Villas in Cape Town

From classy cocktail bars to windswept craggy cliff walks, to a hike up to the iconic Table Mountain, back down for a traditional South African braai, Cape Town’s rich diversity is hard to beat. Things to do in Cape Town equals a seemingly endless set of choice. Of course, Cape Town’s landmarks are as varied as they come; here we offer you our Cape Town tips.

The Cape Peninsula’s rugged coastline has a stunning choice of beaches. From the upmarket, glitzy variety down to windswept seclusion and bohemian charm. Whether it be romantic sunset strolls, buzzing local life, well-heeled bars, kicking back or rocky coves, our Cape Town villas near the beach have it covered.

There are the iconic spots brimming with trendy crowds, and there are the unknown gems tucked away in craggy tranquillity. Smitswinkel Bay is hidden down an offbeat path and has no electricity; Herolds Bay has vibrantly coloured beach huts, a braai area and ball games. Glen Beach is less “pumping” than its neighbouring glamour-zone Camps Beach, while Oudekraal Beach is a hidden beauty, ideal for scuba diving and snorkelling; swimming with African penguins at Boulders Beach in Simon’s Town is a unique joy.

Sea Point promenade traces the coastline, meandering its way from Mouille Point, setting the scene for a breathtaking morning stroll. Capetonians are a sporty bunch, so beach volleyball and games of soccer are a common sight; surfing conditions are excellent thanks to the break either side of the mountain – Muizenberg is the head to spot for surf school.

For a dash of local flavour, and a little respite from the Instagrammers and holidaymakers of the more commercial beaches, Llandudno, Bakoven and Kommetjie are popular among locals.

With many holding Blue Flag status, offering spectacular sunsets, colonies of seals and penguins, white sands or rocky coves, set against the dramatic Cape Fold Mountain range, Cape Town’s beaches are among the world’s finest.

From the outlandish, think abseiling off Table Mountain, a catamaran cruise or hang-gliding, to the culturally immersive like Bo-Kaap Museum showcasing the history of former slave houses to an afternoon in the Two Oceans Aquarium – Cape Town covers every niche, with something for every family member.

With adventure, sports of all kinds, history and culture and an eclectic culinary scene, family-friendly Cape Town meets the needs of the whole group. The choice of beaches is endless, and proximity to National Parks and wildlife makes for a thrilling trip.

From Go-Karting to watching seals, cookery classes, educational exhibitions and outdoor adventures, Cape Town is a safe bet for the whole group.

South Africa’s “mother city” offers seemingly endless natural jewels, but taking care of these through responsible tourism in Cape Town has never been more current.

Earth-friendly travel can involve simple, day-to-day choices, from morning coffee to bigger choices such as which wineries, restaurants and sites to enjoy, choice of travel and shops to endorse when supporting Cape Town through ecotourism.

Planet-friendly options are everywhere if you take the time to discover them; they can also be unique small businesses with something authentic and sustainable to offer along with a dash of local flavour.

Supporting local entrepreneurship and making sustainable shopping choices go hand-in-hand, observing animals in their natural environments and enjoying delicious, locally sourced cuisine all contribute towards climate-conscious ecotourism in Cape Town.

Head down to Artvark for local crafts, or Mungo for beautiful linens and woven homewares produced with conservation and community uplift in mind. Neighbourgoods Market is a bustling bazaar for artisan goods, unprocessed local produce from home-grown fare to locally made handicrafts. Monkey Viz supports local women in the traditional beadwork industry – their worry dolls are ultra-cute as gifts. Nude Foods encourages shoppers to bring their own containers, Spaza Shop (homewares) and Unpacked Pantry (Food) are all part of the effort to bring ecotourism to Cape Town.

Eating sustainably is a great way to travel in an earth-friendly style. The Test Kitchen, is not only one of Cape Town’s best-known restaurants, but also one of the most eco-friendly places to eat with seasonal produce, supporting local and natural farming methods. Opting for delicious vegetarian options or going for ethically sourced free-range cuts of meat contribute towards responsible tourism in Cape Town. Frankie Fenner Meat Merchants are an eco-friendly provider, perfect for a typical braai.

Low impact ways of enjoying Cape Town include hiking, cycle tours through the Stellenbosch Winelands, walking tours and of course the five stunning National Parks: Agulhas, Bontebok, Table Mountain, Tankwa Karoo and West Coast, all of which preserve this region’s natural habitat; an ideal way to support ecotourism.