Cape Town named the world’s top mountain escape for 2026

Cape Town has been ranked the world’s leading mountain escape for 2026, placing the Mother City ahead of well-known alpine destinations in France and Poland.

The ranking, compiled by travel eSIM provider Holafly, gave Cape Town an overall score of 76.9 out of 100 after assessing destinations on factors including hiking opportunities, accommodation, affordability, accessibility, elevation and liveability.

The result puts the city ahead of Chamonix in France, which scored 69.9, and Zakopane in Poland, with 69.8. Both destinations are recognised for their mountain scenery and outdoor activities.

Holafly’s findings arrive as interest in mountain holidays continues to grow. The report cites Skyscanner figures indicating that 71% of travellers are considering a mountain getaway in 2026, while bookings for accommodation with mountain views have increased by 103% year-on-year.

What put Cape Town in first place?

Picture: Jay Jay Redelinghuys/Pexels

Cape Town’s combination of mountain landscapes, coastal scenery and access to outdoor activities helped secure its position at the top of the list.

The study counted 281 hiking trails in the city, with an average AllTrails rating of 4.6. It also recorded more than 3 600 accommodation options, while Cape Town International Airport is approximately 10.9 miles (17.5km) away.

The city’s appeal lies partly in the variety of experiences available within a relatively compact area. Visitors can explore Table Mountain and the surrounding trails, take in views across the Atlantic coastline or head towards the Cape Peninsula’s nature reserves.

While the ranking focuses on international appeal, the city’s mountains are also a familiar part of everyday life for residents, from early-morning hikes to weekend walks through its nature reserves.

France’s Chamonix secured second place with a score of 69.9. Often associated with Alpine skiing, the destination offers 187 hiking trails and outdoor activities throughout the year.

Holafly also noted its accommodation options and dining prices as part of its appeal to both winter sports enthusiasts and summer hikers.

Zakopane, at the foot of Poland’s Tatra Mountains, placed third with a score of 69.8. The destination has 189 hiking trails and 117 outdoor activities, with an elevation of 2 301 metres.

The report also highlighted its relative affordability, putting the average cost of a meal for two at around US$31.99.

Other destinations featured in the wider ranking include Bergen in Norway and Aspen in the United States, which were noted for their scenery and outdoor activities, although their higher costs may make them less accessible to some travellers.

The full report includes a ranking of 50 mountain destinations around the world.

Cape Town’s mountain setting offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, but choosing suitable routes and preparing for changing conditions remain important.

In recent guidance on hiking at Helderberg Nature Reserve, the City of Cape Town urged visitors to match trails to their fitness and experience levels, check weather conditions and carry essentials such as water, suitable footwear and a charged cellphone.

Holafly’s ranking is based on a weighted analysis of accommodation availability and affordability, airport access, hiking trails, outdoor activities, elevation and liveability.

The company says its data was collected in February 2026, using sources including Booking.com, Numbeo, Google Maps, AllTrails, TripAdvisor and Wikipedia.

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