters nestled in tropical foliage. If you’re up for an adventure, try canyoneering in Badian. where you’ll navigate steep cliff faces, jungle terrain and slippery surfaces until you’re amply rewarded by the perfect turquoise of Kawasan Falls.

Climb the highest mountain in Cebu for spectacular views of the coastal city from 1,013 meters above the sea. Best done at sunrise when it’s cooler, the short 20-minute walk across the jagged terrain of the Mantalongon mountain range suits hikers of all levels. Avoid the weekends, when the trail gets busy.

There are 167 islands in Cebu’s stunning archipelago and most can be reached by ferry from Cebu City. Bantayan, Sumilon and Malapascua are among the most popular, boasting laid-back beach bars, hammocks slung from the trees and beautiful coral that attracts a kaleidoscope of fish.

Fort San Pedro has worn many hats since it was built by the Spanish in 1565. It was first an army garrison, then a rebel stronghold during the Philippine Revolution. Next it was a prison camp and later even a zoo. Now the venerable structure shelters a museum containing Spanish-era artifacts and paintings, and serves as a beautiful place to take in the Cebu sunset.

The Terrazas De Flores Botanical Garden is an impressive feat of landscaping, a series of stepped terraces which play host to more than 120 species of painstakingly cultivated tropical flowers. The garden is located high above the city, where it’s cooler, and boasts beautiful views from its cabanas, viewing decks and cafe.

Built in 1680 by the Chinese merchant Don Juan Yap and his wife Doña Maria Florido, the Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House is one of the oldest homes in the country, making it a top Cebu tourist attraction. It fuses Spanish and Chinese architectural design, created in wood, coral stone and terracotta tile. Inside you’ll find a hoard of antiquities, from kitchenware to religious art and paintings of the eight generations to have lived in the house.