Paarl
Paarl, Western Cape
A historic town in the Cape Winelands, Paarl is often overlooked in favor of more photogenic Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. But there’s plenty to do here, from wine tastings, farm tours, and winery tours, to paragliding, hiking, abseiling, climbing, and even off-road motorbiking in Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve.
The basics
First founded in the 1680s, Paarl is South Africa’s third oldest settlement, and the Paarl Museum, housed in a 1714 building, provides a helpful introduction to Cape Dutch culture. But most travelers come to the Winelands for the vino. The Paarl Wine Route is known for big, spicy reds, particularly shiraz, and crisp whites: KWV Wine Emporium, Spice Route Destination, and Fairview Wine and Cheese are popular choices for tastings and food pairings.
If you’re planning on visiting multiple wineries, it’s best to book a private driver or a dedicated Winelands tour. Other tour options include paragliding from Paarl Rock, or hiking or off-road motorbiking (license required) in the nature reserve.
Things to know before you go
Paarl is a wonderful option for travelers who love wine, food, and the great outdoors.
The Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve is accessed by a rutted gravel road: If you’re driving, make sure your vehicle has decent clearance.
Paarl Rock can be slippery and the drops are steep: Wear closed shoes with a good grip if you’re hiking the reserve.
The legal blood alcohol limit for driving in South Africa is 0.05%—considerably lower than the US federal limit of 0.08%.
How to get there
Paarl is nestled in the Cape Winelands, about 35 miles (55 kilometers) east of Cape Town, and about 20 miles (35 kilometers) from Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. There are taxis and the occasional rideshare, but whether you drive, hire a driver, or join an organized tour, you’ll need your own wheels out here.
When to get there
Summer (December through February) is peak season in Paarl and the Cape Winelands, with clear skies and warm weather, and the March harvest season delivers great photo opps. There are a number of festivals in winter (June through August), but most international travelers will find the weather too cold and wet.
Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve
Centered on three humongous granite outcrops, Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve is a wonderful destination for nature lovers, with four different Cape biomes nudging up against each other: Forest, Karoo Semi-Desert, Fynbos Heath, and Renosterveld Shrubland. Attractions include a botanical garden, picnic sites, rock climbing, abseiling, paragliding, fishing, and bird-watching, as well as the rather phallic Afrikaans Language Monument.
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