5 Western Cape towns that feel like Italy’s Cinque Terre

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Italy’s Cinque Terre (five lands/towns) is famous for its five colourful cliffside villages, sea views, and relaxed pace of life. But you don’t need to fly here to get that same charm. With its coastal gems and historic towns, the Western Cape offers spots that echo the spirit of the Italian Riviera – minus the tourists and euro exchange rate. Here are five Western Cape towns that feel surprisingly like Cinque Terre…

1. Knysna, Garden Route

While Knysna has more greenery than the arid cliffs of Liguria, its deep connection to water and small-town elegance mirror places like Monterosso. The Knysna Heads, dramatic cliffs at the mouth of the lagoon, give you the sweeping sea views you’d expect in northern Italy. Add in fresh oysters, boutique lodges, and sunset cruises, and you’ve got your Mediterranean fix.

Cinque Terre feel: Nature, tranquility, and the kind of place that makes you slow down.

Knysna, Western Cape. Image: canva

2. Simon’s Town

This naval town sits along the False Bay coastline with colourful Victorian buildings and cobbled streets. The pace is relaxed, the views are spectacular, and the atmosphere is unmistakably maritime. Plus, with Boulders Beach and its famous penguins nearby, you get something even Italy’s Cinque Terre can’t offer.

Cinque Terre feel: Quiet beauty, marine heritage, and postcard-worthy scenery.

Simon’s Town, Western Cape. Image: canva

3. Kalk Bay, Western Cape

Kalk Bay hits the same notes as Riomaggiore or Vernazza – vivid buildings tumbling down a hillside, narrow alleys packed with cafés, and the ocean never more than a few steps away. Once a sleepy fishing village, it’s now an artsy hotspot, full of independent shops, fresh seafood joints, and quirky boutiques. The working harbour, bobbing boats, and resident seals seal the deal.

Cinque Terre feel: Vibrant, walkable, and filled with salty air and local life.

cinque terre western cape — Fishing boats in Kalk Bay. Image: wikimedia commons

4. Paternoster, Western Cape

Paternoster could be plucked straight from the Amalfi coast – think white homes with blue shutters, fishing boats on the shore, and restaurants serving up the catch of the day. It’s laid-back, windblown, and stunning. Unlike the steep cliffs of Cinque Terre, Paternoster’s charm lies in its raw, unfiltered openness.

Cinque Terre feel: Seaside simplicity with a side of seafood pasta.

5. Hermanus, Western Cape

Famous for whale watching, Hermanus has more to offer than migrating giants. Its clifftop paths wind past dramatic sea views, echoing the rugged walks between Cinque Terre villages. The town itself blends upmarket cafés, art galleries, and seafood restaurants with a laid-back vibe. Wander the Old Harbour, watch fishermen haul in their catch, and feel that same seaside rhythm that makes Cinque Terre special.

Cinque Terre feel: Clifftop drama, oceanside cafés, and a lifestyle that hugs the coast.