Cape Town is South Africa’s St Tropez with a distinct Mediterranean vibe and atmosphere. It’s little less plastic than its European counterpart but scenery wise is pretty much on par. Table Mountain serves as the city’s backdrop to yacht marinas, tranquil bays, cascading cliffs, surfing waves, dive spots and palm-fringed beaches. Home to both the Indian and Atlantic Ocean, there are many beaches and protected bays waiting to be explored.
We’ve outlined our top beaches which offer great conditions from an activity, scenic and safety aspect. The below beaches are ideal for exploring while on vacation in Cape Town.
Muizenberg: Learn to Surf and Hang with Locals
Muizenberg Beach is very much a local beach frequented by laid back, bohemian types and scatterlings of tourists. It offers a slice of real Cape Town and the waves are perfect for amateur surfers. Located along the Cape Point Route (the Indian Ocean side), it’s a great beach for both young and old. Surf schools, cafes and surf shops line the long stretch of beach. Muizenberg is fully equipped with change rooms, bathrooms and even shark spotters. It’s also easily accessible – the train line runs straight past the beach.
If you’d like to stay along the Cape Point Route coastline then try The Long Beach for your accommodation.
Llandudno: Grab a Surfboard or Play Volleyball
Llandudno beach is situated along the Atlantic Seaboard and is neatly nestled beneath the foot of the mountain. It is quite a walk downhill to access the beach – be prepared! Offering powerful, clean waves with barrels, Llandudno is popular with seasoned surfers and bodyboarders. The water is almost always a striking turqouise colour but rather icy in temperature. Beautiful boulders surround the beach creating a great place to perch yourself for sundowners. The powder white beach is incredible and attracts quite a mixed crowd who seem to enjoy playing volleyball and touch rugby. There are lifeguards are on duty but the sea can be quite rough. Take your own food – you’ll need to drive and walk back up the hill to get to the nearest store.
If you’d like to stay along the Atlantic Seaboard coastline then try The Tintswalo Atlantic for your accommodation option. Tintswalo is located closer to Hout Bay but is a mere 5 minute drive from Llandudno Beach.
Clifton: Strut Your Stuff and Watch the Sunset
Clifton 4th beach is the place to be seen. Azure waters lap the shores of the pristine beach surrounded by villas and mansions. Clifton is the ideal sundowner beach and during Summer there are often drumming sessions held on the beach. Clifton is where the beautiful people hang out, but its pretty laid back come sunset time. The water can be cold, but catch it on a good day and it’s ideal for swimming. You’ll need a car to get to Clifton Beach because it’s located along the Atlantic Seaboard, which is tough to access via public transport.
If you’d like to stay along the Atlantic Seaboard coastline close to Clifton 4th beach, then try the elite and exquisite Ellerman House for your accommodation.
Boulders: Take the Kids and Swim with Penguins
Boulders Beach is located in Simon’s Town along the Cape Point Route. It is accessible via train and makes for a great day out. Boulders is a protected bay surrounded by boulders. It’s the perfect spot for children and avid snorkellers – the waters are calm, safe and warm. The best part? Boulders is home to a penguin colony. Don’t be surprised if these critters come waddling past you when you’re building sandcastles. Enjoy swimming with penguins and a variety of small rock fish. There is an entrance fee and the beach is small. Get there early to find a spot.
If you’d like to stay along the Cape Point Route coastline then try The Long Beach for your accommodation.
Camps Bay: Cocktails and Beach Lifestyle
Camps Bay beach is a palm-lined beach located along the Atlantic Seaboard coastline. Situated on a vibey stretch of coast littered with cocktail bars and beach front cafes, Camps Bay is a popular area. Patrons often end up wandering across to the beach armed with a pizza and new friends. Camps Bay Beach is lively and busy during the Summer months but it’s great for beach sports, relaxing and soaking up the sun. There’s a bit of a beach break that attracts bodyboarders but the water can be quite rough. The scenery is beautiful but can get quite windy as it’s not a protected beach.There are busses and taxis that go to Camps Bay but it is more convenient taking your own transport.
If you’d like to stay along the Atlantic Seaboard coastline then try Camps Bay Retreat for your accommodation.
