A tiny little town, set against the backdrop of The Swartberg range to the North and the Rooiberg to the south, pretty Calitzdorp is decorated in the architectural style typical of the Little Karoo: traditional Edwardian-fronted houses with intricate lattice-work verandahs. Rolling farmland, endless hills, traversed by the Gamka River, it’s a peaceful and less frequented stop along the Western Cape’s famed Garden Route. Our recommendations showcase the best places to stay in Calitzdorp, providing a wide range of idyllic hotels, from great value to rural retreats.

Comprised of seven wineries (four within walking distance of the town centre) Calitzdorp is known for its port-style wines (namely Cape Ruby, Tawny or Vintage). If you’re travelling during the mid-June, don’t miss the Calitzdorp Winter Festival, a bacchanalian celebration of food and wine.

What not to miss:

• De Krans Wines and Calitzdorp Cellar are two of the most prominent vineyards in the area.
• Take a stroll through town and visit the town’s museum and Calitzdorp Dutch Reform Church.
• If travelling between the middle weekend of June, don’t miss the Calitzdorp Winter Festival, celebrating the port-style wines the area is known for.
• Go off-road with Bojaankop 4x4 Trails for a high-octane way to explore this tranquil town.

Browse our guide to the best places to stay in Calitzdorp and start to plan your visit to this picturesque and peaceful town.

The Best Places to stay in Calitzdorp

For a great value stay

• An icon and one of the oldest hotels in town, The Queen of Calitzdorp also boasts great rates, throughout the year.
• Set outside of town, amidst Calitzdorp's rolling hills, Red Stone Hills Holiday Farm is an excellent value, self-catering stay.

For a countryside stay

• Sample some of the fruits of the region at The Port Wine Guesthouse, and stay on a working vineyard.
• A five-bedroom family-run guesthouse, Calitzdorp Country House boasts mountain and vineyard views.
• Set amidst 1400-acres of farmland, The Retreat at Groenfontein, just outside of town, boasts a popular restaurant and antiquated lodgings.

Travel Information

• If you want to rent self-drive to explore the scenic Garden Route, visit our online partner Rentalcars.
• Alternatively, George Airport is a ninety-minute drive from Calitzdorp, with daily flights from Cape Town International Airport.
• Hot in the summer, sometimes snow-capped in the winter, Calitzdorp witnesses the extremes of the seasons. For the best weather, travel between October and November and February to March.

Still not sure?

• Widen the net to include our recommendations in nearby Knysna, George, Mossel Bay, Wilderness, Plettenberg Bay, Oudtshoorn, and the Western Cape.
• Take a look at our top recommendations for The Garden Route.
• Or contact one of our gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Calitzdorp