Charming Small Towns In South Africa You Have To Visit

Travelling to top tourist destinations is a given, but there’s so much more to see than just big cities and busy museums. From an old fishing village to an artist’s retreat surrounded by towering mountains, visit these charming small towns in South Africa and explore the other side of the country.

Clarens, Free State

Also known as ‘the jewel of the Free State,’ Clarens is a picturesque artist’s town in the foothills of the Maloti Mountains that stretch to the landlocked Kingdom of Lesotho. From galleries and quaint clothing stores to the popular craft brewery in the town centre, there’s much to keep visitors busy. A drive to the Golden Gate Highlands National Park is also not to be missed and, if you’re up for it, hike the famous Brandwag Buttress.

The mountainous landscape surrounding Clarens

Dullstroom, Mpumalanga

Dullstroom is filled with quaint buildings

Nieu-Bethesda, Eastern Cape

Nieu-Bethesda in the Eastern Cape is approximately 50 km (31 mi) from Graaff Reinet and the perfect detour when in the area. With a population of only about 100 people, the small town seems stuck in a bygone era, complete with a quirky bookshop and donkey carts. Nieu-Bethesda’s growing reputation as a place to unwind makes it a great stopover when travelling through the Karoo. The main attraction has to be Helen Martins’ magical Owl House, a living museum that retraces the artist’s life as an outcast.

Cullinan, Gauteng

Cullinan is only a short drive from Pretoria and is where the largest ever uncut diamond was found. The gem was discovered in 1905, measuring a remarkable 3,106 carats, and is now part of the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom. Today, the small town boasts a bustling street lined with cafes and restaurants and, surprisingly, some of the best Greek food you’ll find this side of South Africa. An underground tour of the diamond mine is a popular option when visiting, or you can opt for a relaxing lunch on a day trip from the big city.

Cullinan boasts many eateries and attractions including a small museum

Prince Albert, Western Cape

In the foothills of the Swartberg Mountains in the Karoo lies the charming town of Prince Albert. From arty shops and great restaurants to adventure activities, this town has everything and more. There are numerous galleries and artist studios to visit, and if you want to relax, join a yoga class at Saffron Healing or get a massage at Health Haven.

The town is surrounded by vineyards as well as olive and fruit farms

Stanford, Western Cape

Stanford, a tiny riverside village, lies just 16 kilometres (10 mi) east of the whale-watching town of Hermanus in the Western Cape. It’s surrounded by farms, vineyards and boasts beautiful houses with perfectly kept gardens. Visit the Klein River Cheese Farmstead and get your fill of delicious cheeses and local wines while picnicking under the lush willow trees.

A Dutch Reformed Church, completed in 1926

Paternoster, West Coast

The old fishing village of Paternoster on the West Coast is home to one of the most beautiful stretches of beach in the country. This is where you’ll find the best of the best when it comes to seafood restaurants and traditional Cape cuisine. And to top it all off, the views from most spots in town are out of this world. There are also many quirky shops and galleries scattered all over.

Parys

Parys is situated on the banks of the Vaal River near the Vredefort Dome, the largest impact crater on the planet and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s less than an hour’s drive from Johannesburg and has become synonymous with antiquing due to its many quaint stores. The largest wild olive forest in the country is also nearby, and activities are plentiful – from river rafting and bird watching to stargazing and archery.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

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