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 SM City Cebu.

Gabi
Default Image

Cogon

Cogon might not have many top sights, but Gaisano Grand Mall Mactan and SM City Cebu 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 SM City Cebu 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 €94 per night from 17 Mar to 18 Mar
€94
includes taxes & fees
17 Mar - 18 Mar
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 Ayala Center are located ...
7.6/10 Good! (240 reviews)
"Very nice place to stay. Very clean."

Reviewed on 5 Mar 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 €281 per night from 19 Mar to 20 Mar
€281
includes taxes & fees
19 Mar - 20 Mar
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! (1,000 reviews)
Needs room renovation, but still excellent
"Is the Best hotel in Mactan, because it has the best beach and is a Shangri La, But is old and the rooms need a renovation. The service is excellent."

Reviewed on 10 Mar 2025

Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu
The Reef Island Resort Mactan, Cebu
The Reef Island Resort Mactan, Cebu
4 out of 5
Dapdap, Mactan, Lapu-Lapu, Cebu
The price is €149 per night from 15 Mar to 16 Mar
€149
includes taxes & fees
15 Mar - 16 Mar
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Lapu-Lapu. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (388 reviews)
"ALWAYS PERFECT.. Hearty and her team of front desk did a great job!"

Reviewed on 6 Mar 2025

The Reef Island Resort Mactan, Cebu
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.
Home Away From Home!, Villa Loromar Unit 2, Cordova Cebu Philippines!
Home Away From Home!, Villa Loromar Unit 2, Cordova Cebu Philippines!
Cordova
Stay at this villa in Cordova. Enjoy a garden, patios, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions SM City Cebu and SM Seaside City Cebu are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (5 reviews)
Downtown Cordova
"Nice stay in the middle of Cordova"

Reviewed on 19 Jan 2025

Home Away From Home!, Villa Loromar Unit 2, Cordova Cebu Philippines!
Citadines Cebu City
Citadines Cebu City
4 out of 5
Baseline Center Juana Osmena Street, Cebu
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Cebu. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (447 reviews)
"Very nice size rooms. Will stay here again."

Reviewed on 10 Mar 2025

Citadines Cebu City
88th Avenue
88th Avenue
3.5 out of 5
Gov. M. Cuenco Ave, Cebu, Central Visayas
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Cebu. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (117 reviews)
Excellent stay 88th Avenue hotel
"Awesome hotel with serviced apts. great service too. The mall connected to the front entrance has a multitude of excellent restaurants and bars."

Reviewed on 4 Mar 2025

88th Avenue
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.