Cape Town Beaches

There are many spectacular beaches around Cape Town, and some of the most beautiful are only 5 minutes away from the city centre. All of them have soft white sand and are set in very scenic locations. Tennis on a Cape Town Beach

Clifton is a whole series of beaches situated under the "Twelve Apostles", which are huge peaks adjoining Table Mountain. Camps Bay, a little further on the same road, is the trendiest of Cape Town's beaches. It is situated in one of the most attractive and expensive parts of Cape Town. The long beach is lined with palm trees, and provides an excellent view of the amazing sunsets that occur throughout the year.

Cape Town's only nudist beach (Sandy Bay) is situated in completely unspoilt surroundings. You do not have to be naked to enjoy the lovely setting amongst huge boulders, forest, and sea.

A little further away from Cape Town are the False Bay beaches, including the very long Muizenberg beach. St. James, is a smaller beach that is famous for the colourful beach houses which are used as changing rooms. This is a nice sheltered spot if it is windy.

There is a lovely walk along the sea from Muizenberg to St. James. You can often spot whales from here. If you continue walking, you get to Kalk Bay. This is a charming harbour village with many antique shops, coffee shops and fish restaurants.

Further south is the popular Fish Hoek beach, and then Simon's Town where there is a colony of African Penguins, right on the beach. An advantage of this side of the coast is the warmer water, which is usually warm enough to swim in.

Noordhoek beach is about 25 minutes drive from Cape Town, and is situated in a wild, natural and peaceful area. You can ride a horse through the waves, as there are stables nearby offering inexpensive rides.

Other beaches include many excellent surfing spots, like Kommetjie with its historic lighthouse. Scarborough, which has wonderful views of mountains, cliffs and sea is also a favourite amongst surfers.