5 stunning Western Cape beach towns that aren't overrun
If you're looking for salty air, soft sand, and space to breathe, here are five Western Cape beach towns that still fly under the tourist radar.
Just don't tell too many people…
What to expect: Whitewashed cottages, wild coastline, and a sense of stillness.
Paternoster has charm without the hype. One of the oldest fishing villages on the Western Cape's West Coast, it's known for its dramatic beauty – endless stretches of white sand, rugged rock outcrops, and a deep-blue Atlantic that doesn't pretend to be warm. It's also a culinary hotspot, with restaurants like Wolfgat (one of the world's best) tucked away in this humble setting. You won't find clubs or traffic here. Just fresh crayfish, quiet nights, and the sound of waves. Sunset in Paternoster. Image: canva
What to expect: Coastal trails, calm beaches, and a UNESCO biosphere on your doorstep.
Kleinmond sits quietly along the Whale Coast, often overshadowed by Hermanus. But that's what makes it ideal. The beach is clean and family-friendly, the lagoon is great for kayaking, and the Harold Porter Botanical Gardens are just up the road. It's part of the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve, so nature dominates – think baboons, fynbos, and coastal hikes without the foot traffic. Beach in Kleinmond. Image: canva
What to expect: A working fishing village, surreal sea caves, and calm, blue waters.
Arniston blends postcard-pretty scenes with an authentic, working-town atmosphere. The main beach in this beach town is peaceful, the tidal pools are clear, and the Waenhuiskrans sea cave is a must-see if you time it right with the tides. The adjacent Kassiesbaai fishing village, with its lime-washed houses and quiet lanes, is like stepping back in time. No noise, no chaos – just sea, salt, and sky. Pebbly beach in Arniston, Western Cape. Image: canva
What to expect: Endless beach walks, West Coast serenity, and wildflowers in season.
The Western Cape's Yzerfontein is only about 90 minutes from Cape Town, but it feels like a world away. The 16 Mile Beach – one of the longest uninterrupted beaches in South Africa – is perfect for walkers, birders, and anyone needing a mental reset. It's also a hotspot for kite surfing and seasonal whale watching, but the pace stays slow. Even during flower season, it never quite tips into 'tourist trap' territory. Yzerfontein beach. Image: canva
What to expect: Forest meets sea, uncrowded shores, and a total digital detox.
Tucked deep within the Tsitsikamma section of the Garden Route National Park, Nature's Valley is more of a secret forest cove than a beach town. No big shops. No nightlife. Just hiking trails, crashing surf, and a beach that rarely sees more than a handful of people at a time. It's the kind of place where your phone signal disappears and your stress goes with it. Beach in Nature's Valley. Image: wikimedia commons
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
07-08-2025
- The Citizen
Africa site now heritage
Bijagos Archipelago has been declared a World Heritage Site. The Bijagos Archipelago off the coast of west Africa was declared a World Heritage site by the United Nations' cultural agency on Sunday, in recognition of its exceptional biodiversity and rich local traditions. The string of islands in Guinea-Bissau and surrounding turquoise waters are home to endangered green and leatherback sea turtles, manatees, dolphins and more than 870 000 migratory birds, a Unesco spokesperson said. The archipelago's small island of Poilao is an extensive nesting ground for green sea turtles. The continuous network of coastal and marine ecosystems in the west African archipelago includes mangroves, mudflats and intertidal zones which are fundamental to aquatic life. A decade-long push for global recognition 'This moment marks the culmination of more than 10 years of collective effort, commitment, dialogue and a shared conviction that this extraordinary and unique place deserves to be recognised, protected and celebrated by all of humanity,' environment minister Viriato Luis Cassama said after the announcement. Unesco chief Audrey Azoulay hailed the region as a 'rare coastal and marine ecosystem, where local communities have kept their traditions alive' as she congratulated the country on its first World Heritage site. Rare plant species and diverse fish and bird populations also call the islands home. The archipelago is additionally home to several sacred sites as well as artisanal fisheries. After failing to make the World Heritage list on its first attempt in 2012, an application was resubmitted following extensive scientific research and the involvement of local populations. The Bijagos Archipelago was already designated a Unesco biosphere reserve in 1996. The archipelago's placement on the World Heritage list 'strengthens its protection and its inclusion in an even larger global network of sites protected by Unesco', the spokesperson said. The archipelago covers more than 10 000km² and is made up of 88 islands and islets. – AFP NOW READ: Are there any ports left? Going barefoot all year round in the E Cape
