Beaches in Atlantic Seaboard South

The stunning setting, pristine white sands and dazzling blue waters leave no doubt as to why Camps Bay Beach was awarded Blue Flag Beach status. One of the few Cape Town beaches on the Western Seaboard that is not protected from the south east wind, Camps Bay Beach is still very popular and quite frenetic with families, stylish singles, tourists, the lot.

Camps Bay Beach is really wide, backed by a row of palm trees, a busy road and a bank of fashionable restaurants and coffee shops that overlook the beach. And it's one of the best sunset spots. In the summer months it’s not uncommon to spot famous faces who are regular visitors to Cape Town with the paparazzi lurking incognito behind beach umbrellas.

Mediterranean and vibey, the ultra wide Camps Bay Beach hosts numerous events like the international beach volleyball tournaments and the popular Summer Beach Festival. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer and beach vendors stroll about supplying beach bums with ice creams and cold drinks.

If you have young kids or just hate munching sand with your picnic, then grab a spot on the lawn next to the tidal pool – you can even braai here and children can swim safely without fear of being swept off to Australia. And if you’re feeling energetic, there’s a great walk from Camps Bay Beach to neighbouring Glen Beach, a stunning little cove with good surf. From there you can stroll past Maiden's Cove, Bachelor's Cove and finally to Clifton 4th Beach. Take Victoria Road for a brisk march back to Camps Bay beachfront.

At the end of a tough day soaking up the sun’s rays, wander over to one of the many stylish beachfront restaurants and bars for sun-downers and the spectacular sunsets. READ MORE

Glen Beach is a gorgeous snow white sandy beach set in an tiny enclave flanked by massive granite boulders on the Atlantic Seaboard. These rocky outcrops not only amplify the picturesque cove-like setting but also provide a windshield from the South Easter.

This intimate beach is nestled in the middle of the famous Camps Bay Beach and glamorous Clifton beaches yet is relatively un-crowded. It’s a great little walk from Glen beach via Maidens Cove and Bachelors Cove to the Clifton 4th Beach. Backing Glen Beach is a small number of houses with uninterrupted sea views and the awesome backdrop of Lion’s Head and the Twelve Apostles.

Glen Beach is a popular hangout for young local surfers and bikini clad girls. The surf breaks from the left and the right points with a bit of oomph, but beware the fiercely territorial resident surfers whose ‘locals only’ graffiti decorates the beach wall. Glen Beach is conveniently situated within easy walking distance to the local shops, trendy restaurants, cocktail bars and the brilliant Theatre On The Bay.

If you’re into babe watching, or are a babe that likes to be noticed, then Clifton 4th Beach is the beach to be seen in Cape Town. The sugar white sand is sardine packed with beautiful people everywhere. Of all four spectacular Clifton beaches, this is the top beach spot for people watching, sunbathing, beach volleyball, frisbee and barbecues.

On calm days you’ll see a flotilla of yachts anchored close to shore – braaing their catch of kreef (crayfish or Cape rock lobster) with a glass of Cape bubbly in hand. If you’re brave enough to venture into the frigid water there are some crashing waves to bodysurf. Clifton 4th Beach is conveniently just a stroll away from La Med, one of the Mother City’s best outdoor bars and clubs. If the South Easter is howling then Clifton 4th Beach is your best beach option with wind protection from the spectacular backdrop of Table Mountain and the Twelve Apostles.

Awarded Blue Flag Beach status, Clifton 4th Beach is the most southerly beach of a series of small sandy coves in this upmarket suburb on the western seashore of Table Bay. Be prepared for a little exercise - access to the beach is down a series of steep, winding, narrow stairs that make it inaccessible for disabled visitors.

Llandudno Beach is one of those beautiful beaches that seem to have it all. Parking is a bit of a headache, so it never gets tooooo crowded. The white crescent shaped beach lies at the base of the steep slopes of the Twelve Apostles and is flanked by massive granite boulders.

One of the most popular chilling and romantic sundown picnic spots in Cape Town, Llandudno Beach is also the haunt of photographers, surfers, surf skiers and an active lifesaving crowd. The boulders at the northern side also offer some great walking with awesome views and so does the stretch along Sunset Rocks past the wreck of the Romelia to Sandy Bay. Llundudno is also one of Cape Town's most desirable residential areas.

Hout Bay Beach extends from the beginning of Chapman's Peak curving around to the Hout Bay Harbour with its numerous fishing boats and yacht marina. Hout Bay beach is an awesome family beach, but it's also popular with horse riders, dog walkers and kayakers.

One of the iconic Cape Town Beaches, Hout Bay Beach is yet another beautiful beach with powdery white sand that stretches almost a kilometre in length and half a kilometre in places. There's ample space for a game of beach volleyball, touch rugby, beach cricket, jogging or flying kites. The Hout Bay River cuts through the middle of this beach after meandering from the top of Table Mountain down to the Hout Bay wetlands and beach estuary.

Horse riders have easy access to Hout Bay Beach for early morning rides from stables close by. The protected bay is almost always calm and offers safe swimming and a range of water sports from paddling to kite surfing and sailing. This tranquil playground is perfect for sun tanning, just chilling and savouring the sweetness of doing nothing whilst taking in the exhilarating beauty of the surrounding mountains, white sandy beach and sapphire bay. Dolphins, whales and seals can often be spotted in the bay.

Hout Bay beach is perfect for the whole family and after a day well spent its essential to grab an ice cream from the Italian ice cream shop on the main road. There are also lots of good family friendly restaurants in close proximity – Dunes restaurant is a great option for young kids.