TOP 7 COASTAL VILLAGES TO VISIT NEAR CAPE TOWN

The coast of the Western Cape is one that is uniquely scenic offering vast mountain vistas, rolling white beaches and dramatic sea views. Check out our list of top coastal villages near Cape Town to visit.

HERMANUS

While scenic in its own right, the true highlight of this coastal town is its significance in annual whale activity. Every year, between the months of June and October, the southern right whales make their journey to this popular destination where visitors can view these gentle giants mate and calve. In terms of whale watching, it doesn’t get much better than this.

NOORDHOEK

Noordhoek boasts an 8km street of beach (aptly named Long Beach) that is one of the most unspoiled and fiercely protected coasts in the Cape Peninsula. Situated at the foot of Chapmans Peak Drive and cocooned by the Table Mountain National Park, this valley offers a delightful seaside escape. A popular attraction for locals and visitors alike is the Cape Point Vineyards which offers panoramic views of mountains, fynbos, vineyards and breath-taking panoramas of the Atlantic Ocean.

SIMON’S TOWN

Home to the South African Navy, this little fishing village is located along the False Bay coast and is one for the history buffs and nature lovers. Simon’s Town, so named after the governor of the Dutch settlement, Simon Van Der Stel back in 1679, is South Africa’s third-oldest settlement. Visit the South African Naval Museum and the Simon’s Town Museum for an education in the history of the town, or take a 5 minute drive to the popular Boulders Beach to view the colony of over 3000 African penguins.

HOUT BAY

Once a simple fishing village, Hout Bay has now expanded to an enchanting destination town. Just a 20 minute drive from central Cape Town, it’s the perfect option for a quick coastal day trip. Take a stroll down the vibrant harbour area and enjoy fresh fish and chips with offerings caught right on your doorstep. An absolute must is the Bay Harbour Market that showcases local goods, foods and talent with live music gigs and unique craft stalls. For the avid foodie, Hout Bay has several quality restaurants offering seafood, Mexican, Greek and Italian cuisine, amongst others.

PATERNOSTER

Directly translated, Paternoster means ‘The Lord’s Prayer/Our Father’ in Latin and is believed to have been the prayer cried out by Portuguese fishermen who were shipwrecked offshore many years ago in gratitude for being spared from a watery grave. Marked by the distinctive white-washed fishermen’s cottages and surrounded by striking, jagged peaks and white boulders this quaint town is one of the oldest fishing villages – and one of the most beautiful. Paternoster offers the chance to engage in a range of recreational activities such as sea kayaking and penguin watching. It is a quiet, romantic destination that provides the perfect relaxing getaway from the hubbub of the city.

GORDON’S BAY

Proudly sporting not just one but two harbours, Gordon’s Bay offers the perfect mix of tradition and modern expansion. The first is the original working harbour used for fishing and the ongoing maintenance and repairing of boats and yachts. The new harbour is where the charter boats and yachts are moored. In the summer months, one can enjoy relaxing on one of the attractive beaches and in the winter, there’s the exciting Winter Wonderland festival suitable for the whole family.

KALK BAY

Kalk Bay is one of Cape Town’s trendiest coastal villages with a wonderfully Bohemian vibe. It’s the ideal location to spend the day meandering along the streets browsing the
many antique shops, art galleries, books stores and eateries. While there are many restaurants to tempt you, The Brass Bell Restaurants and Pubs provides a location that is visually hard to beat, situated just above the waves and nestled in the tidal pools.