Skip to content 
Most visitors arrive in Cape Town with the same list of attractions: Table Mountain, Camps Bay, and the V&A Waterfront. But the Western Cape offers far more than the well-trodden city highlights. The real beauty of the region lies outside the city — in the coastal routes, wine valleys, mountain passes, and small towns that standard tours overlook.
For travellers looking for quieter roads, authentic culture, and breathtaking scenery, here are the hidden gems of the Western Cape you’ll never find on typical group tours.
The Kogelberg Coast and Clarens Drive
One of the most scenic routes in South Africa, the Kogelberg Coast runs from Gordon’s Bay through Rooi-Els, Betty’s Bay, Pringle Bay and Kleinmond. This coastal stretch forms part of the UNESCO-protected Kogelberg Biosphere, known for dramatic cliffs, turquoise water, and rich fynbos biodiversity.
Clarens Drive offers the perfect combination of ocean viewpoints, quiet beaches, penguin colonies, and small coastal cafés. It is one of the most underrated attractions in the Western Cape and remains largely free of crowds.
This route is ideal for travellers who enjoy scenic drives, photography, nature walks, and coastal viewpoints.
Elgin Valley and Its Cool-Climate Vineyards
Just beyond Sir Lowry’s Pass lies the Elgin Valley, a cool-climate wine region surrounded by forests, orchards, and mountain views. Unlike the busy Winelands, Elgin offers a relaxed atmosphere with boutique wine estates, farm-style restaurants, and peaceful countryside.
Elgin is also known for outdoor activities such as forest ziplining, hiking trails, and mountain viewpoints. It is the perfect destination for travellers who prefer a quieter, more intimate wine experience.
Hermanus and the Whale Coast
Hermanus is famous worldwide for whale watching, but the surrounding Whale Coast region offers much more than marine life. Areas such as Onrus, Sandbaai, and Fernkloof Nature Reserve provide cliff paths, mountain trails, art galleries, and coastal markets that feel far removed from busy city tourism.
From June to November, southern right whales can be spotted directly from the shore, creating one of the most memorable experiences in the Western Cape.
The Swartland Wine Region
To the north of Cape Town lies the Swartland, an agricultural region known for wheat fields, olive groves, and small-batch wines. Towns such as Malmesbury, Riebeek Kasteel, and Darling offer a slower pace and a blend of history, art, and locally produced wine.
The Swartland is ideal for travellers seeking rustic charm, artisan food markets, and boutique wine farms without the crowds of the more commercial wine regions.
The West Coast and Its Quiet Coastal Towns
The West Coast offers a completely different atmosphere from Cape Town — relaxed, sun-drenched, and full of small coastal towns with strong local character. Popular destinations include Langebaan, Paternoster, Yzerfontein, and St Helena Bay.
These towns offer calm lagoons, white-washed cottages, seafood restaurants, nature trails, and some of the most peaceful beaches in the country. The West Coast is a favourite for those who enjoy photography, fresh seafood, and slow travel.
Franschhoek, Paarl and Tulbagh
Franschhoek, Paarl and Tulbagh form the heart of the Cape’s gourmet and heritage route. Franschhoek is home to award-winning chefs and fine dining experiences, while Paarl offers historic wine estates and scenic drives through the Berg River Valley. Tulbagh, surrounded by mountains, features beautifully preserved Cape Dutch architecture.
These regions are ideal for wine tastings, gourmet food, heritage tours, and romantic getaways.
The Garden Route Beyond the City
Travellers who venture further east will discover the Garden Route, one of South Africa’s most celebrated touring areas. This region includes George, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Mossel Bay, Riversdale and Riviersonderend.
The Garden Route offers a mix of coastal forests, lagoons, cliffs, wildlife encounters, sailing, river paddling, and scenic viewpoints. It is perfect for multi-day itineraries and travellers looking for variety and adventure.
Why These Routes Are Hidden Gems
Many Western Cape travellers remain in central Cape Town due to convenience, leaving the quieter regions unexplored. The destinations above offer:
- fewer crowds
- more authentic culture
- boutique wine estates
- coastal and mountain scenery
- wildlife experiences
- charming small towns
- safer, quieter travel environments
- memorable viewpoints and photography opportunities
These hidden gems reveal the true character of the Western Cape and provide a deeper, more meaningful travel experience.
Experience the Western Cape Beyond Cape Town
Prestige Cape Tours specialises in private, custom-designed itineraries that focus on authentic, scenic, and lesser-known regions of the Western Cape. Each tour is crafted around your interests — whether you enjoy wine, nature, photography, fine dining, whale watching, golf, or coastal exploration.
No crowds. No generic schedules. Just the Western Cape experienced the way locals know it.
