Greyton, South Africa
48 hours in Greyton, South Africa
Where to stay, eat and play in Greyton
Tucked at the end of a gravel road in South Africa’s Western Cape, this small town draws in artists, chefs, winemakers and quiet idealists – people who come for a weekend and find a way to stay. Wild horses roam freely through the village, a reminder that Greyton moves to its own rhythm: unhurried, self-possessed and quietly defiant of change. The mornings are for slow breakfasts and mountain walks, the evenings for wine and long conversations. In just 48 hours, Greyton reveals itself – layered, creative and unlike anywhere else. Here’s how to spend a weekend in one of the Western Cape’s most singular places.
Day 01
15.00
Check-in at Bokrivier Cottages for a rustic retreat
Set beneath the towering Pilaarkop peak in the Riviersonderend Mountains, Bokrivier Cottages offers an escape into the countryside. This 1,500-hectare working farm specialises in pecan cultivation and free-range Sussex cattle, providing you with an authentic farm experience. The six self-catering cottages – Tolbos, Aloe, Geelbos, Kolkol, Blombos and Suikerbos – all feature a private hot tub, indoor fireplace and spacious lawn surrounded by stunning scenery. Bokrivier Cottages invites you to explore. With over 25 kilometres of hiking trails, you can wander through fynbos-covered landscapes, spot local birdlife or enjoy a picnic by the dam. If you’re travelling with pets, the cottages are pet-friendly, ensuring that your four-legged companions can join in the adventure.
Bokrivier Cottages
Bokrivier Farm
Greyton
South Africa
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Photography courtesy of Bokrivier Cottages
16.00
Make the Greyton Tourism Bureau your first stop
So, when you roll into town, make the Greyton Tourism Bureau your first stop. Greyton Tourism Bureau is not your typical information centre – housed in a charming building, the centre doubles as a mini gallery, showcasing works from local artists like Parker and Laird and The Dead Botanist. Here, you can gather maps, details on hiking trails, the best eateries and upcoming events – and while you’re gathering intel, take a moment to soak in the art – it’s a window into Greyton’s unique community spirit, where you can learn why so many artists chose Greyton as their home.
Greyton Tourism Bureau
29 Main Rd
Greyton
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Greyton Tourism Bureau
17.30
Grab a drink at Old Potter’s Inn and Brewhouse
For a drink with a side of history, Old Potter’s Inn and Brewhouse is not to be missed. Housed in a beautifully preserved 1830s heritage building that once served as a pottery workshop, the inn offers both accommodation and a brewpub experience. The brewhouse takes pride in its selection of handcrafted beers, each brewed on-site. The Overberg region’s golden barley and pure spring water from the surrounding mountains form the backbone of their brews. The lineup includes The City Slicker, a sessional ale with a malt profile reminiscent of freshly baked bread, Flower Child is an Indian Pale Ale rich with hops from Germany, the USA and South Africa and the My China, a one-of-a-kind rice beer developed in collaboration with Three Wise Monkeys, a renowned ramen restaurant in Cape Town.
Old Potter’s Inn And Brewhouse
16 Main Rd
Greyton
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Old Potter’s Inn And Brewhouse
19.00
Country dining at Abbey Rose
Abbey Rose was started by the Ferreira family and recently taken over by Daniel Evans, keeping to the roots of Abbey Rose but adding some new energy to the local favourite eatery. The kitchen is led by Chef Eva de Jesus Galan, where the focus is still on country cooking but with some Italian and Spanish flair. Some of the must-try dishes include the osso buco – beef shin braised with vegetables, red wine and beef broth, served on fresh Pappardelle pasta – and the croquetas de jamón, traditional Spanish ham and cheese croquettes.
Abbey Rose
19 Main Rd
Greyton
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Abbey Rose
Day 02
09.00
Enjoy a vegetarian breakfast at Pure Café
This vegetarian eatery is airy, quirky and welcoming – the smell of freshly brewed coffee and baked bread pulls you in immediately. The focus at Pure Café is on fresh, local produce and wholesome dishes – the breakfast will easily convert any meat lover to savouring a veg breakfast. Our favourite? The Middle Eastern classic – the shakshuka. Two eggs gently poached in their homemade tomato and red pepper sauce topped with Danish feta and fresh parsley served with their freshly baked sourdough toast for dunking. They also have a vegan option for this dish, made with smoked tofu chunks. Pure Café also doubles as a healthy food store, so pick up some locally produced goods before you head out.
Pure Café
41 Main Rd
Greyton
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Pure Café
10.00
Go treasure hunting in Greyton’s indie boutiques
There is a variety of quirky little indie boutiques and vintage shops scattered throughout Greyton’s charming streets. Take a stroll through the village and discover some hidden gems and you might just end up going home with a one-of-a-kind treasure. Pop into Willow & Bailey, a lifestyle and gift store that offers an eclectic mix of vintage collectibles, ceramics, jewellery and handmade gifts. Just a short walk away you’ll find Greyton Trading Post, they specialise in antiques, high-end furniture and art. They curate timeless pieces with stories to tell, it’s a must-visit if you love vintage items and art.
Willow & Barley
15 DS Botha St
Greyton
South Africa
Greyton Trading Post
34 Main Rd
Greyton
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Willow & Barley and Greyton Trading Post
11.00
Indulge in some artisanal chocolates at Von Geusau Chocolates
Von Geusau Chocolates is chocolate heaven and a must-visit if you have a sweet tooth. Founded by Richard von Geusau, a former accountant turned chocolatier, this quaint boutique chocolate shop has been crafting exquisite confections since its inception. Each treat is handcrafted using the finest Belgian couverture chocolate, free from artificial additives and vegetable fats. The result is a range of chocolates that are as pure as they are flavourful. The selection includes interesting flavours such as masala chai, earl grey and rock salt, reflecting Richard’s innovative way of dreaming up new chocolate creations. Pop in here to taste some treats, chat with the friendly Richard von Geusau to hear the story behind crafting chocolates and leave with handfuls of chocolate treats – gift them or devour them all yourself, no judgement here.
