These quiet towns offer a blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage and a slower pace of life, making them perfect for exploring and unwinding in the Western Cape.
Also read: Val du Charron: Where wine, culture and natural beauty meet
1. Koringberg
Koringberg is a small village located just 15 kilometres from Moorreesburg along the N7 to Piketberg and an hour’s drive from Cape Town. It is an enchanting dorpie surrounded by winter green and summer gold wheatfields.
Formerly known as Warren’s Camp, Koringberg developed its own identity after seceding from the Dutch Reformed church in neighbouring Moorreesburg and Hopefield.
While it is a lesser-known Swartland village, it is gaining popularity thanks to the Koringberg mountain biking trail. The scenic route takes riders through fynbos, wheat fields and klipkoppies, culminating in an adrenaline-pumping descent with sharp hairpin bends.
Koringberg’s distinct personality gradually put it on the map, attracting visitors looking for a hidden treasure.
Make sure you also discover this guide to South Africa’s little towns.
2. Porterville
Porterville is a peaceful town in South Africa’s Western Cape province, located at the foot of the Olifants River Mountains. It is located 27 kilometres southeast of Piketberg and 155 kilometres northeast of Cape Town and it provides a tranquil respite from city life.
The region, which is known for its wheat production, features vast golden fields that dominate the agricultural landscape. Piketberg, Saron, Eendekuil and Citrusdal are just a few of the charming towns that surround Porterville.
Porterville welcomes visitors to enjoy its natural beauty while providing a peaceful retreat for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a break from city life.
3. Greyton
Greyton is located at the base of the Riviersonderend Mountains, with thatched-roof cottages, tree-lined avenues and a stunning nature reserve.
While the village retains its rustic charm with mostly dirt roads, the infrastructure is modern, with excellent food shops, a pharmacy and medical services.
You can find affordable, high-quality meat, fresh produce and freshly baked bread here, ensuring a relaxing stay in this quaint village.
It is an ideal location for leisurely walks and cycling adventures.
4. Moorreesburg
Moorreesburg forms part of the Swartland Local Municipality in the Western Cape’s West Coast District Municipality. The town is a significant wheat and oat processing centre as well as a logistical hub for these crops.
Moorreesburg may appear unassuming at first glance, but it has more to offer than meets the eye. The town is a lively community with a thriving agricultural sector.
The Wheat Museum, one of only three in the world, is one of its most notable attractions. In addition, the local high school has established an art gallery that displays the works of over seventy local and nationally recognised artists.
5. McGregor
McGregor is surrounded by vineyards and mountains, with charming architecture and a laid-back atmosphere. The town exudes serenity with its white-washed houses, lush gardens and wide, winding roads.
McGregor blends country living and nature and retains its authentic village feel, free of commercialism. Cafes, corner shops, delis and cosy country restaurants stand in place of chain stores and fast-food restaurants.
The church bell tolls and the cheerful greetings of neighbourhood roosters set the tone for life in McGregor.
6. Stanford
Stanford exudes charm with its Cape Victorian and Edwardian-style houses ensconced along the banks of the Klein River. This historic village, only 23 kilometres from Hermanus, forms part of the scenic Overberg region.
Visit Stanford’s art galleries, antique shops and scenic nature reserves. The village centre features a market square and Victorian-style homes.
Enjoy friendly conversations with locals in a town where time seems to stand still.
7. Riebeek Kasteel
Riebeek Kasteel is a historic town in the Riebeek Valley that offers a blend of culture and natural beauty with its Cape Dutch buildings, olive groves and vineyards.
Riebeek Kasteel and its sister town, Riebeek West, have historical significance in South Africa. Dutch explorers first documented the valley in 1661 and the prominent Riebeek Kasteel Berg mountain was named after Cape Commander Jan van Riebeeck.
The settlements on its slopes were named after this landmark. The area’s first settlers arrived in the 18th century and Riebeek West was established as a Dutch Reformed Church parish in 1858.
8. Tulbagh
A scenic 90-minute drive from Cape Town, Tulbagh is a rural village located among mountains and a valley. This charming destination serves as an excellent base for exploring the Cape Winelands and surrounding areas.
Spring in Tulbagh greets you with blooming arum lilies and fynbos flowers. Summer brings abundant harvests; autumn colours the vineyards russet and gold; and winter blankets the landscape in greenery and mist, adorning the mountains with snow.
Tulbagh is surrounded by Gouda, Wolseley, Ceres and Prince Alfred. Wellington, Paarl, Franschhoek and Stellenbosch are all within easy driving distance. The town is located at the northern end of the Tulbagh Valley and the Great Winterhoek Mountains, which rise 2,077 metres above sea level and make for a beautiful backdrop.
Its fertile soil produces exceptional wines, olive oil, peaches, pears and plums. The locals’ warm hospitality adds to the charm and the valley is a popular destination for weddings and conferences.
9. Montagu
Montagu is known for its hot mineral springs, Edwardian and Victorian architecture and its mountain and vineyard surroundings.
Located in the scenic Langeberg region near the renowned Robertson Wine Valley and the Breede River Valley, Montagu offers a variety of experiences.
Aside from its famous hot springs, the town is ideal for eco-conscious, wellness-seeking people, as well as adventure sports enthusiasts and those looking for golfing vacations or fine wines.
10. Wellington
Fruit orchards, sizable wine estates and picturesque olive groves surround the town of Wellington. Historic Cape Dutch homesteads and well-maintained gardens will greet you as you walk through its streets.
The famous Bainskloof Pass is one of Wellington’s highlights. While it’s beautiful just to drive, those who hike along the pass find themselves experiencing the wonders of fynbos and the diversity of indigenous fauna and flora.
Wellington is also well-known for its guided wine walks and horse trails, which provide visitors with a tour of the region’s wine estates.
Horse trails dot the town, allowing riders to enjoy the beauty of the landscape while indulging in the finest wines Wellington has to offer.
Also read:
Escape the city, explore the province: 7 day trips from Cape Town
Picture: Visit Wellington / Facebook
