Of course, there's beautiful beaches - Kelly's Blue Flag, the surfers paradise in East Bank, dog-friendly beaches on West Beach Drive - and plenty of river and sea fishing opportunities for anglers. But holidays are more than just sun, sand, sea and surf.
In the area Port Alfred area you will also find:
- Boating activities on the Kowie, Bushman's and Kariega Rivers, plus fishing charters. There's also house boats and canoes to hire.
- Game viewing at the Sibuya and Kariega game reserves, plus a poor man's game drive which comes with no charge at all, petrol aside.
- Horse riding with Beachcombers Horse trails at Bushman's River or Three Sisters on the road to East London.
- Golf at the Royal Port Alfred Golf Club and the Fish River Sun.
- Heated indoor pool adjacent to the Halyards Hotel for those inclement days
- A variety of spas for those indulgent days, including one at The Halyards hotel.
- Movies and shopping at the Rosehill Mall.
- Plenty of places to wine and dine.
In Port Alfred there's the Links Coastal Inn, the Halyards Hotel, The Wharf Street Brewery, Guido's and many more venues to sit back and relax while you enjoy your holiday break.
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Further afield there's Stanley's in Kenton on Sea and the Sandbar Floating Restaurant plus the Bushman's Bar and Grill in Bushman's River.
In historic Bathurst there's the Pig and Whistle, which is the oldest continually licensed pub in South Africa, established in 1832 by Thomas Hartley, a blacksmith who came to South Africa with the 1820 British Settlers.
Talking of Bathurst, the largest pineapple in the world is found in the historical and picturesque village. This 16,7m-high attraction dominates the landscape for miles. For a minimal fee you can climb up the steps inside the pine to the top viewing platform. There are one or two floors that make the climbing a lot easier for those afraid of heights.
There are great views from the top towards the coast and Port Alfred. The little shop on the ground floor has a number of nick knacks and some fresh pineapple juice, of course.
A bit further afield there's the chance to take a stroll to the world-famous Alexandria Sand Dunes.
But instead of taking a two day hike to see these rolling dunes, take a 25 minute drive to Cannon Rocks where you can tackle a seven kilometre child and pet-friendly trail.
This is part of the Addo Elephant National Park and, while you won't see elephants, the Woody Cape section is home to a variety of small game.