The light in this area makes it popular amongst painters and photographers alike, who favour the area in summer or autumn. The interesting valleys and dips contain green and gold vineyards, a perfect view from your Paarl accommodation. Be sure to explore the town and take note of the Dutch Colonial and French-inspired architecture while sipping on cafe lattes at one of the many street cafes in town.
At only an hour from the centre of Cape Town and surrounded by big five game reserves, Paarl accommodation is an excellent base for your wine-tasting holiday. Accommodation in this rural farming community ranges from opulent wine estates to small and quaint guesthouses in the centre of the town. Vineyards swap places with the town's buildings, creating a country feel in a town which is actually the size of a small city!
Who goes there?
Paarl is popular amongst the families and tourists who prefer to visit a quaint, quiet town. The town caters for visitors of all ages, but one would be hard pressed to find a family who hasn't taken in the atmosphere of the surrounding wine estates and vineyards. Although strictly for adult consumption, the wine farms do cater for the younger members of the family with playgrounds and even petting zoos.
When to visit Paarl?
The best time to visit this area of the Winelands is probably during the summer. The temperatures peak at about 30°C and the evenings are late and lovely. Be sure to take a dip in your Paarl accommodation's pool or take a trip to one of the many beaches on either side of the peninsula as the days can get quite sticky and humid.
Close By Attractions
Afrikaans Language Monument: this monument to the indigenous language of Afrikaans is located on the slopes of the mountains surrounding the town. It is worth a trip up for a taste of the history of this area. The struggle by the Dutch for the recognition of their language is shown here by this monument, placed in the wake of the British colonial rule. Although controversial in recent times, the monument is loved by the locals and fiercely protected by Afrikaners and English-speakers alike.
Things to do near Paarl
The most obvious things to do in and around Paarl is visit the wineries which dot the area. Why not take an extended holiday and stay in some of this exquisite Cape Town accommodation to sample some of the atmosphere (and of course the wines) on offer in these historical estates?
Drakenstein Lion Park gives tourists and guests a view into what the old Cape was like before the lions were hunted out of the area. As a sanctuary for captive-born lions, the lion park sprawls over 50 acres of natural habitat for distressed and abused lions to roam free, safe in the knowledge that they are protected and treated only with the utmost respect, deserved by the kings of the savannah.
Cape Winelands hot air balloon flight, offered between November and April every year, is a unique way to experience the luscious, scenic vineyards and valleys of the Boland. The flight takes place in the beautiful Berg River Valley, outside of Paarl - a truly amazing landscape.
The Cape Winelands hot air balloon flight, offered between November and April every year, is a unique way to experience the luscious, scenic vineyards and valleys of the Boland. The flight takes place in the beautiful Berg River Valley, outside of Paarl a truly amazing landscape.
Getting around
It is recommended to hire a car for the duration of your stay in Paarl. Although Cape Town has an excellent train and bus network, the location of this Winelands town is such that it is not conducive to public transport. If you prefer to take matters into your own hands why not let us help you hire a car from one of the reputable car rental options in Cape Town? Hire a Harley and see the area on two wheels, or take a step back in time to the 1960s with a classic car.
Further a field
The city of Cape Town is only an hour's drive away. Named affectionately as the Mother City by locals, this vibrant city is home to a plethora of tourist delights. From sky diving and shark cage diving, abseiling to mall-hopping, you'll never be stuck for something to do in this city! The city also offers Cape Town accommodation for every taste and budget.
Paarl accommodation is some of the best in the Winelands. With views of rolling hills and valleys filled with vineyards, this town offers a relaxing getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. Cape Town is less than an hour's drive away, but with so much to do in and around Paarl, you'll be busy from noon until night taking the time to breathe in the fresh air.
