Cape Town is one of the those cities with undeniable beauty: come rain or shine, the Mother city shows off with splendour displayed on the back of her natural wonders, in the smiles of her locals and from her European architecture in the heart of the city. I know it’s not just my bias talking, but truth echoed the world round with multiple tourism awards won and praises from foreign friends and visitors.
So when we headed out with Cheapflights to search for insider spots, nooks and corners around the city for anyone to enjoy, I knew it would be quite an easy task. Whilst our fellow Capetonian bloggers headed to Hout Bay, Chapman’s Peak and journeyed along False Bay’s coastline; Moving Sushi’s Linda Markovina and I took the Atlantic seaboard. We paused, enjoyed and captured some of the restaurants, lookout points, beaches and food stands that only locals know about. Here are some of the highlights from our route:
1. Llandudno Lookout Point and Beach.
When it comes to Atlantic Seaboard beaches, there are so many to choose from. Even though the Atlantic ocean proves to be icy all year round, the flashy beaches of Clifton ( all four) and Camps Bay always draw visitors who enjoy the pure sunshine, people watching, being seen and sporting their new bikinis.( and occasionally dipping when the heat really proves too much). Not many tourists know or visit Llanduno beach as it’s slightly more off the track, tucked away within a residential neighbourhood on the slopes of the mountain.
Looking down over Llandudno with its majestic cliffside drops into the boulders and swell below, you can be forgiven for imagining that you’re somewhere in the Mediterranean. Take the snaking road down through some of the cities most expensive properties and be rewarded once you get all the way to the bottom. This family-friendly beach is wonderful come winter or summer. Summer rewards late afternoon visitors with spectacular sunset picnics, occasional beach drumming and cool swims. Whilst winter still produces a powerful swell loved by surfers and bodyboarders, dog walkers, families and those seeking solitude can enjoy a beach walk. This beach still remains one of the my favourites this side of the mountain.
Linda Markovina overlooking the Atlantic Ocean from the Llandudno lookout point.
Llandudno- One of my favourite beaches in Cape Town.
2. Oudekraal and Twelve Apostles Mountain.
I must’ve taken this drive a thousand times and each time as I round the corner before Oudekraal and the Twelve Apostles Hotel, I am flawed at its beauty. Each curve in the road, brings about a new view of Lion’s head, the drop-offs to tiny, deserted beaches and fynbos blanketing the Twelve Apostles Mountain range in the most glorious of fashions. In Summer, Oudekraal is a great place to picnic and enjoy the tiny beach squashed between boulders. Throughout the year, divers also park along this road and venture into the depths of kelp forests to seek out marine life unique to our shores.
Whilst the Twelve Apostles Hotel is well-known amongst visitors for it’s splendid views and location, not everyone knows about the great trails they have which are definitely worth walking. You can enjoy guided walks up the mountainside which is especially enjoyable when the sun isn’t shining. In the rain and moody weather, bright yellow, purple, orange and pink blossoms pop with colour and if this is your only encounter with fynbos, it will be a beautiful one. Fynbos is vegetation unique to South Africa’s western cape. Even if you’re not staying at this hotel, our mountain offers a wealth of walks and hikes with or without a guide, so put on your hiking boots and get exploring.
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Droplets on fynbos growing along the mountain path.
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Blooming yellow fynbos.
Looking down over Oudekraal’s picnic area, neatly tucked beach and boulders.
3. Theatre on the Bay.
Usually everyone comes to Camps Bay for the beach, but few visitors know about Pieter Toerien’s theatre right there. So even when the weather is cold, you can opt for dinner, drinks and the theatre which always makes for a fun evening. Whether you enjoy comedy, drama, musicals, cabaret or dance, you’ll find something you’ll love at this intimate theatre by the sea.
Theatre, dinner and drinks on the cards at Theatre on the Bay.
4. Camps Bay
Out of all Cape Town’s beaches, Camps Bay is not really the best beach to swim at. For the most part the water is icy, the beach break produces massive dumpers which can be quite surprising and painful especially if you’re none the wiser. But one thing Camps Bay does well is the beach side restaurants, coffee shops, tanning, beach games and palm trees ( very Miami-esque).
For a healthy option meals, visit Kauai for wraps, salads and soups. And for delicious coffee, vibrant music and staff, there’s Vide e Caffe right beside it.
This side of the mountain ‘brings the heat’ in terms of sunsets so be sure to catch it from the rocks, restaurants or a top one of the boulders.
Sobering graffiti poolside in Camps Bay.
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Always fun to be had in my Cape Town!
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Rock pooling with Linda Markovina from movingsushi.com
5. Glen Beach
Whilst Camps Bay beach is almost constantly busy, local surfers head straight to the little beach just beside it- Glen Beach. This is where you’ll find a lovely beach break to enjoy but make sure your wetsuit is thick enough to brave the cold ocean.
For insider experiences and tours ( walking tours or with a driver) around Cape Town and the Western Cape, email us at thetravelmanuel@gmail.com
So many ways to enjoy the coastline in winter.
Which spots do you love to visit around Cape Town city?
Bright aloe blooms outside the Twelve Apostles Hotel
This day with #CheapflightsExplorers around Cape town was made possible by Cheapflights.
To read about the adventures #CheapflightsExplorers Adventures along False Bay click here: The Incidental Tourist and Inspired Life SA.
And in Hout Bay, Chapman’s Peak and Noordhoek, click here: The Roaming Giraffe and Becoming You.
