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The South African
26-05-2025
- The South African
5 remote beach towns in South Africa worth the drive
South Africa's coastline stretches for thousands of kilometres, and while places like Cape Town and Durban grab the spotlight, it's the quiet, tucked-away beach towns that offer real escape. If you're ready to trade crowds for solitude and chain restaurants for local fish shacks, these five remote beach towns are worth every minute behind the wheel… Why go: Kosi Bay isn't just remote – it's wild. Think mangrove estuaries, ancient fish traps, and untouched sandbanks that stretch to Mozambique. What to do: Snorkel in the estuary, explore by canoe, or go turtle tracking under the stars. It's a nature-lover's dream. Getting there: A long haul from Durban (about six hours), but the payoff is pristine isolation. Why go: White-washed fishermen's cottages, windswept beaches, and a raw Atlantic backdrop. Paternoster feels frozen in time. What to do: Stroll barefoot along the shell-strewn beach, kayak with dolphins, or book a table at Wolfgat , one of the world's best restaurants hiding in plain sight. Getting there: About two hours north of Cape Town on the R27, it's an easy drive with zero city stress. Paternoster beach. Image: wikimedia commons. Why go: No signal. No traffic. Just rolling hills, empty waves, and the kind of peace that resets your brain. What to do: Surf, hike, or just lie back and watch Nguni cattle wander down the beach. This beach town is off the grid, both literally and spiritually. Getting there: A five-hour drive from East London with a 4×4 stretch at the end. Getting there is part of the adventure. Why go: Tucked at the mouth of the Breede River where it meets the Indian Ocean, South Africa's Cape Infanta is quiet, rugged, and seriously underrated. What to do: Go fishing off the rocks, swim in the estuary, or just watch the sun melt into the ocean. It's sleepy in the best possible way. Getting there: Around fours hours from Cape Town, the last stretch is gravel – adding to the sense that you're going somewhere secret. Cape Infanta, Western Cape. Image: wikimedia commons. Why go: If Mars had a beach, it would look like this! Stark. Isolated. Strangely beautiful. It's a beach town that time skipped. What to do: Explore shipwrecks, visit the unique 'Aristea' ruins, and stare into the night sky – it's some of the clearest stargazing in the country. Getting there: A mission from Cape Town (about six–seven hours), but if you're chasing solitude, Hondeklip delivers. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
13-05-2025
- The South African
5 SA towns that feel exactly like Greece - without the price tag
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. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
24-04-2025
- The South African
4 SA towns that feel like you're in Greece (but with fewer tourists)
If whitewashed buildings, coastal charm, and slow, sun-drenched days sound like your dream vacation – but Santorini's crowds don't – South Africa has some low-key gems that bring that Greece vibe without the tourist overload. These four towns combine Greek-like aesthetics and atmosphere with South African flair, giving you the best of both worlds… Tucked between sand dunes and turquoise water, Arniston is a tiny coastal village where time slows down. Its whitewashed fishermen's cottages mirror those found in Greece's Cyclades, and the sea caves nearby (Waenhuiskrans) add an edge of natural wonder. It's quiet, uncrowded, and almost too picturesque. Come for the ocean, stay for the sunsets and solitude. Take a look here: #arniston South Africa's Kalk Bay might not be a secret, but it still flies under the radar compared to Cape Town's flashier neighbourhoods. Its harbour vibe, pastel buildings, and cliff-hugging roads feel straight out of a Mediterranean postcard. Watch fishing boats pull in, grab calamari at a dockside café, or explore its winding streets lined with vintage shops and art galleries. The pace here is slow. The style? Effortlessly Greek-ish. Take a look here: #kalkbay Spread out along the coast, South Africa's St Helena Bay gives off major Greek island vibes with its mix of hidden beaches, hilltop views, and sleepy charm. It's not flashy, which is the point. The town's blend of fishing culture, rocky coves, and stark beauty makes it perfect for those looking to unplug. Bonus: dolphins and whales are frequent visitors here. Take a look here: #sthelenabay Paternoster could easily pass for a sleepy fishing village on an island in Greece. Think white cottages with blue shutters, quiet beaches, and fresh seafood sold off boats. The town's simplicity is its charm – no high-rises, no crowds, just endless ocean views and salty air. Restaurants like Wolfgat (once ranked among the best in the world) serve up hyper-local fare that would impress even a Greek yia-yia. Take a look here: #paternoster Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
