London to Cebu, Philippines from £392

🌍 About Cebu, Philippines

Cebu is where Spain landed in 1521 — the Philippines' oldest city, and the Santo Niño here (a small statue Magellan gave the local chief) is the country's oldest Christian relic, still venerated in its own basilica. But the real reason to come is the lechon. Cebuano roast pig is stuffed with lemongrass, garlic and scallion and eaten with no dipping sauce at all — the skin shatters and the meat is seasoned through, which is why people fly in for it. Carcar, an hour south, is the lechon town. Come in the December–May dry season. January is best and worst at once: the Sinulog festival (third Sunday) brings a million people and a real street party, but fares and hotels spike — book early or aim for February.