Pack your sun hats, your sunscreen, your sarongs and your sandals…November beckons those dreamy beach days. Fortunately for us, there are a plethora of perfect stretches of sand to choose from. Cape Town is peppered with pearly white shorelines and turquoise waters that mimic the romantic coves of the Mediterranean. Yes, the temperatures tell a slightly different story, but we like to think that the invigorating waves of the Atlantic are as therapeutic as a spa treatment. We have the African rays to warm us up as soon as we surface.
Oh we do love to be beside the sea! Savouring an afternoon siesta beneath a parasol. Drifting off with the sound of the surf, rising and falling onto the beach. Occasionally catching some waves and soaking up the sunshine from the beach blankets. Nose deep into a juicy holiday novel that whisks you away with its chapters for hours on end. Intermittent snacking from the picnic basket and devouring those thirst quenchers from the cooler box when the summer sun intensifies. Salty, curly locks, gently crisped shoulders, sandy toes and happy holiday grins become your beach look. As you tend to some monumental sandcastle-building, seashell-collecting and long, slow walks with the changing tide, carving footprints around the boulders.
For those days when you wish to spend as many hours as possible, frolicking and relaxing on the South African sands, we’ve put together a little list of our favourite beaches. Some that include a beautifully scenic drive and some that are just a brief drive away from the luxury of Labotessa’s front doors. Pack the essentials and go claim that powdery stretch of sand beneath the palm trees.
- Barley Beach or Beta Beach in Bakoven – Cradled by boulders on secluded coves, on the fringe of Camps Bay, Barley and Beta Beach, deliver clear, blue waters and crushed-coral sands, that placidly pander to the discerning beach-goers.
- The tidal pools of Camps Bay – A wonderful way to start your day, swimming laps in the early morning light that glitters on the ripples of the gentle waves. Followed by a delicious coffee to warm the lips after an Atlantic dip, at one of the cafés on the strip.
- The quads of Clifton – With its own microclimate, the warmer currents flow in and around the coves of Clifton, making these four beaches the best for a leisurely beach day out. Sand castle competitions and plenty of people-watching activities. Whilst you savour the sun from the yellow loungers.
- A cold surf in Llandudno – There’s something very special about making your way beneath the forest of milkwood trees and stepping onto the white sands of Llandudno. Where large boulders and nature trails escort you to a lovely secluded spot for your morning or afternoon at the beach.
- The tidal pools of St. James – A little farther ashore from the main Mother City beaches, the quaint little community pools of St. James are ideal for those that love a quick dip in an enclosed ocean pool, surrounded by a vibrant seaside hamlet.
- Simon’s Town – Boulders Beach where the African penguin colonies saunter along the shoreline with you, accompanying you with each swim and the occasional ice-lolly.
- Kommetjie Long Beach – A haven for surfers and kite-surfers along the Cape’s majestic peninsula. Where you can enjoy views of the lighthouse as you walk, swim, paddle and surf along a very long stretch of sand.
- Noordhoek – Revered as one of the most beautiful destinations along the Cape’s coastline, Noordhoek beach is a wonderful place to explore the rugged terrain of the mountain as it meets the endless body of blue. An old ship wreck sits in the sand on a strip of the 8km beach. A romantic setting for horse-rides and dog walking, day picnics and of course plenty of swimming and surfing.
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