“The fairest cape we saw in the whole circumference of the earth,” is how Sir Francis Drake described Cape Point, when he sailed around this rugged coastline in 1580. Since then the south-western tip of the Cape Peninsula has become an icon of the city, as famous for its dramatic coastline as the wild nature reserve that protects it. Coastal walks here offer historic shipwrecks and wonderful birding, while well-marked paths meander through the indigenous fynbos of this World Heritage Site. The seas and tidal pools are a haven for fishing, surfing and swimming, while the ‘Flying Dutchman’ funicular whisks visitors to the original lighthouse to admire the spectacular coastal views.

The quickest way to reach the top of Table Mountain is on the modern aerial cableway which whisks visitors to the summit in just five minutes, with rotating cars offering spectacular views of the mountain, city and surrounding oceans. On the summit, a casual restaurant offers dining with a view, with well-marked walking trails if you’d like to explore further afield. The most popular walk is the easy path to Maclear’s Beacon, the summit of Table Mountain at 3563-feet above sea level.

Built in and around Cape Town’s working port, this ever-popular destination combines world-class shopping, dining and entertainment with the charm and character of the historic harbour. Malls offer hundreds of shops, from international fashion to local brands, alongside dozens of restaurants dishing up everything from classic fish and chips to fine dining with a sea view. The ‘V&A’ also offers movie theatres, the Cape Wheel observation wheel, harbour tours and self-guided historical walks.