7 Western Cape towns that feel like they're on the Amalfi Coast

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The Italian Amalfi Coast is iconic – dramatic cliffs, pastel villages, turquoise water, and a slow, sun-drenched pace of life. But you don’t need to cross continents to experience that magic. With its wild coastline and scenic charm, the Western Cape hides towns that channel those same vibes – minus the Euro crowds and inflated prices. Here are seven Western Cape spots that give Amalfi energy, each with its own twist…

1. Kalk Bay, Western Cape

Kalk Bay has all the quirks of a Mediterranean hideaway – narrow streets, fishing boats bobbing in the harbour, and old buildings clinging to the mountainside. The restaurants spill onto sidewalks, galleries pop out of nowhere, and the sunsets? Unreal. Grab calamari at the harbour and watch surfers tackle the break at Dalebrook. It’s gritty, stylish, and perfectly unpolished.

Kalk Bay harbour. Image: canva

2. Knysna, Garden Route

Knysna is nestled between forested hills and a calm, azure lagoon, with houses perched high like Italian villas with a view. Think seafood feasts, sailboats gliding at sunset, and long lunches that turn into dinners. The Heads – those towering sandstone cliffs at the lagoon’s mouth – could be mistaken for the cliffs near Positano, just swap limoncello for local craft gin.

3. Paternoster, West Coast

Whitewashed cottages, wild ocean views, and a salty breeze that smells like freedom – Paternoster might be more Mykonos than Amalfi Coast in looks, but the pace and seafood culture are pure Med. Lobster rolls, beach walks, and wine under the stars. No-frills, full charm. It’s the kind of place that forces you to slow down and fall in love with the moment.

4. Wilderness, Garden Route

Wilderness is like the Amalfi Coast before influencers discovered it – raw, moody, and absurdly beautiful. The ocean stretches forever, with cliffs and forests rising behind you. There’s a sense of quiet luxury here. Hike above the sea, kayak through rivers, then end the day with seafood and wine on a balcony overlooking it all.

5. Hermanus, Overberg

With its cliff paths and white-stone architecture, Hermanus delivers serious Italian seaside energy. But it’s the drama of it – whales breaching close to shore, spray cutting through the mist – that hits like a cinematic moment on the Amalfi coast. It’s chic but not pretentious, perfect for long lunches, sea spray, and unfiltered coastal joy.

6. Simon’s Town, Western Cape

Built into the mountainside and facing a deep blue bay, Simon’s Town has an old-world charm that echoes Sorrento. There’s a stately calm to it – colonial buildings, bobbing boats, and sleepy cafés. Penguins waddle on the beach nearby (something even the Amalfi Coast can’t beat), and the water sparkles like it knows it’s in a postcard.

7. Scarborough, Western Cape

The Western Cape’s Scarborough is more Capri than Positano – rugged, exclusive, and wildly scenic. It’s not built-up; it’s tucked into nature, with luxury homes hidden in the fynbos and a beach that feels endless. There’s only a handful of places to eat, but the food is excellent. This is where you go to unplug, recharge, and stare at the ocean until your brain resets.