Perfect white sand shorelines and crystal blue turquoise waters await you in Cebu – a beautiful narrow piece of paradise located in Central Philippines.

Together with Palawan, Boracay, and Bohol as top island destinations in the Philippines, the island of Cebu has plenty of pockets of beaches that are just stunning.

Here are 5 of Cebu’s Most Beautiful Beaches:

 

Santa Fe Beaches in Bantayan Island

Bantayan Island is found in the northernmost part of Cebu. It is about 140km from Cebu City, and can be reached within 3.5 to 5 hours.

The town of Santa Fe features the best beaches on the island, where long, and wide, white sand beaches fronting crystal clear blue/green waters are yours to enjoy.

Some of the beaches to visit include Sugar Beach, with its sugar-fine sand; Paradise Beach, with its fine white sand and secluded location; and Virgin Island – a 30-minute boat ride away featuring gorgeous white sands with only a couple of small resorts to stay in.

 

Santiago Bay in Camotes Island

Camotes Island is found to the east of Cebu and can be reached through a ferry or a private yacht from the mainland. About 86 km from Cebu City, the island has a rural, rustic, and unspoiled, laid-back vibe.

The most beautiful beach on the island is definitely Santiago Bay, with its expansive white sands and aqua-blue ocean waters. Lined along Santiago Bay are open-air restaurants and small resorts catering to every kind of traveler.

If you’re looking for a stunning beach in Cebu with an authentic provincial atmosphere, then Camotes Island should be on top of your list.

 

Bounty Beach, Malapascua Island

Another island located to the northernmost tip of Cebu, Malapascua is famous for thresher shark sightings, making it popular among diving enthusiasts. But even non-divers will be enchanted with Malapascua – once you arrive on Bounty Beach, you will be greeted with soft, white sand, clear turquoise waters, and a peaceful shoreline with swaying palm trees.

 

Beach Resorts in Mactan Island

Mactan Island is located to the east of mainland Cebu and can be reached in less than an hour’s drive. Well-developed and having a cosmopolitan vibe with its high-rise condominiums and a long list of high-end accommodations, there’s plenty to choose from if you wish to enjoy the spoils of Mactan’s beaches.

Most of the beautiful beaches are found within resorts, though, so getting the most of Mactan’s stunning beaches are best enjoyed through these resorts.

 

White Beach in Moalboal

Moalboal is located about 85 km from Cebu City, and can be reached in about 2 1/2 hours. There are two main beaches in this lively town, Panagsama (which is more rocky), and White Beach (known locally as Basdaku).

White Beach is an expansive 1 kilometer beach with fine white sand and crystal blue waters, and popular during the weekends and holidays where it can get crowded with both local and foreign visitors.

Aside from its beautiful sand and water, Moalboal is also a popular diving spot, with a long reef rich in sea life. Snorkeling, scuba diving, and free diving are popular activities here, where the lucky ones catch sightings of sea turtles.

 

So there you have it, a list of Cebu’s most stunning beaches – from rural seaside escapes to luxurious 5-star pampering on the beach, the island is packed with beautiful beaches left and right for every type of beach connoisseur.

Featured image: flickr.com/skumroffe