Explore Calitzdorp at leisure. Visit local art galleries, antique and curio shops, stop for a cup of steaming coffee, visit the local museum or take a drive through the scenic surrounding valleys. Pay a visit to the local wine cellars, where patrons will take you on a journey of the best of what is on offer from the fertile valley.
If you are in the mood for less activity, take the time to marvel at the serene beauty of the Swartberg Mountain, a splendid sunset or the starry Karoo night sky. Take a short walk to the river, passing through the lucerne and vineyard.
Let us assist you in planning a day of activities or be led by your inner explorer. Warm hospitality awaits you on your return.
Visit the wine cellars of the Port capital of South Africa
Due to the very dry soil of the area, and the alluvial soils that are used in farming, Calitzdorp has often been considered the Douro Valley of South Africa. The original valley in Portugal is the home of Port, and Calitzdorp is home to many port-wine making wine farms. The ground here is particularly accommodating to plants that enjoy very dry weather, including the Port blend grapes Tinta Barocca and Touriga Naçional.
Visit the Museum and understand the history of Calitzdorp.
- Contact the Tourism office for more information on 4×4 routes, birding, canoeing and fishing, horse trails and horse riding, mountain biking, walking / hiking trails, tractor tours.
- Calitzdorp on foot – historical heritage – Take a turn down the oldest street, Queen Street, and soak up the Old World atmosphere .
Visit The Ring of Stones at Boplaas.
Built in honour of the ancient farmers, who used similar, stone
circles to observe the summer and winter solstices. These dates were of critical importance to
ancient man as it determined when they planted and harvested their crops.
Churches
- Renowned wall hangings in the Dutch Reformed Church Hall tell the story of Jesus and are a labour of love done by the ladies of Calitzdorp. Collect the keys at the Tourism office or Die Dorpshuis.
- The Dutch Reformed Church, originally founded in 1856, was declared a national historical monument in 1991. The church has a neo-Byzantine style with a Marseilles roof. It is a good example of the sandstone architecture of the ostrich-feather-boom-era in the Klein Karoo. Anyone is welcome to attend the services on Sunday mornings at 09:30 – 10:30.
- The St. Marks church in Queens Street, the second smallest Anglican chapel in South Africa
Nearby attractions
- Take a drive through the Groenfontein Valley, passing the Nels River dam (the oldest cement dam of its kind) financed by the farmers.
- Go fishing or have a picnic at the Fish Eagle on your way to the Groenfontein Valley
- Visit the old water mills at Kruisrivier Guest Farm.
- Visit the Calitzdorp Spa and enjoy their Roman bath.
- Visit Gamka Nature Reserve, see endangered mountain zebra and bushmen paintings
- Visit Matjiesvlei, a hidden valley with its tranquil atmosphere
- For all your fresh or dried fruit and homemade jams visit Elnatan on the road to Ladismith.
Explore one of our majestic mountain passes.
- Seweweekspoort (24km from Calitzdorp)
- Gamkaskloof (The Hell) (105km)
- Outeniqua Pass (105km)
- Swartberg Pass (45km)
- Meiringspoort (95km)
- Rooiberg Pass (12km)
