Best Destinations in Western Cape For A Cosy Winter Getaway

Looking for that perfect winter weekend getaway in Western Cape? Whether you wish to enjoy spectacular scenery, spend a weekend in a self-catering cottage, explore the famous Cape Winelands or watch whales in Hermanus, Western Cape offers something for everyone. Here is our list of top 6 weekend getaway in Western Cape options.

1 Hermanus

weekend getaway in Western Cape

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They don’t call Hermanus “the whale capital of the world” without a reason. This lovely seaside town is a prime whale-watching destination and the best time to spot whales is during the winter season from June to November. There is a cliff path that goes along the sea and it’s one of the best places for whale-watching in Western Cape. The town also boasts dozens of excellent beaches, as well as great restaurants where you can stop for lunch and try seafood dishes and local specialties. Travelers who are into hiking will be happy to hear there are a couple of nice walking trails overlooking the sea.

2 Paternoster

weekend getaway in Western Cape

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For a perfect winter weekend getaway in Western Cape, head out to the quaint fishing village of Paternoster. Located on the West Coast, Paternoster is actually one of the oldest fishing villages in the area and offers plenty of interesting activities for a weekend getaway including a visit to the 80-year-old Cape Columbine Lighthouse and At Botha Art Gallery. Bird-watching is also popular, as there are over 225 species in the area. As for places to stay, Paternoster is home to 4 hotels and nearly 200 self-catering establishments ranging from 5-star guesthouses to self-catering cottages.

3 Protea Farm

weekend getaway in Western Cape

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Located in the Koo Valey just 30 km outside of Montagu, Protea Farm is one of the best cozy winter getaway destinations in Western Cape. The farm offers 4 self-catering cottages with open-plan kitchens, indoor fireplaces, and nicely furnished living areas. The valley is well-known for producing apples and pears and there is a lot of snow here during the winter season. To make the most of your weekend, go hiking or mountain biking on one of the nearby trails.


See Also: All The Reasons You Need To Visit Cape Town This Winter


4 Prince Albert

weekend getaway in Western Cape

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Dating back to the late 18th century, Prince Albert is a lovely town in Western Cape that attracts hundreds of visitors every weekend during the winter season. Located on the southern edge of the Great Karoo, Prince Albert is well-known for its Cape Dutch architecture, lei water channels, cute little shops, and gardens with fig trees. There are more than 70 bed and breakfast properties, so you won’t have trouble finding any type of accommodation while visiting Prince Albert. Make sure to visit the 19th century Dutch Reformed Church, as well as the Fransie Pienaar Museum.

5 Stanford Valley Guest Farm

weekend getaway in Western Cape

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For an unforgettable weekend getaway in Western Cape, visit the idyllic Stanford Valley Guest Farm which is located in the Klein River valley and offers cozy cottages with a unique rustic charm and wood-burning fireplaces. All of the units are fitted with en-suite bathroom, nicely decorated bedrooms, and mini-bar refrigerators. Of course, the views of the meadows and mountains are simply breathtaking. Some of the must-visit on-site and nearby attractions and activities include the Klein River Cheese Factory, Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary, mountain-biking trails, and hiking tracks.

6 De Rust

weekend getaway in Western Cape

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Located near the Meiringspoort Pass, De Rust is a small village that is surrounded by charming mountain ranges and rolling hills. The biggest attraction is the 60-meters high Meiringspoort Waterfall which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the Victorian-style architecture, explore the art galleries in the center, or have lunch at one of the restaurants in the village.


Planning to visit Cape Town during winter? You can check out our guide to things to do in Cape Town before the end of Winter or the Ultimate things to do in Cape Town. You can also have a look the top winter adventures in Cape Town. If you’re also looking for a perfect place to stay during winter, we can help. Get in touch if you’d like help finding accommodation. Otherwise, we hope that you enjoy our list of top winter adventures in Cape Town this winter.

About The Author: Dejan

I love writing about Cape Town, and all it has to offer. What a pleasure to be able to share this beautiful Mother City with aspiring travellers and visitors from near and far. Come and visit us soon, and when you do, make sure to book with cometocapetown.com :)
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