The South African
24-07-2025
- The South African
10 fishing villages in SA that feel unspoiled - and serve the best fish
South Africa's coastlines are dotted with fishing villages where the pace is slow, the air smells of salt, and the seafood is as fresh as it gets. While some have gone touristy, there are still places that feel authentic, lived-in, and deliciously unpolished. Here are 10 fishing villages where tradition holds strong, and the fish will blow you away… Paternoster, Western Cape. Image: canva Whitewashed cottages, empty beaches, and fishing boats still lined up on the sand, Paternoster is one of the oldest fishing villages on the West Coast. Locals harvest kreef (rock lobster) and snoek the way their grandparents did. Must-try: The seafood at Wolfgat , a globally acclaimed restaurant using locally foraged ingredients and the freshest daily catch. A slow coastal hamlet where fishermen mend nets by hand and limestone caves wait for explorers. Life moves at its own pace here, and yellowtail and bokkoms (dried fish) are staples. Must-try: Yellowtail braaied over open coals by local vendors. Kalk Bay, Cape Town. Image: wikimedia commons A working harbour in the city that somehow kept its old-school charm. Fishermen still haul in their catch as seals play in the water. Must-try: Fresh linefish and chips at the legendary Kalky's on the wharf. On the Wild Coast, Port St Johns is untamed, lush, and raw. Fishing is done from the shore and by small boats on the Mzimvubu River. It's wild, it's beautiful, and the seafood is pure comfort. Must-try: Kabeljou or shad fish curry, served with pap or rice. Velddrif, Western Cape. Image: wikimedia commons This West Coast town is all about the Berg River and its fishing culture. It's famous for bokkoms (salted, dried mullet) and a sense of place untouched by trends. Must-try: Snoek braai with apricot jam glaze. Quiet and far from the crowds, Hondeklip Bay was once a diamond-diving town but is now known for its crayfish and rustic vibe. Must-try: Crayfish tails grilled right on the braai. Snoek on the braai. Image: canva Snoek and crayfish are king here. It's a working town with tranquil bays, known for producing a large portion of South Africa's fish. Must-try: Local snoek smoked and served hot from the harbour-side braais. A laid-back surf and crayfish hotspot where time seems frozen. The rustic seaside feel and small-town hospitality keep it real. Must-try: Crayfish straight from the water, grilled and served beachside. Muisbosskerm near Lamberts Bay. Image: wikimedia commons This small town thrives on crayfish and snoek, with Bird Island adding a wildlife twist. Must-try: Open-air seafood feasts at Muisbosskerm . Once a diamond rush town, Port Nolloth remains a working crayfishing harbour. It's quiet, isolated, and unpolished. Must-try: Fresh crayfish paired with a cold beer as the sun sets. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
17-07-2025
- IOL News
Climbing the Great Wall of China: TikTok creator's hilariously humbling adventure
The Great Wall of China attracts thousands of travellers seeking to marvel at the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Those are the words of TikTok content creator Lybell Chen (@lybellchen), who recently shared a video on the social media platform depicting her challenging experience at one of the world's most iconic landmarks, the Great Wall of China. 'Nobody told me that the Great Wall is vertical.' In the video, viewers are treated to a candid glimpse of Chen struggling to catch her breath as she ascends the steep steps of the wall. At one moment, she is seen sitting with a defeated expression, taking a moment to recover from the rigorous climb. 'That was humbling,' she remarked, tagging her post with the hashtags #greatwall and #greatwallofchina. Chen's struggles resonated with many netizens, sparking a flurry of comments worldwide. User @shivshiv echoed her sentiment, stating, 'I've been telling people this for years. It's a hike, not a walk.' Another user, @xoxklsefwjm, shared their own experience, noting, 'I thought I was pretty fit when I went. I was very much humbled, especially when the guards climbed past in the middle with their hands behind their backs.'
