Top Retirement Towns in South Africa

Are you considering retiring in South Africa? Enjoy Travel ranked South Africa as one of the best places to retire in the world. Expat retirees come to South Africa due to our country's mild climate, affordable living costs and sizeable expat population. South Africa is a melting pot of cultures and is a welcoming country.

If you are from overseas or are a local South African, there are many places you can choose to retire to in our beautiful country.

Let's take a look at the top retirement towns in South Africa.

Which are the top retirement towns in South Africa?

Here are some of the top retirement towns in the Eastern Cape:

Port Alfred, Eastern Cape

Consider retiring to Port Alfred in the Eastern Cape. Port Alfred has a scenic marina and a village ambience. The retirement villages in Port Alfred have exquisite gardens and living spaces. Beach enthusiasts will enjoy spending time at Fish River Beach and Shelly Bay Port Alfred. From birding to restaurants to visiting the different museums, Port Alfred offers retirees lots to do.

St Francis Bay, Eastern Cape

St Francis Bay is another option for people looking to retire. St Francis Bay has stunning beaches and canals and boasts a golf estate. Nature reserves surround the beaches, so you can experience true peace and tranquillity and enjoy the beauty of your environment. From fishing on the rocks to exploring the marina to golfing, there is something for every retiree to enjoy in St Francis Bay.

Port St Johns, Eastern Cape

Retirees will love living in Port St Johns, a coastal town known for its natural beauty. Retirees can have a relaxed lifestyle here. Go on the eco-friendly adventure trails, spend time visiting the forests, or enjoy walking on the secluded beaches. Explore Silaka Nature Reserve and you may spot birds like the Knysna Loerie.

Jeffreys Bay, Eastern Cape

Jeffreys Bay is another top retirement town for retirees. You will have a fantastic time exploring the nature reserves and rivers. Jeffreys Bay has gorgeous sandy beaches and restaurants that cater to your every culinary taste. You can go to Dolphin Beach, see amazing surfing spots, visit the Shell Museum, and experience the Shell Festival.

Which are some of the top retirement towns in the Western Cape?

Cape Town, Western Cape

Cape Town has so much to offer retirees. You can visit the iconic Table Mountain, Cape Point, Hout Bay or Robben Island. Take a scenic drive along Chapman's Peak Drive and enjoy the superb view. Experience the beauty of Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.

Some notable beaches to go to include Clifton and Boulders Beach. Cape Town also has many hiking trails available for those who are up for adventure. Enjoy tasty wines, delicious restaurant food and visiting the vineyards and markets.

Franschhoek, Western Cape

Living in Franschhoek is ideal for retirees who love wine and the mountains. Globally, Franschhoek is renowned for its fine dining establishments and award-winning wines. There is so much for you to explore and experience in Franschhoek, from artisan food to boutique shops to art to restaurants and wineries and more. Don't miss out on the Franschhoek Motor Museum and the Franschhoek Valley Walk.

Ceres, Western Cape

Another suitable town for retirees to live in is Ceres. Ceres, situated in the Cape Winelands, has many activities that you will enjoy. From seasonal fruit farm tours to birding, horse riding and visiting the local wineries, there are so many options for retirees to choose from.

Another must-experience for retirees is cherry-picking at Klondyke Cherry Farm. The views of Gydo Pass are exquisite. Are you a keen hiker? Hiking trails include the Christie Prins Hiking Trail.

In winter, the snowy peaks are lovely. Activities like skiing and snowboarding will keep you entertained all season long.

Hermanus, Western Cape

Have you thought about retiring to Hermanus? This beautiful town is located in the heart of the Whale Route. The rock-sheltered coves and beaches are simply breathtaking. Enjoy cycling, kayaking, tennis, fly fishing, the local art, pottery and jewellery.

Another must-visit destination is the Fernkloof Nature Reserve. The best land-based whale-watching destination in the world is Hermanus. Do you love watching whales?

You have the chance to spot the Southern Right whales who come to Walker Bay from June to December. Hermanus also hosts an annual whale festival at the end of September, which is not to be missed.

Paarl, Western Cape

Would you like to retire to Paarl? If you are an avid golfer, Pearl Valley in Paarl is perfect for you. Paarl is known for its scenic beauty, fauna and flora. Visit the wine farms where you can taste delicious wines. Paarl offers exquisite drives, hiking trails and delicious cuisine. The views of Paarl Rock are unforgettable.

Pringle Bay, Western Cape

Pringle Bay is another place retirees can choose to call home. Pringle Bay is located on the Whale Route of the Western Cape. Gear up for adventure in this small coastal village.

Enjoy snorkelling around the rock pools on the beach. Other activities to choose from include visiting the Harold Porter Botanical Gardens, hiking, and bird watching.

Stellenbosch, Western Cape

Stellenbosch is in the Cape Winelands region and is known for producing wine. Retirees, you can enjoy a truly delightful small-town atmosphere in Stellenbosch. Experience art, street cafes, music, restaurants, theatre and wine farms in Stellenbosch. You can even take up bowls or tennis, go to the gym, or embark on a hike.

To conclude

South Africa has many top retirement towns that you can retire to. Whichever town you decide to retire to is up to you. All you need to do is choose the town that suits your retirement needs the best.

Whether you prefer to retire to the Eastern Cape or the Western Cape, there are lots of amazing towns to live in. South Africa is full of beauty, from our beaches to our mountains to our nature reserves. Make the most of the town you retire to!

About the author

Dinah Shapiro is a freelance copywriter in Johannesburg, South Africa. Dinah loves reading books and writing on different topics.

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Tags: Retirement, Semigration