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.
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.
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First Published on Cape Town etc
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