The Overberg town of Napier was named after Sir George Napier who was the Governor and Commander-in-chief of the Cape Colony from 1839 to 1843. Napier is about a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Cape Town International Airport.

The directions to Napier are uncomplicated, and the road there will take you through farmlands that burst with colour each spring when the saffron yellow canola fields are in bloom.

The sleepy town offers a tranquil retreat from the busy city life, and when you aren’t relaxing on a patio with a refreshing drink you can keep busy with a multitude of things to do in Napier.

Bargain hunters and lovers of beautiful things are spoiled for choice because the shops and businesses in Napier are filled with colourful and interesting things. Antique stores, gift shops and farm stalls sell collectables, handcrafted goods and locally made products. Added to this is an abundance of fresh produce such as fresh fruit and vegetables, milk straight from the udder and tasty condiments for your own pantry. The country-style stores source most of their stock daily from the surrounding farms.

There is a growing community of artists in Napier, and you can expect to find treasures such as bespoke designer jewellery as well as artworks that range from creative photography to oil paints and charcoal sketches. Many of these artists have studios that are open to the public by prior arrangement and are well worth a visit. A few galleries in Napier exhibit the local talent and make for an interesting outing if you enjoy art. Remember, starting an art collection begins with the acquisition of your first piece, regardless of the size and the cost.

Other interesting things to do in Napier would be attending the yearly ‘patatfees’ (translated from Afrikaans it means sweet potato festival) that event is not to be missed. Yes, that’s right, a whole festival dedicated to sweet potatoes. The local church is well worth a visit for those who find unusual architecture interesting, and the interior is predominantly made of teak. A monument commemorating a pioneer trek, a watermill and a historic sundial are also all worth a look-see, and visits can be scheduled by contacting Cape Agulhas Tourism.

Accommodation in Napier is plentiful and refreshingly different from the standard holiday rentals one has come to expect. If you chose not to stay out in the countryside you can opt for one of the colourful guest houses that are located on the main road or along the interleading neighbourhood streets. Living in the heart of Napier will give you instant access to the comings-and-goings of village life and everything is conveniently situated in walking distance.

Restaurants in Napier are a smorgasbord of flavours and you can take-you-pick from a myriad of menus. Eastern cuisine, Italian fare and plates of wholesome South African ‘boerekos’ await. Local pubs serve hearty grills and play host to live music and many a social gathering whether planned or impromptu.

Real Estate Agents in Napier are ready to show you around, and your house-hunting escapades will take you along quiet country roads and sleepy family-friendly streets.

Many residents lay claim to the fact they arrived in Napier for a visit to explore the area or were merely passing through, and ended up buying a property, and making the lovely town their home.