South Africa Holiday - Western Cape Beaches

The Mother City has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world and something to offer for 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 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.

Bikini Beach
Awarded the Blue Flag, this is a small beach by the harbour in Gordons Bay. A very fashionable area with plenty of facilities. Be aware that the water height drops quickly at this beach.

Strand Beach
Situated on the False Bay, half an hours drive from Cape Town, is a long sweeping beach with waves to suit all ages, rock pools and a sea swimming pool are there for children. watch the sun set behind Table Mountain and admire the spectacular Hottentots Holland Mountains. Parking is plentiful although on sunny weekends it can become incredibly busy along the Beach Road, there are ice cream shops along the beach.

Grotto Beach
Situated alondside the quaint town of Hermanus, Grotto Beach is long and white with dunes and mountains that surround the beach. There is a small playground, a braai area and a restaurant close by. Whale watching can be enjoyed from the beach around July to December.

Camps Bay
Set in the elegant Cape Town suburb, this is the city's favourite beach, Camps Bay beach has a variety of good facilities and is easily accessible by all. Gorgeous views can be enjoyed all day long. The water here can be very cold and the wind can pick up in a second!

Clifton Beaches
4 small, enclosed beaches separated by rocks are the most fashionable beaches in the whole country, surrounded be extremely expensive apartments, this is one of the richest areas of the Western Cape. The beaches are more sheltered than Camps Bay and there is a steep walk down to the beaches. Once you are on the beach there are no services except people selling soft drinks and ice cream - so make sure you have everything with you! Clifton 's First Beach offers the best surf, Second and Third are the hot places be seen, and Fourth beach is far more suitable for families, with easiest access, and the calmest waters.

Elands Bay
Northwest of Cape Town is a very popular surfer spot with some of the best breaks in the country, generally Elands Bay is too windy for sunbathing and is too cold for some swimmers.