The Journey That Made the Beginning of 2025 Special

When I think of New Year, I think of new adventures, new trips, and undoubtedly, new challenges and dreams waiting to be fulfilled. And 2025 was no different. The year had barely started, and I already felt accomplished because I began it in the best way possible: by traveling.

I’m a university student, and as everyone knows, January is the month of exams, stress, and anxiety. So, there’s nothing better than relaxing and setting off on an adventure once they’re over. Traveling far, breaking away from the everyday routine, and enjoying every second in a new place, with new people, creating unforgettable memories.

When I recall Cape Town, the first things that come to mind are the shades of green and brown of the mountains, the turquoise blue of the ocean, and the butterflies in my stomach from each adventure I lived. But more than the breathtaking landscapes, it was the people I met that made this trip so special. From the moment I landed, I knew this journey would be different.

The reason I chose Cape Town, in South Africa, was a promise I made to my parents: to visit a city that is so special to them. For the past three years, they have been traveling there to take English courses at specialized schools. Since the first year, it was agreed that I would have to visit the place they love so much. And I’m so glad I did — now I understand why.

The Magic of Cape Town

Cape Town is a city that manages to surprise you at every corner. Although it’s windy (very!), it has a warm and welcoming climate. Yes, the sea is freezing — almost like diving into a glass full of ice — but the wind ends up being an ally on the hottest days. There’s nothing like being at the beach with a water spray in your backpack (yes, I took one, and it was the best idea ever!).

What fascinated me about Cape Town was not just the beauty of the landscapes but the diversity. In one place, you can have views of mountains, the sea, and the city. This mix makes everything even more special, as if you were living different types of trips all in one.

The Adventures That Make Your Heart Race

Cape Town is known for its outdoor activities — it’s impossible to stay still! Paragliding at Lion’s Head was, without a doubt, one of the highlights of the trip. Being up there, with the wind on my face and the city sparkling below, was indescribable. I felt like I was in a movie theater, where nature was my screen and the paraglider was my armchair.

Another unforgettable moment was the boat rides. In the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, we were lucky enough to spot whales, something that wasn’t planned at all. And as if marine life wasn’t enough, Cape Town also treated us to penguins at Boulders Beach, ostriches by the roadside near the Cape of Good Hope, elephants in natural parks, and seals at the Waterfront.

Exploring Every Corner of the City

Cape Town is a city that breathes variety. One of the most famous walks is through the Colorful Bo Kaap, a neighborhood where every house has a different color — a perfect backdrop for photos and even postcards. I also loved the Oranjezicht City Farm Market, where you can find both delicious food, especially lobster, and little shops selling clothes and handicrafts. I confess that it was there that I lived one of the most special moments of the trip — meeting two girls who, in just a few hours, I hope will become friends for life.

Another must-do was visiting the Cape of Good Hope. Besides the stunning landscapes, it was special to be in a place with so much history for Portugal. Seeing the rough sea crashing against the rocks, with the mountains behind, was one of those moments when you can only think: “I can’t believe I’m here.” I felt like Bartolomeu Dias himself, only missing the ship.

Between Beaches and Mountains: The Surreal Landscapes of Cape Town

If there’s one thing that defines Cape Town, it’s the breathtaking landscapes, as I think I’ve already made clear. The beaches, such as Muizenberg Beach, Clifton Beach, and Boulders Beach, are true paradises. Despite the cold sea, I couldn’t resist taking a dip or two. And after a day at the beach, nothing like a hike up Table Mountain, with a panoramic view of the city. Just one piece of advice for this activity in the afternoon: bring a jacket! If Cape Town is already windy, Table Mountain is like being in the eye of a hurricane.

The perfect mix of sea, mountains, and city makes every day a new adventure. You can start the day hiking at Lion's Head, have lunch with a sea view, and end the afternoon on a rooftop at the Waterfront. This diversity made me fall even more in love with the city.

The Culture That Lives on Every Corner

Besides the landscapes, Cape Town has a unique energy. The streets are always full of life, both day and night, with local musicians and dancers performing, street markets, and people from all parts of the world, both from Africa and other continents. The Waterfront is one of my favorite places, perfect for a stroll on less hot days, with an incredible view of Table Mountain.

The Stories That Last Forever

Of all the stories, the most special was the first night at the market. After a day of traveling, I went with my parents to the Oranjezicht City Farm Market. The tables were packed, the air was filled with the smell of food of all varieties. We ended up sharing our table with two girls, one English and one German, who were traveling for work — both as models. We started talking just to pass the time, but suddenly, it felt like we had known each other for years.

That night ended at a nightclub (yes, with my parents!), and an unlikely friendship was born. Now, back home, we’ve already planned future visits. Cape Town gave me landscapes, adventures, and friendships for life.

Cape Town: A Destination for Self-Discovery

Cape Town is not a destination for those who want to spend two weeks lying on a sunbed, nor for those looking for a few days in the countryside far from everything. It’s a place for those who love to explore, to live each day as if it were the last, to try new things every moment. It was there that I got a piercing in my ear with my mom, after a drink at the end of the afternoon, and that I tasted the famous Swiss fondue made by my parents' Swiss friends.

This trip made me realize that sometimes not making plans is the best way to live an adventure. It was the unplanned moments that made Cape Town one of my favorite destinations. Not just for the landscapes, the culture, or the food, but for the light and positive energy that the city radiates.

If you’re looking for a destination for your next trip, let me give you some advice: pack your bags and head to Cape Town. You’ll come back with your luggage full of stories to tell. If you want and have the time, take the chance to explore other African destinations as well, but I'll leave those tips for another time.