Housed in a kiosk, this iconic and much prized monument marks the spot where the explorer Ferdinand Magellan planted a cross after baptising the first Filippinos, so creating Cebu as the cradle of Christianity in the Philippines. Look skywards to admire the ceiling paintings depicting the historical event.

You will be surprised by the straight layout of the city's historical heart in sharp contrast to the usual maze of streets. A walk through Rabat's medina could look like this: start your visit at the Bab El Had gate and take Souika Street, the largest and probably busiest street in the medina. You will arrive in the Es Sabat souk, the shoe market, covered with reed mats and overflowing with babouches (leather slippers) as well as silver and gold jewellery. You then come to the partially glass-roofed Rue des Consuls where craftsmen make woollen carpets, fabrics and copperware. The medina also offers low-priced and local food, so do not hesitate to try mint tea, pastillas or tagine.

Twice a year during winter and spring, on one of the most important migratory flyways in the world, tens of thousands of birds touch down on this small island to rest their weary bodies. Plovers, red shanks, egrets and sandpipers are just some of the winged visitors that can be seen here.