5 places in South Africa that look and feel just like Santorini

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You don’t need to book a flight to Greece to get the Santorini experience. South Africa has its own coastal gems – white buildings, bright light, perfect weather, ocean views, and chilled-out atmospheres that feel straight out of the Aegean. Here are five towns that bring Mediterranean charm right to your doorstep…

1. Paternoster, Western Cape

Paternoster is the most obvious South African answer to Santorini. A historic fishing village with whitewashed cottages, curved architecture, and an endless blue Atlantic view. The streets are quiet, the air smells like salt and shellfish, and the sunsets hit different here.

Take a look: #Paternoster

2. Kalk Bay, Cape Town

Though technically a suburb, South Africa’s Kalk Bay has the soul of a seaside town. White buildings stacked against the hillside, vintage architecture, oceanfront cafés, and cobbled lanes make it feel like a Mediterranean hideout. Fishermen still work the harbour, and everything moves on coastal time.

Take a look: #KalkBay

3. Langebaan, West Coast

With its calm lagoon, white beach homes, and Greek-inspired resorts, Langebaan has that crisp, clean Santorini look. The light here is bright and blue, the architecture stays low and white, and the water is postcard-perfect. It’s built for lazy days and long lunches.

Take a look: #Langebaan

4. Arniston (Waenhuiskrans), Overberg

Arniston is a small coastal village with whitewashed fishermen’s houses, quiet lanes, and a rugged coastline that looks more Cycladic than South African. The Kassiesbaai area in particular has a timeless, untouched charm – think white walls, thatched roofs, and no rush.

Take a look: #Arniston

5. St. Helena Bay, Western Cape

This bay-side town in South Africa offers tranquility, clean lines, and architecture that wouldn’t look out of place on a Greek island. Think low-rise homes, panoramic sea views, and a minimal aesthetic. It’s peaceful, photogenic, and mostly under the radar.

Take a look: #StHelenaBay