Von Geusau Chocolates
19 Main Rd
Greyton
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Von Geusau Chocolates
13.00
Grab lunch at this cosy hybrid café
Maånskyñ, found at 52 on Oak, is a hybrid café and boutique space featuring a deli, bookshop and gift shop. Lori Solomon is the visionary behind Maånskyñ, envisioning a space where community and sanctuary come together. Her background in interior design is evident in the café’s aesthetic appeal. Maånskyñ is housed in a lovely little Cape Dutch building. Inside, the space is intimate, warm and alive with chatter, with a moody colour palette and local art throughout the café. But while the interior is beautiful, we’re here for the food – the menu changes regularly on their blackboard, but the falafel with the works will always be a favourite, served with hummus, salad and dhania chutney.
Maånskyñ
52 Oak St
Greyton
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Maånskyñ
15.00
It’s wine time at Lismore’s tasting room
Hidden in the Oak & Vigne Courtyard you’ll find the Lismore Tasting Room where you can get a glimpse into the artistry of Lismore Estate Vineyards and sip on their fine wines without making the trip out of Greyton. Founded by Samantha O’Keefe in 2003, Lismore Wines has carved a niche in the South African wine landscape with their commitment to expressing the unique terroir of the Overberg region. We recommend taking advantage of the seating in the courtyard to sip on your wines, the scenery only enhances the wine in the glass. Give the Estate Reserve Viognier a try – a lovely blend of honeysuckle, peach and ginger notes, all balanced by a refreshing acidity. If you prefer a crisp and dry wine – the Sauvignon Blanc will blow you away.
Lismore Wines
Oak & Vigne Courtyard
13 DS Botha St
Greyton
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Lismore Wines
17.00
Get your hands dirty with The Village Baker
The Village Baker’s sourdough workshop offers you a hands-on culinary experience that connects you with a local legend, all while learning a valuable cooking skill. Led by John Williams, affectionately known as John Breadman, these workshops are held at The Shed, a charming studio bakery set under a sprawling oak tree on Park Street. During the workshop, you’ll learn the art of creating natural starters, learn the benefits of wholegrain flour and the science behind long fermentation methods and how to shape dough for wood-fired ovens. A highlight of the workshop is learning to bake with a Dutch oven, a technique that mimics the conditions of professional bread ovens, yielding a perfect crust and crumb. You participate actively, mixing, kneading and ultimately tasting your freshly baked bread – a rewarding outcome that underscores the value of artisan skills.
The Village Baker
53 Park St
Greyton
South Africa
Photography courtesy of The Village Baker
19.00
Time for a hearty meal at Rupert’s Bistro
Rupert’s Bistro, formerly known as Peccadillos Bistro, offers fusion dining with modern British and Mediterranean flavours. Established in 2008 by Rupert and Susan Fage, this eatery has been a long-time favourite in Greyton, known for their hearty meals and welcoming ambience. Owner and chef Rupert Fage leads the kitchen, where he cooks up his signature fish pie, made from fresh and smoked hake and served with mashed potato. Another standout dish that he takes pride in is the spinach, feta and leek lasagne – a vegetarian option that is definitely worth trying. Keep an eye on their blackboard menu, it regularly changes with the season and availability of fresh produce.
Rupert’s Bistro
23 Main Rd
Greyton
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Rupert’s Bistro
Day 03
09.00
Morning brews and bites at The Coffee Pod
Kickstart your day at The Coffee Pod, located within Greyton’s historic Post House Hotel. The morning atmosphere here is unmatched – the modern interior, mixed with subtle country touches, sets the tone for a day filled with adventure. Here you can sip on some seriously good coffee while enjoying the colourful art that adorns the walls or you can opt to enjoy your breakfast in the courtyard, where the happy chirping of birds is the background music. The croissants here are a must – they are handmade flaky masterpieces – and grab a Von Geusau chocolate brownie for the road.
The Coffee Pod at The Post House
The Post House
22 Main Rd
Greyton
South Africa
Photography courtesy of The Post House
10.00
Experience Greyton from a different perspective
If you’re up for a bit of a hike with a serious reward at the top, the Loerkop Hiking Trail in Greyton is where you want to be. The hike starts from the edge of the village at the low bridge on Krige Road and winds through fynbos-covered hills, with bursts of proteas and ericas lining the path, depending on the season. This 3-kilometre loop typically takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete, making it a perfect excursion if you’re looking to immerse yourself in the area’s scenic landscapes without committing to a lengthy trek. Keep an eye out for antelopes like the Grey Rhebok and, if you’re fortunate, you might even glimpse blue cranes in the nearby farmlands.
Loerkop Hiking Trail
Low bridge Krige Rd
Greyton
South Africa
12.00
End off your time in Greyton with a traditional lunch
Oak & Vigne Café is the perfect final stop, offering a relaxed lunch experience in a heritage setting. Oak & Vigne Café has been a cherished landmark since its opening in 1998. Housed in a beautiful, old building under majestic oak trees, this café offers a charming vintage setting. The menu highlights South African classics like bobotie and a chicken mushroom pie that is hard to resist. The interior boasts an offbeat design, walls are adorned with interesting artwork and memorabilia, adding to the café’s character. Outside you’ll find the colourful veranda, shaded by the large oak tree – this is the ultimate spot to sit and enjoy your last meal in Greyton while soaking in the last bit of Greyton scenery and energy.
Oak & Vigne Cafe
13 DS Botha St
Greyton
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Oak & Vigne Cafe
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