12 Best Romantic Weekend Getaways In Western Cape, South Africa - Updated 2024

romantic weekend getaways western cape
Nicole
Nicole 
Updated
| 5 min read

Western Cape is a breathtaking coastal region in South Africa that is known for its stunning natural landmarks. It is a province where lovers have lots of outdoor activities to try, whether they like to do watersports or mountain climbing. More so, it offers an unforgettable gastronomic experience to its visitors with an abundance of fantastic dining spots and wineries, making it a romantic destination worth visiting. It is also home to captivating cities, towns, and villages that have must-see attractions you and your partner will surely fall in love with. For your guidance, browse through this list of the best romantic weekend getaways in Western Cape, South Africa.

We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and access to couple-friendly amenities and activities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on February 07, 2024.

1. Prince Albert (from USD 83)

Prince Albert 2006 Looking North
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Charlesall used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy a holiday in this town that is situated in the southern portion of the Great Karoo, a desert region that comprises the majority of South Africa. The town is nearly 250 years old, and its rich history, which can be observed in the various ancient structures, make great sightseeing spots.

Visiting local farms, including Gay’s Guernsey Dairy, where you can find fresh dairy products made in the area, is one of the most well-liked things to do in this area. You may also have a good time at Fernskloof Wines, where guests get the opportunity to watch the winery’s activities being carried out live. Prince Albert is 392.8 km (244.07 mi) away from Cape Town.

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Mont d'Or Swartberg Hotel

Wifi Available

Address: 77 Church Street
243.27 km (151.2 mi) from Karoo Desert National Botanical Garden

Parking Restaurant Meeting/banquet facilities Bar Fitness centre Golf course (within 3 km) Garden Terrace

2. McGregor (from USD 40)

McGregor Museum, Kimberley, Northern Cape, South Africa (19919723834)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user South African Tou... used under CC BY 2.0

If you want to spend a holiday in peace and tranquility, McGregor, a small heritage village surrounded by mountains in the Western Cape, is the perfect place for you. Nothing feels more romantic than having fun with nature at Eseltjiesrus Donkey Sanctuary, where you get to see adorable donkeys and refreshing views.

You should never miss the opportunity to taste local produce as well as handmade and flavorful wines at Tanagra Private Cellar McGregor & Lord’s Wines. It is also a great place to spend intimate moments while enjoying a spectacular view of the scenery. McGregor is 176.0 km (109.36 mi) away from Cape Town City.

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Orchard Cottage

Wifi Available

Address: 7 Voortrekker Str
50.86 km (31.7 mi) from Karoo Desert National Botanical Garden

Parking Garden Non-smoking rooms Free parking Internet services Children's playground Hiking BBQ facilities

3. Swellendam (from USD 224)

Swellendam view
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Andresdewet used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Enjoy your holiday getaway by visiting this picturesque town nestled at the base of the Langeberg Range. You may have some great outdoor adventures while birdwatching, hiking, swimming, and fishing in Bontebok National Park. Enjoy a fascinating and educational excursion to the Drostdy Museum, where you can get a great look at some of the town’s most interesting historical artifacts.

Find some entertaining things to do in nature, such as going on a bike ride or taking a stroll along the Marloth Nature Reserve. You also have the option of going to the Bukkenburg Pottery Studio if you are looking for a unique experience. Swellendam is 219.3 km (136.27 mi) away from Cape Town.

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De Kloof Heritage Estate Hotel and Wellness

Wifi Available

Address: 8 Weltevrede Street
102.01 km (63.4 mi) from Karoo Desert National Botanical Garden

Parking Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar Golf course (within 3 km) Garden Terrace Non-smoking rooms

4. Jacobs Bay (from USD 50)

Jacob's Bay, Saldanha - panoramio
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Glany Saldanha used under CC BY 3.0

Delight in a tranquil and relaxing journey to this village on the West Coast of the Western Cape, and enjoy the stunning scenery of the natural countryside. Enjoy some adorable moments by visiting The Pixie and Fairy Village, where you get to have fun looking at the beautiful sculptures and artwork.

You shouldn’t ever pass up the opportunity to have fun at the amazing beaches, where you may enjoy canoeing, swimming, and surfing. Spend some time strolling or hiking along the sandy shoreline, or experience some excitement by riding a bike around the region. Jacobs Bay is 152.6 km (94.82 mi) away from Cape Town.

