Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape - an introduction

Second only to Cape Town in historical interest among South Africa's larger cities, Port Elizabeth to-day forms part of the Nelson Mandela Bay metro. An extraordinary amount of this history is still to be seen in the form of splendid architecture, both public and residential, monuments and parks.

With it's spectacular location on the shores of Algoa Bay, Port Elizabeth is a vibrant venue for all sorts of sports and is reckoned to be the water sports capital of South Africa. Not for nothing known as the Friendly City, it is also a premier, value for money holiday destination being blessed with a warm sea, benign climate, miles and miles of breathtaking coastline and stunning beaches and masses of things to do and see, both within the city and within a short drive of it. Once experienced - never forgotten. As one first-time visitor said "A visit to Port Elizabeth is like making a new friend".

Port Elizabeth also hums with business and commerce, having two harbours and being one of the most important production centres of South Africa's motor industry.

A Few Interesting Facts About Port Elizabeth

In 1898 the "Eastern Province Herald" became South Africa's first daily newspaper

The main library houses books dating as far back as 1800

The Eastern Cape offers six of South Africa's seven biomes (major habitats)

The Feather Market Hall was originally built to house ostrich feather auctions

According to climatologists (although contrary to popular bias), Port Elizabeth is the least windy coastal city in South Africa

There are more indigenous plant species in the Port Elizabeth area than there are in the entire British Isles

Follow the links above to read more about Port Elizabeth.