By James Stone

South Africa's Cape Town is an idyllic setting for a Christmas break, with its unique coastal setting in the shadow of Table Mountain, its picturesque surroundings and vibrancy.

With a growing number of flights from the UK to Cape Town, getting to South Africa is becoming cheaper. Because the pound is relatively strong against the rand, we found we were able to stay in very comfortable accommodation during our Christmas trip.

Flying from London into Cape Town International Airport, we caught a taxi into the city centre and checked into a charming four star hotel close to the waterfront. It is advisable to book early, particularly during the busy Christmas period when many of the best hotels fill up six months in advance.

The sun generally shines in Cape Town on Christmas Day, as it is in the southern hemisphere, South Africa's summer is during our winter. The city enjoys a pleasant Mediterranean climate and is a perfect December destination.

Some of the elements of our stay that we most enjoyed included listening to Christmas carols being sung in Greenmarket Square, wandering along the waterfront and lazing on a beautiful beach on Christmas Day.

Don't miss the chance to go wine tasting at one of the many vineyards dotted around Cape Town, sipping crisp South African wine in the sun and enjoying excellent food. A number of companies arrange vineyard tours, which means that you can drink as much as you like without worrying about transport.

A trip up Table Mountain by cable car to enjoy breathtaking views across the city was exhilarating and we were lucky enough to do so on a very clear day, taking a picnic with us to enjoy after our walk to the park.

There are numerous museums and galleries in Cape Town and we opted to visit Robben Island, the prison where Nelson Mandela spent his years in incarceration, and the Groote Schuur Hospital Transplant Museum, scene of the first ever transplant.

Boulders Beach is home to delightful Jackass penguins and we spent a day there, splashing in the clear, warm waters, snorkelling and enjoying the wildlife. Several of the beaches around Cape Town are popular with surfers and body boarders and we also found time to squeeze in a lesson during our trip.

Located by the sea, Cape Town is in a picture perfect setting, surrounded by paradise beaches, sparkling sea, rugged countryside, vineyards and with iconic Table Mountain as a backdrop. The plant and animal life, both on land and in the sea is fascinating and a visit to the Rondevlei Nature Reserve provides the opportunity to see hippos and birds in their natural surroundings.

Cape Town is full of fabulous restaurants, many of them serving delicious fresh seafood and local specialities, alongside global cuisine, accompanied by excellent wine, at remarkably low prices.

Live music of all kinds can be found at venues across the city, ranging from cosy bars to vast concert halls. The nightlife tends to be lively and eclectic, with something every day of the week to suit all tastes, particularly during the festive season.

A shopping trip is essential during a visit to Cape Town and we whiled away hours in the boutiques, stores and markets across the city, purchasing woodcarvings, beads, colourful fabrics and other handicrafts.

Although there have been concerns about security in South Africa and a large gulf still remains between rich and poor, I felt safe and found it immensely hospitable during my Christmas stay there, met some lovely people and would certainly return.