6 SA towns that feel like they're in the Mediterranean

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South Africa’s coastlines and climate offer more than just beach holidays – they echo the Mediterranean vibe in a way that feels both exotic and familiar. Think whitewashed buildings, olive groves, laid-back cafés, and sea views – but with a price tag that doesn’t require a second mortgage! Here are seven South African towns where you can soak up the Med-style lifestyle – without the euro prices…

1. Kalk Bay, Cape Town

Kalk Bay is the kind of place where locals hang out on balconies overlooking the sea, and artists set up shop in quirky galleries. It’s got the feel of a laid-back Mediterranean seaside town in Spain or southern Italy – casual, scenic, and slow-paced. The working harbour adds to the charm, and the fish and chips here are hard to beat!

2. Paternoster, Western Cape

Paternoster could easily pass for a sleepy Mediterranean Greek island village. With whitewashed cottages, blue trim, and fishermen hauling in their daily catch, it’s got all the charm minus the crowds. The local seafood – especially the crayfish – is a draw, and the beach stretches out wide and wild. Best part? You can rent a chic cottage for the price of a basic hostel bed in Santorini.

3. Franschhoek, Western Cape

This one’s for the Provence lovers! South Africa’s Franschhoek is wrapped in vineyards and mountains, with French-inspired cuisine and boutique wineries at every turn. It’s sophisticated without being snobby, and you’ll find everything from lavender fields to sidewalk cafés. The wine is world-class, and the prices? Way less than you’d pay in Bordeaux.

4. Hermanus, Western Cape

The cliffs, the vineyards, the sea views – it’s giving Amalfi with a South African twist. Hermanus is famous for whale watching, but it’s also a great base for wine tasting and coastal hiking. The Old Harbour area feels like a Mediterranean port town, but with less tourist kitsch and more authenticity.

5. Knysna, Garden Route

Think Portofino, but with forested cliffs and lagoons! Knysna is a lush coastal town with a mix of Mediterranean green and African wild. The waterfront area has the vibe of a small European marina, and you can hop on a boat, eat fresh oysters, or explore the forests around the lagoon.

6. Prince Albert, Western Cape, Karoo

No coast here – but don’t write it off. Prince Albert offers the dry, sunbaked charm of an inland Spanish village. Think terracotta roofs, olive groves, and stone cottages. It’s a hub for slow living, good food, and art. The Karoo skies stretch wide, the air is crisp, and the Mediterranean energy is unmistakable.