Cape Winelands! Top must see places

Vineyard in South African Western Cape

 

A world of unique destinations, each with its own beauty and charm is what you can expect from spending a few days in the Cape Winelands.  This  world-renowned ruote offers any keen visitor a chance to explore a mix of old colonial charm and modernity, while also getting a good enough taste of nature.  The Cape Winelands Route ,  known for its serenity and tranquility, also boasts a wealth of picturesque vineyards lying against rugged mountains and enjoying a beautiful country feel. Here are some of the best towns not to miss during your winelands route vacation.

Stellenbosch

This lovely and quaint town boasts a glorious and quiet location 50 Km outside of Cape Town while lying on the banks of the Eerste River. Stellenbosch makes a perfect weekend getaway destination for Capetonians.  Like any other winelands town, Stellenbosch is known for unrivalled viticulture where an endless list of award winning wines are produced. If you are not going to Stellenbosch for the wine experience, then you are definitely looking to enjoy some sightseeing and  exciting events that always set the town abuzz.

Franschhoek

Amidst a majestic range of mountains, 75 km from Cape Town is Franschhoek, a small town we like to identify as  a” dynamite in a small package.” For any town in the Cape Winelands, Franschhoek is praised for it’s quaint old charm  of Cape Dutch architecture – most of which still retain its original form. Although some houses have been meticulously restored, there is no doubt that this little town’s most enjoyed activity is sightseeing, beside the wine culture of course! The town also offers aplenty restaurants and places to dine that will just make a perfect getaway.

Wellington

Not too far from from Paarl, is Wellington, a small town the oozes  an abundance of wine and brandy, altogether with deciduous fruit. Wellington boasts an incredible position at the centre on of the Cape Winelands and at the base of the Bain’s Kloof Pass, the oldest mountain pass in the country. Surely, you ought to know that a visit to the winelands is not complete until you have wandered through the streets of the town and absorbing the simplicity of a lifestyle the town offers.

Hermanus

With its own little wine route coming along and showing potential, Hermanus also falls under the glorious Cape Wineland and offers a fantastic range of wineries worth a visit. This coastal town not only boasts locally produced wines, it s also notorious for the presence of the Southern Right Whale in winter and spring. In September, there is an annual Whale Festival, so taking some time to celebrate the beginning of their mating season is time well spent in the town.

Robertson

Situated in the  heart of the rustic and scenic Route62, Robertson is just a perfect retreat for romance. The  wine industry  in Robertson has grown significantly with up to 50 wine cellars now registered and for wine tasting venues, you are spoilt for choice. With the town’s tourism growing too, you are sure to enjoy romantic star- gazing under the African night sky, hiking and skydiving.

Stay in the loop to keep up to date with our newest members of our growing family. This week, we are are proud to announce: 75 Cascades, a luxury self-catering holiday apartment Umdloti Beach, KwaZulu Natal’s Dolphin Coast.

Top 10 Coastal Towns in South Africa

You deserve a break. It’s been a long year. And nothing says “holiday” quite like a sea-breeze and the feeling of sand between your toes. Whether it’s a quaint seaside village, a local gem, or somewhere with Happy Hour and a view, there isn’t much you can’t find along South Africa’s extraordinary coastline. Each one of the coastal towns in South Africa has its own special flavour, and we have chosen ten of the best to get you started.

Image Credit - Luis E.1. Pringle bay

About an hour outside of Cape Town, Pringle Bay sits quiet and unassuming, surrounded by mountains on three of its sides. If the wind picks up, have a coffee and amble around the craft shops and galleries in the town centre. Or even better, visit South Africa’s first UNESCO registered Biosphere Reserve, Kogelberg, to get your nature kicks.

2. Coffee Bay

The hills that roll away from Coffee Bay and into the warm Indian Ocean will teach you something new about the colour green. Surf, hike, and share a beer with travellers from all around the world. It’s not known as one of the most popular backpacking destinations for nothing.

3. Wilderness

Known for its hospitality and warm weather, Wilderness is perfect if you’re looking for something low-key and reliable along the Garden Route. Nothing makes enough noise to be heard over the sound of the sea, which makes it a great place to recharge. Take a walk along the abandoned tracks of the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe, or keep the couch company with a good book.

Image Credit - Meraj Chhaya4. Port St. Johns

Port St. Johns isn’t interested in being tamed. Rustic and authentic, its history is surprising and its fishing is top notch. Take a walk along one of the unspoiled beaches or trek through an overgrown forest. Catch up on some deep breaths and much needed sleep.

5. Zinkwazi

Zinkwazi lies low just past Kwazulu Natal’s more popular spots. Foot-traffic is sparse, which leaves the estuary quiet enough for the birds to stay happy. Get out your binoculars and see if you can spy the town’s name-sake, which is the Zulu word for Fish Eagle.

6. St Francis Bay

St Francis Bay is built on the banks of interlinking canals, and having the water so close by is a definite perk. You can sit on the deck with a glass of wine and watch the neighbours SUP past, or fish right off your front garden lawn. This small town knows how good it feels to be on holiday, and it makes sure you don’t have to lift a finger by bringing the sea to you.

Image Credit - Tom Booth7. Plettenberg Bay

Plettenberg Bay doesn’t let the sea air dampen its mood. Bustling and energetic, it offers all the great qualities of a coastal town and adds a beat. Spend the day playing beach volley-ball and end it right with a cocktail, or five. You’re on holiday – you can always sleep in.

8. Nature’s Valley

Nature’s Valley is the only town in South Africa that’s situated within a national park, and that’s reason enough to visit. Being the endpoint of the famous Otter Trail, it attracts all kinds of nature lovers. If history’s your thing, it’s also home to the Cape Columbine Lighthouse, which is the last manned lighthouse in South Africa.

Image Credit - fabulousfabs9. Paternoster

Looking for a postcard perfect getaway? Paternoster’s your place. The white-washed fishermen’s cottages and rocky coastline will spice up your Instagram enough to make all your friends jealous. Oh, and take that seafood recipe you’ve been waiting to try; they take their fishing seriously.

10. Hermanus

Despite being best known for the whales that visit every year, Hermanus has a lot more to offer. If you’re feeling daring, shark-cage diving is only a few minutes’ drive away. If you’re not, go wine-tasting in the Hemel en Aarde valley. No matter your choice, there is good food to be had and you won’t be short of a view.

Image Credit - Rob SchleiffertImage Credits:
Luis E.
Meraj Chhaya
Tom Booth
fabulousfabs
Rob Schleiffert