Carcar Heritage Town & Chicharon Food Trip

An hour south of Cebu City lies Carcar, the island's designated heritage town and undisputed chicharon capital of the Philippines. This relaxed half-day food-and-history trip wanders the well-preserved Spanish-colonial streets, taking in the grand St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish Church and the 1920s American-era Rotunda with its bandstand and statues by local artist Dr. Ramon Abellana.

The real draw, of course, is the food. Carcar's chicharon, the light, airy, double-fried pork rinds, is shipped all over the country, and you sample it fresh at the source. Right by the Rotunda is the lechon market, where stalls of glistening roast pork are widely rated among the best in Cebu; nearby carinderias will happily let you sit and eat your takeout with a cold drink.

Round it off at the Carcar Pasalubong Center for local sweets and souvenirs like ampao and bocarillo. With a comfortable van transfer from Cebu City, it is an easy, delicious detour that combines well with the Simala Shrine or a southern beach run.