5 Often Overlooked Gems in Cape Town’s South Peninsula
While the world flocks to the likes of Camps Bay, Clifton, and Bantry Bay, when visiting Cape Town, just a short while away from the Atlantic Seaboard, lies the often forgotten South Peninsula. Home to one of the world’s most spectacular passes, Chapman’s Peak Drive, as well as the seaside villages and suburbs of Noordhoek, Fish Hoek, Kommetjie, Simon’s Town, and Kalk Bay, the South Peninsula is where those in the know go to unwind far from the madding crowd. Boasting a number of must-do experiences and places to see, it’s easy to spend a week or two getting lost in this beautiful part of Cape Town. Not sure where to start? Here are just 5 often overlooked, must-visit gems in Cape Town’s South Peninsula.
1. Enjoy a stroll down Noordhoek Beach
Just a few minute’s-drive from Chapman’s Peak, this superb stretch of seemingly endless white sand offers breathtaking views of the South Peninsula. The beach stretches on for 8 kilometres and meanders towards Kommetjie in the distance. Because it’s so large, Noordhoek beach never feels crowded and it’s the ideal spot for a day spent frolicking in the sun. The beach is also a popular spot for long, lingering beach walks as well as surfing, kite surfing, wind surfing, and horse riding. It’s also dog-friendly so you can take your canine companion along for the fun.
2. Visit the SS Kakopo Ship Wreck
While you’re at Noordhoek beach, make sure you take some time to check out the wreck of the SS Kakopo. One of many ships to litter South Africa’s treacherous, rocky shores, the 665 ton schooner rigged steamship, wrecked herself on the peninsula’s Long Beach on 25 May 1900. There are 360 shipwrecks in Table Bay alone thanks to the deadly combination of storms, fog, strong ocean currents and inhospitable cliffs, rocks and reefs which wreaked havoc with early seafarers. After years of erosion, the ship’s boiler, ribs, rudders, and a vertical, rusted duo pillar are all that remain resting in the sand, like ghostly reminders of the Cape’s treacherous seas.
3. Have a picnic at Cape Point Vineyards
Boasting magnificent wines and breathtaking views, many regard Cape Point Vineyards as one of the best vineyard picnic spots in and around Cape Town. Visit this unique winery and spend an afternoon enjoying a relaxed picnic on the lawns with friends and family. Offering three picnic areas, there’s plenty of space for every type of visitor at this vineyard spot. The Family Picnic Area, close to the jungle gym, offers a relaxed but fun space for a winelands picnic while the Mid Level Picnic Lawns offer unbeatable ocean and mountain views for social gatherings. For couples, and guests looking for a quieter place away from the crowds, the Dam Picnic Area is an adults-only space with an intimate feel.
4. Eat breakfast at C’est la Vie
Hidden down a cobbled street lane just off Main Road, Fish Hoek, C’est la Vie offers all the charm of a rustic European sidewalk café with a touch of local, South African flair. The quaint spot houses its own on-site bakery, churning out buttery croissants, morish brownies, deliciously delicious cheese sticks, and freshly baked bread, to entice your taste buds. The café has also been recognised by many as serving some of the best coffee in Cape Town, making this spot a no-brainer for breakfast. Find it at 2A Recreation Road, Fish Hoek.
5. Spend the night in Fish Hoek
The South Peninsula, False Bay area has so much to offer that it’s well worth spending the night, or a weekend, in the area to fully appreciate this unique part of Cape Town. Rather than stay in an over-priced hotel in Cape Town’s city centre, you can live like a local at A Whale of a Time guest apartments in Fish Hoek. Each of the 5 luxury apartments at A Whale of a Time have oceans views and are beautifully decorated, offering everything you need to make the most of your stay in Cape Town.
With life’s little luxuries, such as satellite TV and WiFi, included in every suite, you’ll feel right at home at this cosy spot. What’s more, the unique holiday accommodation spot also caters for groups of all sizes. From couples looking for a cosy 2-sleeper, families of 4, there’s a suite to suit your needs at A Whale of a Time.
For more information and to book your stay now visit the A Whale of a Time website. Keep up to date with news and special offers on the A Whale of a Time Facebook page and Instagram.