7 South African towns that feel like Europe's best-kept secrets

The South African

4 days ago

You don't need a Schengen visa or a 12-hour flight to get a taste of Europe. With its layered history and cultural crosscurrents, South Africa hides a few gems that look and feel like they were airlifted from the Alps, the Riviera, or the Black Forest.
Just with way better weather and friendlier prices for your pockets.
Here are seven South African towns that channel European charm without leaving the continent… Franschhoek, Western Cape. Image: canva
If France and the Cape Winelands had a love child, it would be Franschhoek. Settled by French Huguenots in the 1600s, this town still wears its heritage with pride – vineyards, French street names, Provencal architecture, and all. Grab a croissant at a sidewalk café, hop on the wine tram, or indulge in a world-class tasting menu that could easily rival anything in Burgundy.
Feels like: A chic weekend in Provence
Don't miss: The Huguenot Monument and any wine estate with a view of the mountains
Nestled in the foothills of the Maluti Mountains, Clarens gives major Swiss chalet energy! With crisp mountain air, sandstone buildings, and a village green lined with galleries and coffee shops, it's a quiet escape that punches above its weight in character. Artists, hikers, and city refugees all seem to find what they need here.
Feels like: A painter's retreat in the Alps
Don't miss: Golden Gate Highlands National Park at sunset Hogsback, Eastern Cape. Image: canva
If you've ever wanted to step into the Shire, head to Hogsback. Rumour has it J.R.R. Tolkien drew inspiration from this misty mountaintop village, and it's easy to see why. Lush forests, waterfalls, and whimsical gardens make this one of South Africa's most magical corners.
Feels like: Rural England with a twist of fantasy
Don't miss: The Labyrinth at The Edge and a forest hike to Madonna and Child Falls
White-washed cottages, gravel roads, towering oaks, and a mountain backdrop – Greyton looks like it was teleported straight out of a 19th-century Dutch town. It's got a farmers' market, horses grazing in open fields, and just enough hipster energy to keep things interesting.
Feels like: A Netherlands village minus the bicycles
Don't miss: Greyton Nature Reserve's gentle hiking trails Dullstroom, Mpumalanga. Image: canva
Dullstroom isn't dull at all. It's a fly-fishing haven wrapped in mist and pine forests, and it's the closest South Africa gets to Scotland. Stone lodges, whisky bars, and a trout culture that runs deep – this is Highland territory with local flair.
Feels like: A highland escape with more sun
Don't miss: A dram at the Wild About Whisky bar (they have over 1 000 bottles) 6. Wakkerstroom – Bavarian postcard meets birdwatcher's paradise
Tiny, unspoiled, and sitting at the foot of green hills, Wakkerstroom has a distinctly Bavarian feel. Think timbered houses, pastoral landscapes, and a pub scene that wouldn't be out of place in southern Germany. But it's also one of South Africa's top birding spots, drawing serious twitchers from across the globe.
Feels like: A sleepy town in Bavaria
Don't miss: The wetland reserve. The Swartberg Mountains. Image: canva
Tucked against the Swartberg mountains, Prince Albert is hot, dry, and full of drama – just like Andalucía. Its Karoo-meets-Mediterranean atmosphere is defined by whitewashed walls, olive groves, and winding lanes. It's a town of storytellers, slow food, and stark beauty.
Feels like: A desert village in southern Spain
Don't miss: A drive over the Swartberg Pass and a taste of local olive oil
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