South Africa’s coast is lengthy, numerous, and underrated, with small cities scattered alongside the shoreline that echo the feel and appear of the Mediterranean. Suppose whitewashed buildings, turquoise waters, seafood on each menu, and a slower tempo of life. Listed here are seven coastal cities in South Africa that may make you’re feeling such as you’re someplace between the Amalfi Coast and the Greek islands – with out leaving the nation…
1. Paternoster, Western Cape
Paternoster is as near a Greek island as South Africa will get. Its whitewashed cottages, vivid blue doorways, and sandy pathways give off robust Santorini vibes. The seafood is top-notch, particularly the crayfish, and the sunsets over the Atlantic are unreal. It’s quiet, walkable, and filled with appeal. There’s nothing flashy right here – simply pure coastal simplicity.
Have a look right here: #paternoster
2. Kalk Bay, Cape City
Set in opposition to the False Bay shoreline, Kalk Bay mixes boho power with outdated fishing village appeal. Pastel buildings, quirky cafés, and slender streets remind you of coastal Spain. The working harbour nonetheless brings in each day catches, and the native fish and chips outlets are legendary. It’s obtained simply sufficient bustle to maintain issues fascinating, with out dropping that laid-back really feel.
Have a look right here: #kalkbay
3. Hermanus, Western Cape
Well-known for whale watching, Hermanus additionally brings a Mediterranean taste with its cliffside paths, blue ocean views, and wine estates close by. The city balances pure magnificence with nice meals and native tradition. The Outdated Harbour space has a little bit of an Italian Riviera vibe, particularly when the solar hits the water and the wine begins flowing.
Have a look right here: #hermanus
4. Knysna, Backyard Route
Knysna’s lagoon-side residing presents a unique sort of coastal really feel. It’s extra lush and inexperienced, however nonetheless hits the identical notes: seafood eating places, waterside properties, and a relaxed tempo. The Heads – two large cliffs guarding the mouth of the lagoon – are dramatic and remind a number of the rocky coastlines of southern Italy.
Have a look right here: #knysna
5. St. Francis Bay, Japanese Cape
The canals, the white homes with thatched roofs, the quiet life-style – St. Francis Bay is South Africa’s model of a seaside village on the Côte d’Azur. You possibly can paddleboard by the canals, stroll alongside the broad seashores, or take pleasure in recent seafood in a waterside bistro. The Mediterranean resemblance is delicate however actual.
Have a look right here: #stfrancisbay
6. Simon’s City, Cape City
This naval city is a mixture of historical past, magnificence, and calm coastal residing. The Victorian structure combined with palm timber and blue ocean views makes it really feel like a mix of French and Italian seaside cities. Plus, Boulders Seashore and its penguin colony add a unusual twist that no Mediterranean city can match.
Have a look right here: #simonstownsouthafrica
7. Mossel Bay, Backyard Route
Typically neglected, Mossel Bay has a little bit of a Mediterranean port metropolis vibe. It’s obtained the solar, the ocean, and a historic harbour stuffed with character. The rocky cliffs and lengthy seashores might go for components of coastal Turkey or Croatia. It’s a kind of locations that surprises you when you cease to take it in.
Have a look right here: #mosselbay
Which is your favorite coastal city in South Africa?
Tell us by leaving a remark beneath, or ship a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
Subscribe to The South African web site’s newsletters and observe us on WhatsApp, Fb, X and Bluesky for the newest information.
