Exploring Cape Towns
Beaches

This well known stretch of sand and boulders is bordered by palm trees and a wide grassy area, with shady picnic spots under the trees. It is usually very crowded in the tourist season and the adjacent coast road is congested with traffic.

Many locals and visitors spend their time in Camps Bay. There are restaurants and shops on the promenade and you can barbecue near the beach. 

The scene is dominated by the peak of Lion's Head and the upper cable station, which is visible atop the western heights of Table Mountain.

Follow the coast road as it winds up from Camps Bay towards Llandudno. You'll experience the typical wild Cape country as you go, hugging the rocky coastline, while the Twelve Apostles mountains pass by on your left.

Round a curve at Oudekraal and look out for the street vendors who'll be clustered at the roadside, hoping to interest you in their hand crafted ethnic curios. It's also a place where scuba divers hunt for crayfish.

Soon you reach the Llandudno sign. Turn down the steep hill leading to another of Cape Towns beaches. This is an upmarket sheltered bay containing expensive real estate dotted about the rocky landscape, and the sheltered beach is attractive to sunbathers and surfers alike.

For a range of accommodation at Llandudno Click here

Sandy Bay
Around the coast to the west you'll find an even more secluded stretch of sand, and you'll need to hike a few kilometres through the bush to get there. You've reached Sandy Bay, well known as a naturist beach. If you like peace and quiet - then this is the place to be. Bring your own food and drink and possibly a good book to read.

It should be mentioned that this beach is one of the most isolated of Cape Towns beaches and your security would be a concern. You'd be advised not to walk alone in the area, not to openly carry valuables, and be aware of your surroundings.

Back on the long downhill to Hout Bay you'll notice the turn off to the Suikerbossie (pronounced saykerbossy) restaurant. A great place for a good breakfast with a view, not to mention some excellent meals - or simply tea and scones.

The road brings you down through the village centre into Hout Bay harbour which is well worth a visit. The surrounding mountain scenery makes this area one of the most attractive coastal villages in the Cape. You can stroll along the quayside and watch the fishing boat crews unload their catch and barter with their customers.

A number of ferries operate from the harbour, taking passengers out to nearby Duiker Island which is home to hundreds of seals. There are a couple of restaurants and curio shops on the harbour and believe me, the fish and chips are worth sampling!

Hout Bay Beach
begins at the harbour edge and follows the length of the town in a long curve of sand, ending at the bottom of the winding Chapmans Peak Drive. There's also a lagoon which is popular with families.

A good family choice for your vacation on Cape Towns beaches - if you don't mind the wind which tends to gust at times. The sail boarders and kite surfers hang out here, as well as the jet skis, and the usually cold sea temperature is bearable for bathing when the weather's hot.

For a range of accommodation at Hout Bay Click here

Blouberg Beach
The locals like to call it 'Bloubergstrand' This is one of Cape Towns beaches north of the city which comprises many kilometres of white sand washed by the icy Atlantic ocean.

From the beach you get the unique and much photographed view of Table Mountain and the city of Cape Town. The area is a favoured holiday destination Things to do in Blouberg and is very popular during the summer tourist season (Nov-Feb)

Blouberg is one of the top board and kite surfing venues in the Cape and on a windy day the sand and waves are alive with color as the sail boarders and kite surfers do their stuff.

There are sheltered family beach spots nearby with tidal pools for the children. The coastline is crammed with upmarket apartment blocks, shops and eateries to suit all tastes. A great place to watch the action and have lots fun - if you don't mind the congestion on the coast road at busy times.

For a range of accommodation at Blouberg Beach Click here

Cape Town's Indian Ocean beaches-where the sea is warmer.. click here

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