Calitzdorp

Driving along route 62, it cannot be missed. Here you will find on the western side of the small Karoo in the Western Cape province of Calitzdorp. Perhaps better known as the Port wine capital of South Africa.

The village is surrounded by mountains: the challenging Swartbergen in the north, the Rooiberge in the south and the Bergen van de Huisrivier Pass in the west. All these mountains give the area a special climate where the summers are hot and with winters that have many sunny days, but very cold nights where the peaks of Swartbergen are often snowy. You can drive beautiful routes through the mountains and be amazed by the breathtaking views.

It is not surprising that Calitzdorp has been named Port Wine capital of South Africa because the climate of Calitzdorp and the Douro valley in Portugal shows similarities on several points. It is hot and dry here and the soil is poor and that ensures very good port quality. The highly alcoholic wine is made here in various local wine cellars that are worth visiting. Every year in May the port wine festival takes place in the village.

Cold winters or warm summers, it is always wonderful to relax at the natural hot springs of Calitzdorp. In addition to having fun in the warm water, it also has a therapeutic effect. The spa is located just outside Calitzdorp on the road to Oudtshoorn and you have to leave it, because it is beautifully hidden in the hinterland of the Kleine Karoo.

The Kleine Karoo is the land of ostriches, wild flowers, vines, birds and mountains. It is the relaxing environment, the beautiful nature and the old architecture that will surprise and surprise you when you stay here. You can go hiking, fishing, bird watching, go 4×4 or on horseback.

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