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Klokkiebosch Guesthouse

Wifi Available

Address: 14 Korhaan Avenue
161.97 km (100.7 mi) from Karoo Desert National Botanical Garden

Parking Garden Terrace Non-smoking rooms Free parking Internet services BBQ facilities WiFi Available

5. Beaufort West (from USD 40)

Hill at Karoo National Park
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user flowcomm used under CC BY 2.0

Located in the Great Karoo region, Beaufort West is a charming town in Western Cape. Locals call it “Capital of the Karoo” because of its semi-desert location. It is an agricultural area that has an abundance of farms. Beaufort West showcases a town center with a quintessential charm. You’ll find lots of dining spots and souvenir stores in the heart of town. If you wish to reconnect with nature and bond with your special someone over outdoor adventures, spend a day in Karoo National Park. It is a beautiful wildlife reserve founded in 1979. It features a 750 sq km (289.5 sq mi) semi-desert landscape. Beaufort West is 462 km (287 mi) away from Cape Town City.

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Die Herehuis

Wifi Available

Address: 15 De Villiers Street
324.35 km (201.6 mi) from Karoo Desert National Botanical Garden

Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Golf course (within 3 km) Garden Non-smoking rooms

6. Elgin Valley (from USD 96)

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Couples who are planning to explore the captivating province of the Western Cape will not be disappointed as this region has numerous charming towns. One of them is Elgin Valley. Surrounded by mountains, accentuated with lush vegetation, this town is a paradise and a piece of heaven on Earth. Its landscape is known as one of the best fruit-growing areas in the Western Cape, and the abundance of orchards in town is a testament to it. Fruit picking, wine tasting, and picnicking are some romantic activities you can do with your special someone in Elgin Valley. Swing by Almenkerk Wine Estate, Elgin Vintners, and South Hill Vineyards and make your visit here one for the books. Elgin Valley is 68 km (42 mi) away from Cape Town City.

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Paul Wallace Wines & Cottages

Wifi Available

Address: Wallovale Vineyards Farm 63, Highlands Road
76.28 km (47.4 mi) from Karoo Desert National Botanical Garden

Parking Garden Non-smoking rooms Fishing Free parking Internet services BBQ facilities Heating

7. Worcester (from USD 56)

Worcester High Street
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Andres de Wet used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Lying in Breë River valley with mountain ranges for a backdrop, Worcester is one of the many beautiful towns in Western Cape. Just like most towns in the region, it overwhelms its visitors with a multitude of attractions. If you and your lover like outdoor adventures, go on a scenic hike through the Botterbroom hiking trail. You can spend a night of fun and excitement at Golden Valley Casino. For an unforgettable culinary experience, have a romantic date with the person you love in the sophisticated Opstal Restaurant. Also, you cannot miss visiting Worcester Museum while you’re in town. Worcester is 112 km (70 mi) away from Cape Town City.

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Cumberland Hotel Worcester

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 2 Stockenstrom Street
2.93 km (1.9 mi) from Karoo Desert National Botanical Garden

Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Sauna

8. Paternoster (from USD 338)

Best Romantic Weekend Getaways In Western Cape, South Africa
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Octagon used under CC BY 3.0

Your Western Cape adventure will not be complete without at least a day in the charming coastal village of Paternoster. Nestled on the western coast of South Africa, between St Helena Bay and Saldanha Bay, Paternoster is a fishing village and a favorite hideaway destination for tourists who love the sea. Here, you can swim in refreshing waters, bask in the warmth of the sun all day long, bond with your partner over building sandcastles, and relish mouthwatering seafood. Also, you’ll find the South African coast’s last guarded lighthouse in this village, Cape Columbine. Don’t forget to take souvenir pictures with this historic lighthouse or go there just to admire the view. Paternoster is 160 km (99 mi) away from Cape Town City.

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Strandloper Ocean Boutique Hotel

Wifi Available

Address: 5 Patterson Slot
169.98 km (105.7 mi) from Karoo Desert National Botanical Garden

Parking Restaurant Room service Bar Terrace Non-smoking rooms Airport shuttle Fishing

9. Stellenbosch (from USD 134)

Stellenbosch Wine Route, Western Cape, South Africa
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user South African Tou... used under CC BY 2.0

Surrounded by nature, Stellenbosch is a lovely Western Cape town that features stunning mountainous landscapes and vast vineyards. Besides its undeniable beauty, this little town thrives with its vibrant art scene. Rupert Museum, Stellenbosch University Museum, and Dyman Gallery are testaments to that. Marvel at impressive masterpieces with the love of your life with glasses of wine in hands. If you like preparing meals yourself, you can plan a dinner for two. You can score ingredients at Root 44 Market or Stellenbosch Slow Market. If you would rather eat out, check out Avontuur Wine Estate for some delicious fares and excellent wine. Stellenbosch is 49 km (30 mi) away from Cape Town City.

