4 South African destinations that capture the charm of coastal Spain

If you crave the laid-back rhythm of Spanish seaside towns, with sun-washed buildings, ocean-fresh seafood, and a slow, joyful pace of life, you can skip the flight to Europe.

South Africa’s diverse coastline and Mediterranean-style climate in some regions create local spots that echo the charm of coastal Spain. Here are four local gems that bring that spirit to life…

1. Gordon’s Bay, Western Cape, South Africa

Spanish vibe match: Altea or Cadaqués, but with a Cape flair.

Tucked against the Helderberg Mountains, Gordon’s Bay gives off serious Mediterranean coastal town energy. With its marina, hillside homes, and panoramic sea views, it feels like a quiet Spanish port city where life moves with the tide. Small cafés spill onto sidewalks, and locals linger over wine as the sun slides into the bay. You can stroll Bikini Beach in the morning, grab tapas-style bites at lunch, and sip local wines while sailboats drift past in the evening.

2. St. Francis Bay, Eastern Cape

Spanish vibe match: A chilled-out version of Costa del Sol with a sailing twist.

St. Francis Bay is a canal-laced village with white walls and black thatched roofs – almost Andalusian in style. What really nails the feel of Spain, though, is the lifestyle. Locals sail, surf, and fish. Evenings stretch out over fresh seafood dinners and sundowners. The marina gives it that upscale-yet-unpretentious vibe found in places like Marbella or San Sebastián.

3. Simon’s Town, Cape Town, South Africa

Spanish vibe match: Sitges, with penguins.

This historic naval town in South Africa hugs the False Bay coast and delivers that old-world European charm with a South African twist. There are cobbled streets, heritage buildings, and seafood bistros with Atlantic views. Wander down to the harbour and you’ll find penguins instead of paella, but the rhythm of life is strikingly familiar to a seaside town like Sitges near Barcelona: unhurried, local, scenic.

4. Ballito, KwaZulu-Natal

Spanish vibe match: Valencia, with South African spice.

This one’s more of a wildcard, but hear us out. Ballito is warm year-round, beachy, and buzzing with life, much like Spain’s Mediterranean cities. There’s a food scene here that’s catching fire – fresh fish, bold flavours, and a growing number of wine bars and live music venues that turn any evening into a fiesta. It’s less about the architecture and more about the energy: sunny, social, and surf-loving.