Every time we visit the Cape, we find new spaces and places to fall in love with. It really is such a versatile location that we dare you to find something on this list that doesn’t stir up your sense of adventure or speak to your soul.
Good grazing in Greyton
When we’re traveling, we like to eat out at a new place every time. So when Greyton’s local Maånskyñ café had us coming back for breakfast three mornings in a row, we realized that the local owners are onto something very special. Think about the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls calling you in, mixed with great coffee and a notable savory breakfast menu. The cozy and laid-back vibe really is a reflection of the sweetness this small town has to offer.
A nod of approval for Noordhoek
We recently spent a month in Noordhoek, a beautiful seaside town in the Western Cape offering long beach walks and a whole lot of character. Besides falling in love with the quaint coastal town lifestyle it offers, we became regulars at Noordhoek’s well-known food hub, “The Farm Village”. This gem offers a beautiful coffee roastery, a shop dedicated to handcrafted ice cream, lots of retail therapy, and a handful of great restaurants, including The Roux, which we frequented several times a week for pizza. (Yes, it really is that good!) On Wednesday nights there’s a market in the village offering live music and on Thursdays the winery up the street (Cape Point Vineyards) invites locals to sip on wines from their stunning estate while admiring beautiful views of the sea.
Scarborough’s catch of the day
Scarborough is a seaside town situated at the edge of the Cape Point Nature Reserve. It’s home to The Kelp Shack, offering a select few lucky visitors the chance to indulge in a special four-course kelp-inspired lunch. If freshly foraged seafood with a seaweedy twist is your jam, this experience is a must. It’s not open to the public, but YPA can arrange this for any of our clients that are on a private tour of the picturesque Cape Peninsula.
Feeling at home in Franschhoek
Rather than staying in a hotel, we opted to rent a house in Franschhoek. From the minute we stepped into the Explorer’s Club Tugela, in the center of town, we felt right at home. The house is comfortable but extremely elegant and equipped with the essentials (including a baby crib). Some travelers might prefer the reliability of a hotel, especially for those nights when load shedding makes an appearance, but we loved the homely feel that the house afforded our multi-generational family. An absolute highlight of our stay was bringing in a local chef to host family, friends and colleagues for a gourmet braai.
Keeping fit in the Cape
For the traveler that likes to keep their fitness up while on holiday, The Movement Lab in Sea Point is a great choice. It’s a bright and welcoming studio, offering good music and a great variety of classes.
If you’re up for something a bit more scenic and out of the ordinary, here are five of our top recommendations in and around Cape Town:
- Biking on Sea Point’s promenade
- Abseiling off Table Mountain
- Paragliding off Lion’s Head
- Kayaking with the penguins
- Hiking in Cape Point Nature Reserve
Was there something in this round-up that you’d like to experience for yourself? A trip to the Western Cape will never disappoint, and it’s a great add on if you’re already traveling to South Africa for a safari. Let’s chat about how we can personalize an itinerary for you and your family.