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Protea Hotel by Marriott Stellenbosch & Conference Centre

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: Techno Avenue
69.08 km (43.0 mi) from Karoo Desert National Botanical Garden

Parking Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Golf course (within 3 km)

10. Wellington (from USD 98)

Wellington Central Business District
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Andresdewet used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Imagine waking up to a picturesque countryside with breathtaking views of vast wineries and mountainous landscape. This is a likely scenario when you spend a holiday in Wellington. Nature is within reach for guests, and they can sample some of the best wines in South Africa in Wellington. Aside from nature activities and excellent wines, this town offers a peek through its rich history at Wellington Museum. There, visitors can learn about the town’s history and culture, and they can marvel at artifacts that were collected throughout time. Also, Wellington Museum features Andrew Murray books, a vast Egyptology collection, Tswana tribal relics, and more. Wellington is 72 km (45 mi) away from Cape Town City.

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Wellington, South Africa
39.5 km (24.6 mi) from Karoo Desert National Botanical Garden
132 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Entire cottage 1 Bed 2 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 2

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
magical one bed cottage - superb amenities great small touches beautiful views
the only drawback was the lightening fast wifi which sometimes kept us from the majestic surrounds :)
enjoyed the plunge pool after a hot day and the views of the rolling fields and hills
amazing cottage very beautiful surrounding and nice garden with small pool
had a wonderful (email hidden by airbnb) fy bed cosy cottage stunning surrounds
Cleanliness:
the place is clean pretty and relaxing
the place is very clean and the location is exactly what you need to get some rest
lovely cottage - spacious and appointed perfectly; private and comfortable plus there is an outdoor shower
Host:
helen was very helpful and the hospitality was great
hosts were very welcoming and hospitable
helen was a great host and had an open line of communication
very friendly and accommodating hosts
super hosts great setting thoughtful details
Location:
totally world class — and close to paarl and other cute places
lovely cottage which feels very private even though you are really close to wellington
this place literally had everything we needed even a pizza cutter :)
Read more reviews

11. Cape Town City (from USD 173)

V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, South Africa
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user South African Tou... used under CC BY 2.0

Cape Town City is the capital of Western Cape. It is a stunning port city with diverse offerings in store for its visitors. Swimming, fishing, surfing, and watersports are only a few of the things you can enjoy in this city. Also, you can feast on delicious seafood fares in many restaurants in Cape Town City. Check out the dining spots at V&A Waterfront. After some culinary adventures, you may go shopping in the bustling area. If you like to score antique pieces, you should swing by Greenmarket Square. Take touristy Instagram pictures at Iziko Bo-Kaap Museum, as this place is colorful and vibrant. Are you fascinated with European and African art? Check out the exhibits at the South African National Gallery.

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The Onyx Apartment Hotel by NEWMARK

Wifi Available

Address: 57 Heerengracht Street
100.43 km (62.4 mi) from Karoo Desert National Botanical Garden

Parking Restaurant Room service Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Terrace Non-smoking rooms

12. Franschhoek (from USD 143)

Franschhoek, Western Cape, South Africa
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user South African Tou... used under CC BY 2.0

If you are looking for idyllic and romantic places in Western Cape to take your significant other to, you might like to make Franschhoek one of your getaway destinations in the province. It is a lovely town that boasts natural wonders and showcases a mountainous landscape. Everywhere you look in Franschhoek is a picture-perfect backdrop. This town has an abundance of vineyards, which makes it a dreamy, fairytale-like town, as well as a destination for gastronomic experiences. Check out Dieu Donné Vineyards, Haute Cabrière, La Bri Estate, and La Motte Wine Estate. Franschhoek is 81 km (50 mi) away from Western Cape’s capital city, Cape Town City.

Stayed at this property?

Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa by Dream Resorts

Address: Minor Road
47.56 km (29.6 mi) from Karoo Desert National Botanical Garden

Parking Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Tennis court Sauna

Fall in love with Western Cape

Looking forward to some memorable holiday with the love of your life? Consider spending it in the beautiful region of Western Cape. This province is home to charming cities, towns, and villages that exudes beauty and romance. Imagine vast vineyards, scenic hiking trails, exquisite dining spots, fascinating art museums, and historic landmarks. All these are present in Western Cape. This province has all the makings of an unforgettable romantic getaway.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Nicole, a writer and traveler, also identifies herself as a free spirit with a wild heart. She is dedicated to telling authentic stories in a relatable manner. Nicole also enjoys exploring new,...Read more

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