GENERAL

Tucked away on the most south-westerly point of Africa, with infinite expanses of blue ocean ahead of it, Cape Town is one of the world's most beautiful cities and remains South Africa's most visited destination.

This fashionable, vibrant city in the Western Cape occupies a location of almost unrivalled drama. It stretches around a jaw-dropping natural harbour, with the mist-shrouded flat top of Table Mountain looming in the background. Flanking it, are lush national parks, idyllic rolling vineyards and miles of perfect sandy beaches.

Table Mountain...

Table Mountain dominates the city's skyline and the views from the top - unmissable for any holiday in Cape Town - are nothing less than sublime. The most popular way of reaching the plateaued summit is by taking the panoramic revolving cable car. When reach the top, you'll discover a landscape unusually rich in biodiversity with several outstanding hiking trails. The adventurous among us can also abseil or paraglide down!

Don't miss...

A green and lush city, the beautiful Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and tranquil Company Gardens are lovely places to visit. A drive out to the protected nature reserve, Cape of Good Hope, is essential. It's home to a remarkably diverse range of flora and fauna. The Two Oceans Aquarium houses over 3000 strange and colourful sea creatures. It's one of the best aquariums in the world and a great day out for all the family.

The Two Oceans Aquarium houses over 3000 strange and colourful sea creatures. It's one of the best aquariums in the world and a great day out for all the family.

A sombre but must-see attraction is Robben Island, seven miles off the coast. It is the former penal colony that housed Nelson Mandela as a political prisoner during the apartheid regime.

The city has a strong sporting heritage and taking in a game of cricket, rugby or football is pretty much a must on a Cape Town holiday.

Beaches...

Among the major benefits of a Cape Town holiday is that it's blessed with a dazzling array of golden sandy beaches. There is something for everyone including fashionable, bohemian beach hangouts, relaxing and well-equipped family beaches, tranquil inlets, sheltered coves and wild, untamed stretches of coastline. The sea at False Bay, just south of the city, is a little hotter due to a warm ocean current stream.

Outdoor adventure...

Cape Town is all about the outdoors. There are masses of activities to take part in, from the extreme to the laid-back. The city is a world-famous surfing spot, with colossal waves regularly rolling in from the Atlantic. You can go whale-watching, or for more of an adrenaline-buzz go cage-diving with Great Whites (gulp). There are numerous first-class golf courses in the region, while you can also try your hand at canyoning (or 'kloofing'), whitewater rafting and much more. The locals live for the great doors here, while the rugged landscapes provide perfect setting.

Shopping, dining & nightlife...

The creative spark of South Africa, Cape Town has excellent shopping opportunities. It has the fully range from sophisticated international boutiques and independent designers to hippy emporiums and colourful traditional markets.

Dining in this cosmopolitan city is the best in South Africa. From traditional African barbeques - 'braais' - to gourmet seafood restaurants. Eating out is varied and rarely too expensive, while the world-class local wine makes the perfect accompaniment. Neighbouring Stellenbosch is located in the heart of South Africa's Cape Winelands.

Cape Town's nightlife is seriously happening, with a trendy club scene and lots of live music. The best areas to go are the Waterfront and Long Street, while Camps Bay has plenty of chilled-out beach bars.

If you like the sound of Cape Town...

...take a look at holidays to Sydney here, Los Angeles city breaks here and holidays to Vancouver here.