The 14 best small town getaways near Cape Town

Stilbaai might fly under the radar, and might require a bit of a drive from Cape Town - but that’s exactly part of its charm. Set along the explorer’s stretch of the Garden Route, this laid-back coastal town is made for travellers who prefer nature, space and a slower rhythm over packed itineraries.

Days here are best spent wandering long, uncrowded beaches, paddling the Goukou River, spotting wildlife along the shoreline or simply settling in with a book and the sound of the sea. There’s just enough happening, local cafés, coastal walks and outdoor adventures, without anything feeling rushed or overdone.

It’s the kind of place where you arrive for a weekend and immediately start thinking about staying longer.

Known for its rugged coastline and rich marine life, Gansbaai is definitely worth a weekend escape. The town is home to world-renowned operators like Marine Dynamics, which offer unforgettable ocean experiences, including shark cage diving.

Coastal hikes, cliff-top viewpoints and some of the freshest seafood you’ll find anywhere all add to its appeal - as does its proximity to Grootbos Private Nature Reserve.

It’s easy to see why visitors looking for ocean adventures and wildlife encounters in nature are happy to linger longer and explore a bit deeper.

Gansbaai rewards you with a weekend that genuinely gets you away from the city and slows down to a more relaxed pace.

Cool-climate, orchard-lined and quietly creative, Elgin is one of the Western Cape’s most underrated weekend escapes. It's also one of the few you can reach by train with Ceres Railway. If you're not up for the drive, take this heritage rail journey to the Elgin Railway Market. It turns the trip itself into part of the adventure, rolling through mountain passes and apple country.

Once there, explore its legendary weekend market - expect farm stalls, cider tastings, forest walks, mountain biking trails and relaxed lunches with valley views. Don't leave without a paddle along the Palmiet River by kayak or stopping in for a Cap Classique tasting at Charles Fox. A pitstop at Peregrine Farm Stall for one of the Western Cape’s best pies is a tradition if you're travelling by car.

Elgin proves it is close enough for a quick escape, but different enough to feel like a reset.

A classic for a reason. Stellenbosch delivers an easy win for a short break, with world-class wine farms, excellent food and a walkable town centre that makes switching off feel effortless. It’s also one of the top-performing small towns for traveller spend, proving that convenience and quality go a long way. 

Time Out Tip: Plan around the wide selection of events taking place in this oldie but a goode. Stellebosch is perfect for long lunches, vineyard hopping and a soft landing into holiday mode.

ALSO SEE: The 10 Best Cape Winelands Picnics

From Darling Lodge Guest House stroll through the tranquil streets of Darling to discover all that’s on offer. Barely a block away, Darling Sweet sells traditional handcrafted buttery toffees and caramels. The Darling Wine Shop carries “the widest range of Darling wines in the world”. Don’t miss the “not Darling but dear to me” shelf specially sourced by Charles Withington who, apart from being the owner, is the chief taster of the establishment. The garden ornaments at Evita se Perron inevitably evokes fits of giggles; don’t neglect to book a show where you’ll meet Tannie Evita herself. Stop for lunch at The Marmalade Cat or Darling Brew Tasteroom.

Stay at The Royal Hotel, the oldest hotel in the Western Cape, and observe the local goings-on, gin in hand, on the verandah. Saunter across the road to stock up on – and giggle at the labels of – Swartland wine at The Wine Kollective. Don’t leave without olive caviar for your next dinner party after a wine and olive tasting at Kloovenburg. Epicures will shop to their heart’s content at Deli-Co Butchery & Bistro. End your day at The Barn where locals rave about the pork belly, duck cigars and roasted lamb neck.

Greyton offers outdoor junkies easy morning strolls, high-elevation hikes and various mountain bike trails. Art and culture aficionados can delight in art galleries, antique stores, gift shops and the Saturday morning market, all accessible on an amble through the town whilst admiring the Cape vernacular architecture that gives Greyton its historical charm. Contemplate life in the small atmospheric chapel at Abbey Rose, then sit down for lunch or dinner at their popular restaurant. Take a short drive to the mission station of Genadendal, the oldest Moravian Mission Village in Africa. As far as accommodation goes, you are spoilt for choice, from small hotels and guesthouses to farm cottages.

