Known as the windy city, Port Elizabeth is South Africa's fifth largest urban settlement and a favourite with holidaymakers for its golden beaches.

However, the city also has a second, more-favourable nickname of the 'friendly city', which locals will tell you is due to the hospitable nature of its residents.

Located in the centre of the Eastern Cape, also known as 'settler country', the city lies at the opposite end of the Garden Route to Cape Town and its Indian Ocean waterfront is a hotspot for all types of water sports.

History buffs may not be surprised to learn that, as with much of South Africa, the port's history is tied up with colonialism, as it was founded by British settlers in 1820.

Traditions and culture in Port Elizabeth

Port Elizabeth has a relatively low crime rate. However, there are certain areas that tourists would be well-advised to steer clear of, particularly after dark.

The Central area of the city, for example, despite being historic and well-located, has recently been the subject of concern for Port Elizabeth authorities and holidaymakers would not be advised to linger in this district.

Local tourist authorities recommend that holidaymakers exercise the same caution in Port Elizabeth they would in any foreign city.

However, they do advise being extra-careful in secluded areas, not giving handouts to street beggars and parking cars in well-lit streets at night.

As part of a nationwide campaign to make holidaying in South Africa a safe and enjoyable experience, there are also 'Tourism Ambassadors' located at popular points around the city, who can provide assistance on a range of issues.

Recommended in Port Elizabeth

Once the city's 25 miles of Algoa Bay beaches have been explored, the first thing holidaymakers should do is head to Bayworld. Home to its well-known performing bottlenose dolphins, the attraction also features the Oceanarium museum and a snake park.

However it isn't just sea creatures and snakes that Port Elizabeth has to offer. The Addo Elephant National Park is a short drive out of the city and one of South Africa's largest parks.
Despite its name, the park does not just feature elephants but also a range of black rhinoceroses, Cape buffaloes, lions and leopards.

For those who want to stay in the city, other attractions worth seeing include the Donking Reserve, which is a stone pyramid monument located on a hill above the city centre. A lighthouse, which was built in 1861, stands next to the monument and climbing up to this point will afford holidaymakers fabulous views over Port Elizabeth.

Weather in Port Elizabeth

Port Elizabeth experiences its highest temperatures of between 16 degrees Centigrade and 26 degrees Centigrade, on average, in January. Summer months are November, December and January.

Winter in Port Elizabeth falls in the months of July, August and September and is relatively mild, although this is when the wind really picks up, earning the city its moniker.

Destination checklist for Port Elizabeth

The official currency is the South African Rand. Cheap flights to the nation are available if booked in advance.

Port Elizabeth is two hours ahead of GMT and uses the international dialling code +27.