Kalk Bay

I think that no visit to Cape Town is complete without spending at least a few hours in this charming fishing village just 20 minutes from the city. I lived here for a few years and thoroughly enjoyed the bohemian, relaxed atmosphere that prevails. The lay of the land: Kalk Bay is situated underneath the Muizenberg Mountain and it’s not unlike seaside villages in Cornwall with its working harbour (boats come in around lunchtime every day with their catches).

I recommend you start at the cult Olympia Café and Deli for breakfast or lunch, then spend some time wandering the streets, the art galleries, craft shops, fashion stores and vintage shops. Then wander down to the harbour (look out for the resident seal and see what the catch of the day is), stroll along the harbour wall and see who’s caught anything (seemingly no one ever has) and, if you’re up for more nosh, buy fish and chips from Kalkys or settle down at any of the restaurants in the Harbour House building – I recommend Polana (021 788 7162; www.harbourhouse.co.za/polana) for laid-back dining and drinks 'on the rocks', Harbour House  itself for romance and Live Bait (021 788 5755; www.harbourhouse.co.za/livebait) for a taverna like atmosphere.