Yes, you’ve sunbathed and surfed in the Mother City. You’ve sipped wine in Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek, and had a froth-filled time in Darling. And you’ve chilled in Knysna and seen the whales off the coast of Hermanus. You’ve visited all the places that people go on about when they’ve just come back from their beautiful Western Cape holiday. But have you ever properly visited any of the province’s smaller towns? You know, the ones you might only pass by or pass through. If not, then you’re missing out on quite a few wonderful adventures.

Here’s a few of our favorite small towns you should give a go when you’re in the Western Cape:

1.Pringle Bay

A small seaside town is an idyllic holiday setting, and Pringle Bay is one to visit if you’re ever in the Cape. Just an hour-and-a-half long drive from Cape Town.

2.Riebeek-Kasteel

One of three small towns in the Riebeek Valley (the other two are Riebeek West and Hermon), Riebeek-Kasteel is one of the oldest in South Africa. It boasts the 160-year-old De Oude Kerk which houses the Riebeek Valley Museum. It’s also home to its very own micro-brewery, Flagship Brew; and to Kloovenburg Wine Estate.

3.Paternoster

Can’t afford to go to Greece? No problem! Paternoster is a gorgeous authentic fishing village on the West Coast where you can enjoy a variety of stimulating experiences. Swimming is the most immediate option, of course, but plenty more adventures await you here.

4.Citrusdal

Citrusdal was established just over 100 years ago and is one of a few small towns close to the breathtaking Cederberg Mountains. Together with its neighbour Clanwilliam, it offers beautiful vistas aplenty.

5.Montagu

The town itself has gems of its own. There’s Joubert House, a small museum that dates back to 1853.

6.Prince Albert

From the beautiful hand-crafted designs at its Avoova branch, to the cooking experiences offered by African Relish, Prince Albert has a host of attractions to keep you enthralled. Any town with over 70 bed-and-breakfasts has to be visited multiple times.

7.Calitzdorp

There’s one great reason to visit Calitzdorp: wine! The town features two wine estates that offer a bounty of goods. The first is De Krans, which produces wine under three labels: De Krans, Le Sueur and Garden Route.

8.Beaufort West

Beaufort West was founded in 1818, and has the distinction of being the first municipality in South Africa, as well as having the country’s first town hall.

9. Matjiesfontien

Matjiesfontein in the Karoo is a tiny pocket of South Africans history. It was once a British army stronghold during the Anglo-Boer war and boasts a British Army Remount Camp as one of its attractions.