Stanford, like Greyton, has more rooms than you can shake a stick at. Top on the to-do list is a scenic Lady Stanford River Cruise down the Klein River, home to more than 100 bird species including fish eagles, flamingos and blue cranes, from Stanford Village towards the Hermanus Estuary. Pack a picnic lunch; glasses and ice are provided. Opt for breakfast or lunch at The Zesty Lemon on a working farm. Also try to snag a booking at Madre Stanford, a highly acclaimed country kitchen, and La Trattoria, a cosy Italian eatery. Birkenhead Brewery offers handcrafted beer with names like Pot Belly Pilsner and Dead Parrot American Pale Ale whilst La Cantina serves mean margaritas. Partial to some retail therapy? Pop into Lekker Kitsch, look out for regular pop-up shops and art galleries, and time your visit to overlap with the Stanford Square Market.

Robertson, the town of wine, horses and roses, has its fair share of country cuisine too. Kapokbos Restaurant on Weltevreden Wine Estate focuses on fresh local ingredients. Their menu includes skaapstertjies (slow-cooked sheep tails), soutrib (salted lamb rib) and snoek parfait. @Four Cousins Restaurant caters for the whole family with a variety of salads, wraps, flatbreads and pizzas. The Robertson Small Hotel, the best place to lay your head down in five-star luxury, also boasts The Small Restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. For a bit of fresh air explore the gardens at Van Loveren and take a scenic drive to the hamlet of Klaasvoogds. Before you head home, load your boot with affordable wine from La Verne Wine Boutique.

Stay at Gonana Guesthouse right on the beach where you can watch the sun set from your own balcony. Slip out to watch a show at the cool Koelkamers Theatre occupying an old cold storage facility in the Paternoster Waterfront. Take a drive to Cape Columbine Lighthouse, usually the first lighthouse sighted by ships coming from South America and Europe, and on to Tietiesbaai (it translates to Titties Bay), the furthest westerly destination on the West Coast. Eat a smoked snoek and marinated bokkom pizza at Blikkie Pizzeria or indulge in contemporary cuisine at Leeto Restaurant. End off an eventful day by counting the panties hanging from the ceiling at the Panty Bar in the Paternoster Hotel.

A once-sleepy town, Napier now has enough to keep you busy yet allowing for time to catch up on some reading. Speaking of which, there are thousands of tomes at Blue House Books. A few blocks down you can revel in the architecture of the freshly painted NG Kerk. Enjoy a hearty meal at Napier Farmstall. Their famous breakfast pan will cure any babalas. The Suntouched Inn specialises in scrumptious pizzas. Sunday roast at Pascal’s is recommended, as is the Jalapeño Chilli Poppers and Overberg lamb shank. Both establishments offer accommodation too. At Napier All Sorts, you can view handmade chess sets and a private collection of militaria, whilst the town of Bredasdorp with several interesting shops is just over 10 minutes away.

Pack your reading matter for McGregor too. Should you forget there is a lovely bookshop at Eseltjiesrus Donkey Sanctuary where you can also pet some of the friendly rescue donkeys and eat something light at the Coffee Shop. At Temenos Retreat, you’ll find cottage accommodation and Tebaldi’s Restaurant (also hosting quiz evenings) where you can sit on the farmhouse stoep overlooking a tranquil garden. Head to the end of the McGregor Valley for a wine tasting at Lord’s Wines or to Bemind Wines, a boutique garagiste wine cellar in the middle of the town. Time your visit to coincide with the Eseltjiesrus Book Fair or McGregor Poetry Festival.

Stay in the Montagu Country Hotel, the only original Art Deco hotel in the country. They also offer an American Dream Car Tour - choose between a powder blue or bright red Cadillac for a joy ride along the R62 with your own chauffeur. Stock up on dried fruit and nuts at Die Kloof farmstall before you drive off in luxury. Upon your return, learn about the local history at the Old Mission Church, now the Montagu Museum.

Lay down your hat at the Karoo Art Hotel with its unusual art and delightful décor. Taste the Little Karoo at Joubert-Tradauw Winery and R62 Alfresco Deli on the farm. Pop in for a brandy tasting at Joseph Barry Distillery, immerse yourself in books at the House of Books. Don’t miss out on the milkshakes at Diesel & Crème whilst taking a squizz at their bath duckie collection. Empty your purse at Barrydale Hand Weavers, then feast your eyes on the artwork from recycled material at Magpie Gallery. Take the scenic route home via the Tradouw Pass.