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Paarl

Paarl Overview
Paarl Recommended for:
  • Wine Tasting /
  • Wine Routes /
  • Restaurants /
  • Antique Shops /
  • Museum /
  • Scenic Drives /
  • Hiking /
  • Golf /
  • 4X4 Routes /
 

Description

Less than an hour north of Cape Town in the Winelands, Paarl is a beautiful old town dominated by a huge granite pluton that, after rain, gleams like a pearl, and from which the town gets its name. (The Dutch word for pearl is paarl.) Paarl has one of the longest main roads in the country – at about 11km – and it’s lined with some lovely old buildings.
For a bit of a historical flashback you could visit the Afrikaans Language Museum or even drive up to the Afrikaans Language Monument – a monstrous hilltop structure that’s visible for miles. It’s an interesting place to visit and, whatever you think of the motivation of its construction, there’s a lovely view from up there.
But you’d be more likely to visit Paarl for wine. There are numerous lovely wineries, some of which also make home made cheeses and liqueur brandy. Olive farms produce olive oil and various varieties of bottled olives and Paarl is filled with lovely restaurants.
For the more active, there is an excellent paragliding launch site off Paarl Rock, which also offers excellent granite climbing and some fun rambles. You could ride up the back of Paarl Mountain, do a wine tasting horse trail, or even trundle through the vineyards in a horse-drawn cart. In summer there are early morning hot air balloon flights.

Paarl & Surrounds

*Distances are shown as the crow flies and not necessarily the actual travelling distance.

In and Around

Nearby Locations
Nearest Airport
Featured Destinations
Beaches
 

Customer Reviews

Reviews 16 of 16
Liezel Allers
South Africa

Sal enige dag daar gaan bly. Wonderlike Afrikaanse mense. Soveel om te doen in die omgewing. Dan nog die pragtige berge. Hoe wonderlike is dit om elke oggend op te staan en die pragtige berge te sien.

06 April 2013
Werner Slabbert
South Africa

Definitely our next home.... Werner from Pretoria

08 January 2013
Clem Steenkamp
South Africa

Lovely

19 December 2012
Frans Buys
South Africa

Paal is a quiet town with a lot of attractions, like museums and wine cellars. Exelent resurants to choose from. I enjoyed my stay in Paarl

17 December 2012
Wim VAN WIN
South Africa

Paarl is indeed a peacefull pearl with attractive places of interest: the African Language Museum, the wine coöperation and many other. Paarl has a number of excellet b&b's and fine restarurants. It perfectly situated to visit the inland. Paarl is indeed a pearl of beauty.

26 August 2012
Elisabeth Van Eck
South Africa

Loved everything about Paarl, the bed&breakfast place we stayed in, beautiful rooms and excellent value for money, the owners were friendly, approachable, had time for a chat and to give advice, the butterfly farm is out of this world, we won't even talk about the wine, this little cafe in the main street served the absolutely best muffins I ever tasted. The shopping is great as well, I got a fantastic haircut, and purchased a lovely leather handbag. Also bought some artwork, pictures painted on glass, very unusual and admired by all my guests.

24 August 2012
Jumbo Marais
Namibia

Die Paarl is vir ons n lekker plek,veral met die kinders wat daar in die skool is. Baie sentraal gelee vir die skole se besoeke en die besighede,en die naburige dorpe. Baie goeie natuur skoon en tonele. Die Boland is net lekker...

23 August 2012
Tanja Gerber
South Africa

In the shadow of meandering mountains reclines the gracious old lady. Bedecked in the jewel colours of seasons' splendour, she invites you to sip from her cup of tranquillity and breathe deeply the echoes of yesteryear. She weaves her spell in the breath of the warm wind and bids you dance to the music of her charms. But it is when you take your leave that you realise a part of you had been left behind, and you know that the need to return will grow like a pearl in your heart.

22 August 2012
Karen Sabatta
South Africa

Quaint town that is an enjoyable walk through on a Saturday afternoon. The hospitality in the guest houses and restaurants is outstanding. A stones throw from Cape Town but a world on its own if you just want to get away from the hustle and bustle of a large city. Very relaxing.

21 August 2012
Wolfgang Michler
Germany

Paarl is great for dining (Bosmans, Laborie, Rhebokskloof, Fairview), it's great for wine and brandy tasting (KWV and others), it's located in the middle of other excellent wine tasting areas (Wellington, Franschoek, Stellenbosch), great accommodations and friendly people and everything only a 45 minutes drive from Cape Town. Our favorite: Drive up to the Paarl mountains and hike to the top on a clear and not too hot day: Fantastic views on Paarl and all the way to Table Mountain will be your reward. - Wolfgang from Germany

20 August 2012
Estelle Rehr
South Africa

Jy ruik die natuurskoon, die wyn en reendruppels op Paarlberg!!! Statige dorpie met warmhartige mense en sentraal gelee, van die mooiste trou venues en statige ou Kerke soos die Toringkerk en Strooidak kerk

18 August 2012
HENNIE LOUW
South Africa

This gem is the gateway to the loveliest cape of them all. It represents the world in one with magic scenery, awesome top class and variety in/outdoor activities with friendly people where ever you go. A must visit place on your bucket list!.

17 August 2012
Charmaine Senekal
South Africa

Lovely little town. Lots of nice coffee shops.

28 June 2012
Mark Denton
South Africa

Only stayed overnight so have not seen all of Paarl.

20 February 2012
Joan Clarke
South Africa

I enjoyed the museums, especially the Afrikaans Taal Museum. The curators were very friendly and informative. I also enjoyed the picturesque old buildings. I felt that town has become too modern and has lost its old-world character. I battled to find a restaurant open on Sunday!

27 December 2011
Lucea Pepper
South Africa

Paarl is a lovely town. The hosts at the various wine farms are very welcoming.

06 September 2011

Travel Guide
Latest Reviews

Friendly people…”  Read more

Liezel Allers - 06 April 2013

Paarl…”  Read more

Werner Slabbert - 08 January 2013

Paarl…”  Read more

Clem Steenkamp - 19 December 2012

Paarl a peacefull town…”  Read more

Frans Buys - 17 December 2012

Paarl: an African pearl…”  Read more

Wim VAN WIN - 26 August 2012

Relaxed, friendly Paarl…”  Read more

Elisabeth Van Eck - 24 August 2012

Paarl…”  Read more

Jumbo Marais - 23 August 2012

In the shadow of Paarl Mountain…”  Read more

Tanja Gerber - 22 August 2012

World of its own…”  Read more

Karen Sabatta - 21 August 2012

A pearl under the Pearl mountains…”  Read more

Wolfgang Michler - 20 August 2012
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