I call them champagne days – these are bountiful in winter, when the still air is clean and clear, the sun warms you deep into your bones and you feel truly alive.

Visit Cape Town in winter, when local accommodations drop prices and offer promotions to attract business. On the south peninsula in Cape Town, there are many activities for the visitor.

1. Restaurant specials

Restaurants that possibly you would not readily frequent offer promotions in winter. We are blessed to have several top restaurants in our area. Harbour House, set on the breakwater of Kalk Bay Harbour (with an unbeatable view) currently have two winter specials on. You can enjoy a two course meal-R195, or three course meal – R215.

The Food Barn, in Noordhoek, where Chef Franck Dangereux is famous for delicious and decadent ‘fine-dining’ style food in a relaxed and characterful old barn. They offer 50% off the starter, main course and dessert for their lunch menu throughout winter.

2. Whale Watching

Southern Right Whales, and others, visit our waters from around June to November to mate, calve, or simply to get away from the icy Antarctic winter.

The western half of False Bay – stretching from Strandfontein all the way to Cape Point is one of the finest boat based whale watching sites in South Africa. This area, sheltered from the open ocean, provides an ideal winter home for the Southern Right Whales. Simon’s Town Boat Company do boat tours. Or one can view these enormous mammals from Boyes Drive that runs parallel to the ocean above Muizenberg to Kalk Bay.

3. Sundowners on Chapman’s Peak

Find a view point along the scenic coastal drive, and enjoy your snacks and wine while viewing the sun dipping down and sinking into the sea.

4. Farmer’s Market

Situated on the water’s edge in the old section of the Hout Bay Harbour, Bay Harbour Market comprises more than 100 stalls housed in tented alleys, courtyards and an old fish factory. This bustling market offers a wide range of delicious food as well as interesting clothes and crafts.
Friday, 5pm – 9pm Saturday & Sunday, 9:30am – 4pm

5. Wine-tasting

Cape Point Vineyards is tucked just below the entrance to Chapman’s Peak. Partake in their award-winning fine wines while taking in the splendid views. Hours: 11h00 – 18h00 (15h00 on Thursdays)

6. Walks

There is nothing like a walk to get your circulation going and fill your lungs with truly fresh air. There are several walks one can enjoy.

Jager Walk – the southern side of Fish Hoek Beach

Kommetjie Beach – frequented by local families, surfers and dogs, you can enjoy the fresh sea air and views across the water to Hout Bay.

St James to Muizenberg – one of my favourite walks starts at St James. You walk just above the rocks but below the railway line to Muizenberg (there is a well maintained path) Drop in at the elegant Casa Labia for tea and a treat, and then return back to your car.