5 SA towns that feel exactly like Greece - without the price tag

The South African

13-05-2025

Dreaming of whitewashed houses, turquoise seas, and sun-drenched tavernas – but not the Euro prices? You don't need to cross continents, South Africa has its own slice of Mediterranean magic! From seaside villages to mountain-fringed harbours, these five towns serve up the vibes of Greece – minus the long-haul flight and tourist crowds… Paternoster, Western Cape. Image: canva
Greek vibe: Santorini meets rustic fishing village.
Paternoster is a postcard-perfect coastal town on the West Coast. Think white cottages with blue trim, seafood straight from the ocean, and narrow sand lanes that feel more like a Cycladic alley than anything you'd expect this side of the Med.
The beaches are windswept and wild, and the sunsets over the Atlantic burn gold and orange. There's a laid-back rhythm to life here – fishermen still launch wooden boats from the beach, and bistros like Wolfgat (world-renowned, yet unpretentious) serve fresh, hyper-local fare that wouldn't be out of place on a Greek island.
Why it's pocket-friendly:
Accommodation ranges from budget beach houses to affordable boutique stays. Fresh seafood is abundant and local, meaning no import markups. It's also a short drive from Cape Town – no domestic flight needed. Kalk Bay harbour. Image: canva
Greek vibe: Athens by the sea – with bohemian soul.
Kalk Bay is all cobbled streets, harbour life, and old-world charm. Cafés spill onto sidewalks, fishermen sell snoek right off the boats, and colourful houses climb the mountainside like a Mediterranean amphitheater.
There's an unmistakable whiff of the Aegean in the air – especially when you're perched at a seaside café with grilled calamari and a glass of sauvignon blanc, watching seals beg for scraps. The town's mix of eccentric art shops, ocean views, and slow living make it one of Cape Town's most underrated gems.
Why it's pocket-friendly:
It's part of Cape Town, so no extra travel costs once you're in the city. Meals, especially seafood and wine, are excellent value, and the area offers guesthouses and self-catering spots at a fraction of international coastal rates. Sunset at the Knysna marina. Image: canva
Greek vibe: Aegean port town surrounded by nature.
Knysna may sit on a lagoon, not the sea, but it channels that Greek-island-meets-nature-reserve energy. Its calm, blue waters and forested hills bring to mind Greece's quieter isles, like Skopelos or Alonissos.
The Knysna Heads – two cliffs that guard the entrance to the lagoon – are the town's signature sight, and boat trips here rival any Aegean sunset cruise. Waterfront restaurants serve oysters and seafood platters that would make a Greek grandmother proud.
Why it's pocket-friendly:
Knysna is full of affordable lodges and B&Bs, and many activities – like hikes, beaches, and lagoon cruises – are low-cost or free. Dining is upscale but reasonably priced, especially compared to similar European settings. Fishermen cottages in Arniston. Image: canva
Greek vibe: Hidden coastal village, whitewashed charm, and ancient caves.
South Africa's Arniston is the kind of town you'd miss if you weren't looking for it – and that's exactly the point. It's remote, quiet, and wrapped in raw natural beauty.
The Kassiesbaai fishermen's village is a national monument with low, whitewashed cottages that could've been lifted from the pages of a travel guide for Greece. Add in turquoise waters, dramatic cliffs, and the giant Waenhuiskrans sea cave (accessible only at low tide), and you've got the makings of a Mediterranean escape – without the crowds or the cost.
Why it's pocket-friendly:
It's an off-the-radar spot, so prices for stays and meals stay low year-round. The main attractions – scenery, sea caves, and culture – are all free to explore. Great for self-drive travellers looking to avoid overpriced coastal resorts. Nature's Valley Lagoon. Image: canva
Greek vibe: A remote island cove wrapped in forest and sea.
Tucked between the Tsitsikamma forest and the Indian Ocean, this untouched coastal hamlet in South Africa feels like a hidden Aegean bay. The village is tiny – no commercial strip, just a handful of homes nestled among the trees and dunes. The wide beach, glassy lagoon, and craggy cliffs make it ideal for barefoot wandering and saltwater swims. It's all about stillness and scenery here – just you, nature, and the horizon.
Why it's pocket-friendly:
There are no resorts or tourist traps. Accommodation is mostly self-catering homes and budget-friendly lodges. Nature does the entertaining – hiking, swimming, kayaking, and stargazing – all free and unforgettable. Bring your groceries and let the surroundings do the rest.
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