Comprised of two tiny villages, Chintsa East and Chintsa West, located either side of the Chintsa River mouth this unspoilt holiday destination lies in the heart of Xhosa country. With a seemingly endless white-sandy beach, ensconced by forest dunes, lagoons, and rivers, a swimmable surf, plus low-cost accommodation, it's the sort of place that travellers come for a couple of days and stay for a couple of weeks. Despite being less than an hour away from busy East London, you feel a world away from anything resembling city life. Our collection of the best places to stay in Chintsa showcase the best hotels for romance, families, and total relaxation.

What not to miss

• Walk the length of Chintsa and Yellow Sands Beach.
• The Chintsa River estuary is a great spot for anglers, with a variety of kob and pan fish.
• Learn to surf with Heartland Journeys Surf School, on a 15km stretch of uncrowded beach.
• Based along the Kwelera River, Areena Quays is a tranquil family restaurant in a picturesque setting.
• Sample the Wild Coast's finest craft beer at Emerald Vale.

Our collection of the best places to stay in Chintsa showcase a back to nature experience at an affordable price.

The Best Places to stay in Chintsa

For a great value stay

• Great value, great location Wild Lubanzi Backpackers offers everything the eco-traveller desires, as well as delicious, locally sourced food!

For a family stay

• With flexible, family-friendly accommodation, hearty dining, and a great beachside location, Crawford's Beach Lodge is a popular stay.
• Excellent value accommodation, Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve is a great opportunity for families to experience a safari stay.

For a romantic getaway

• Beautifully decorated, with cavernous baths and private pools, Prana Lodge is Chintsa's ultimate couples' retreat.

For ultimate relaxation

• A little further afield, Miarestate Hotel & Spa offers luxurious accommodation, fine dining, with a long list of spa treatments. Bliss.

Travel Information

• If you want to rent self-drive to explore the Eastern Cape, visit our online partner Rentalcars.
• East London Airport is under an hour's drive - taxis can be booked easily.
• Boasting a very temperate climate, with temperatures seldom dropping below 20°C or rising above 30°C. On average, the warmest month is March, the coolest is August, and wettest, November.

Still not sure?

• Widen the net to include our recommendations in the Eastern Cape or East London.
• Or contact one of our gurus for advice.