The Mother City has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world and something to offer everyone. It is no surprise that South Africa was one of the first countries outside of Europe to earn blue flag status for some of her beaches – there are three on offer in and around the Mother City, Cape Town. The blend of 2 oceans (the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian Ocean) and hence 2 different styles of beach, divided by a 1000m high peninsula, leaves Cape Town an unrivalled holiday destination.
Clifton Beach
Some of the most beautiful and the most renowned cluster of beaches in the world. The four different beaches have been aptly named 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th beach – with the latter being the largest of the group. Clifton 4th beach is extremely popular during the holiday season with locals and international jetsetters. The beach is ideal for swimming and also plays host to its fair share of yacht parties. You can expect locals and tourists alike to spend hours on any of these spectacular beaches admiring the gorgeous Atlantic Ocean in front of them whilst being surrounded by Lion’s Head and Table Mountain in the background.
Camps Bay Beach
This popular beach is a must-visit and is a local favourite. The flat, sprawling beach shines bright like the diamond that it is on the infamous Sunset strip, no matter the weather. The beach is perfect for a family day out. Camps Bay Beach often plays host to volleyball tournaments, touch rugby and even weddings. Cafes, bars, restaurants and shops stand mountain-side of the beach drive while sand, palm trees and gleaming blue water falls to the oceanside. It has a charming cosmopolitan lifestyle of see and be seen fashionistas. No stairs make for easy beach access.
Llandudno Beach
Llandudno beach is popular for surfers, bodyboarders, sunbathing, sundowners, beach games, dog walkers, picnics and is also great for splashing around in the shallows. The large rocks leading into the ocean are the perfect place to peacefully catch a tan. Motorists driving along Victoria Road on the way to and from Hout Bay can stop at the lookout site to gaze down on an enticing white beach. From the water’s edge, the setting is even more appealing, with the beach framed by natural bush, and Judas Peak and Klein Leeukoppie (‘little lion’s head’) rearing up on either side to form a dramatic mountain backdrop. The boulders on the northern side of the beach offer some great walking and spectacular views, while the opposite side leads along Sunset Rocks past the wreck of the Romelia towards Sandy Bay, the nudist beach. Llandudno is without a doubt one of Cape Town’s most picturesque beaches.
Glen Beach
Just to the north of Camps Bay Beach, lies Glen Beach. This gorgeous beach is essentially split in two parts by a rock outcrop. Glen Beach is a surfer’s haven; with the waves almost permanently riddled with surfers from sunrise to sunset. It is also a popular picnic spot and makes for a great spot to salute the day with a sundowner. There is a lovely walk from Glen Beach towards Clifton 4th Beach that leads via Maidens Cove and Bachelors Cove. These beaches are backed by a number of expensive properties as well as the magnificent Lion’s Head and Twelve Apostles mountain ranges. The beach is located within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and cocktail bars along Victoria Road.
Noordhoek Beach
This striking beach stretches 8km’s long. It is considered one of the best protected and most unspoilt beaches. It is not uncommon to find people enjoying leisurely horse rides over the serene shore, as well as families and friends strolling across the beach and taking in the surrounding natural beauty. Rustic Mountain slopes and green coastal fynbos form part of the backdrop behind the beachfront. On one side of the beach, Chapman’s Peak can be observed while on the other end, the Kommetjie area is visible.
Boulders Beach
Boulders Beach, just outside Cape Town, has so much going for it. You will be blown away by the beauty of this small hidden attraction. The granite boulders protect it from the wind and large waves, which makes it an ideal swimming spot for children. At the beautiful Boulders Beach, you can get to know our most famous (and arguably the cutest) birds, The African penguin. You just can’t resist these waddling wonderful birds. The Boulders Penguin Colony is a stunning year-round destination, not only during the breeding/feeding season. It is one of the best spots in the world to get close to penguins in the wild.
Bakoven Beach
This is an intimate and secluded little beach, hidden amongst-boulders between Camps Bay and Llandudno. This section of the coast is tailor-made for a private sunbathing experience with only those close to you, offering you a break from the hub of activity you would find at larger beaches. From this gorgeous setting, enjoy the treat of stunning views of the Twelve Apostles mountains and the waters with kelp forests and rock pools, which are ideal for toy fishing.
