35 College Towns That Are Ideal for Retiring Professors and Book Lovers

9. Stellenbosch, South Africa – A Literary and Wine Lover’s Paradise

Nestled in the heart of South Africa’s wine country, Stellenbosch offers a dreamlike blend of intellectual stimulation, stunning natural beauty, and a relaxed pace of life. Home to Stellenbosch University, one of Africa’s leading academic institutions, this town has long been a center for literature, philosophy, and cultural dialogue. With tree-lined avenues, Cape Dutch architecture, and mountain backdrops, Stellenbosch is as picturesque as it is intellectually stimulating. For book lovers, Stellenbosch offers a thriving literary scene, with a number of independent bookstores, writer’s workshops, and public lectures hosted by the university. The Stellenbosch Woordfees, an annual literature and arts festival, attracts prominent South African and international writers, making it a paradise for those who love literature and the arts. Beyond books, Stellenbosch is also a wine lover’s paradise, with world-class vineyards just minutes from the town center.