Cordova

Travel Guide

Photo by chixx_sy
Photo by Cebuana Solo Traveller
Photo by Mark Emerson Garciano
Photo by Natalie Robinson
Photo by Cebuana Solo Traveller

Explore a mangrove swamp, go snorkeling in crystal-clear water and unwind in the comfort of beachfront hotels at this town on Mactan Island.

Cordova is a small tourist destination blessed with incredible natural beauty and exciting watersports. The town sits on the southeast coast of Mactan Island surrounded by beautiful beaches, mangrove forests and wetlands. Cordova is also just a short drive from the historic and entertainment attractions of Cebu City.

When visiting this paradise getaway, stay at one of the many family-friendly and waterfront beach resorts. Enjoy the comforts of upscale hotels with amenities such as bars, restaurants, spas and seawater pools. Arrange island-hopping, scuba-diving and snorkeling excursions to pristine Filipino islands, including Bantayan Island and Malapascua Island.

Dedicate some time to appreciate the 247 acres (100 hectares) of untouched mangrove forest that drapes over much of the town. The Day-as Boardwalk and Marine Park is a great place to get up-close views of this. Watch fishermen bring in their catch on traditional outrigger boats at Cordova Pier.

Cordova also incorporates the Gilutongan Marine Sanctuary and Nalusuan Marine Sanctuary, both situated on Olonga Reef. Marvel at perfectly preserved coral reef and spot multicolored marine life while snorkeling in the sanctuaries’ tranquil waters.

Another interesting place to visit is the Gaisano Grand Mall of Mactan, which has a variety of retail outlets and fast-food restaurants. Dine on plates of fresh seafood at a floating restaurant and browse the food stalls at Takan Public Market Park. Go to Magellan’s Marker and Lapu-Lapu Monument in nearby Lapu-Lapu CityOpens in a new window. These landmarks commemorate Lapu-Lapu, the 16th-century ruler of Mactan Island, and the death of Portuguese explore Ferdinand Magellan.

Cordova is about 8 miles (13 kilometers) south from Mactan-Cebu International Airport, the main transport hub for Cebu Island. Public buses travel between the town and airport and most resorts provide a shuttle service.

Extend your Cordova vacation and visit Cebu City, the capital of Cebu Island. Here you can learn about the island’s Spanish colonial history at the Minor Basilica of the Holy ChildOpens in a new window (Basilica Minore del Santo Niño) and Fort San PedroOpens in a new window. Enjoy sweeping views at Tops LookoutOpens in a new window and a thrilling roller coaster and sky walk at the Sky Experience Adventure.

Where to stay in Cordova

Default Image

Gabi

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Gabi and surrounding area, you can visit Gaisano Grand Mall Mactan and Jpark Island Waterpark.

Gabi
Default Image

Catarman

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Catarman and surrounding area, you can visit Gaisano Grand Mall Mactan and Cebu Port.

Catarman
Default Image

Cogon

Cogon might not have many top sights, but Gaisano Grand Mall Mactan and Jpark Island Waterpark are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Cogon
Default Image

Alegria

While Alegria may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Gaisano Grand Mall Mactan and Jpark Island Waterpark.

Alegria
Solea Mactan Resort

Solea Mactan Resort

3.5 out of 5
Alegria Barangay Road, Mactan Island, Cordova, Cebu
The price is RM332 per night from 5 Aug to 6 Aug
RM332
RM372 total
5 Aug - 6 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in Cordova. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 7 outdoor pools. Popular attractions SM City Cebu and Magellan's Cross are located ...
7.6/10 Good! (266 reviews)
"A lot of options in terms of what to do in the property. They have multiple pools and an inflatable obstacle course. The beach area is well maintained and they have a decent size beach front compared to other resorts in the area. The buffet is great they have good selections of food ranging from ..."

Reviewed on 18 Jul 2025

Solea Mactan Resort
Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu

Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu

5 out of 5
Punta Engano Road, Lapu-Lapu, Cebu
The price is RM660 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
RM660
RM811 total
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Lapu-Lapu. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,009 reviews)
"Beautiful Beautiful resort. This place is very kid friendly. They have many activities to keep the children engaged and entertained. It is very very clean. The breakfast buffet is to die for! Amazing choices. Love it."

Reviewed on 18 Jul 2025

Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu
Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort

Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort

4 out of 5
Punta Engano Road, Mactan Island, Lapu-Lapu, Central Visayas
The price is RM757 per night from 22 Jul to 23 Jul
RM757
RM939 total
22 Jul - 23 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Lapu-Lapu. Enjoy free parking, a full-service spa, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (303 reviews)
"Everything was good except when you took a shower there was never any hot water. Cold showers are awful in my book."

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Citadines Cebu City

Citadines Cebu City

4 out of 5
Baseline Center Juana Osmena Street, Cebu City
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Cebu City. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (509 reviews)
"Great stay. Charming breakfast and amenities"

Reviewed on 15 Jul 2025

Citadines Cebu City
88th Avenue

88th Avenue

3.5 out of 5
Gov. M. Cuenco Ave, Cebu City, Central Visayas
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Cebu City. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (145 reviews)
"The staff was very courteous, very professional, friendly and professional. The only drawback was that netflix wws not working. I absolutely loved everything eose, the gym is great, the eateries that support the hotel, the market, and the entire property was fantastic."

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025

88th Avenue
CSuites at 8 Newtown Residences

CSuites at 8 Newtown Residences

3 out of 5
G/F Retail 102 A 8 Newtown Blvd., Mactan, Lapu-Lapu, Cebu
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in Lapu-Lapu. Enjoy free WiFi, in-room massages, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the property condition in our ...
8/10 Very Good! (181 reviews)
"Good location. Close to many restaurants as well as a grocery store and pharmacy."

Reviewed on 17 May 2025

CSuites at 8 Newtown Residences
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.