Beach Banter
Category Area Focus
Every kind of beach you can think of, you'll find in the coastal town of Hermanus, where even the weather is playing along. Beaches for leisurely strolls, snorkelling, fishing, surfing, boating, diving, and many more pleasurable pastimes are awaiting your enjoyment. Starting from Blue Flag Grotto Beach to Blue Flag Hawston Beach, you'll find 6 other beaches, each offering their own unique atmosphere and list of recreational activities.
Grotto Beach is the ultimate beach for the avid beach walker, as it extends just over 18 km. Start early and make your way to Sopies Klip, about a 6 km walk on pristine white sand. If this is a breeze, take a walk all the way to the end of Grotto Beach where you'll reach De Kelders. The length of Grotto ensures a spacious spot on the sand for every beach-goer. There is also a play area for kids, a restaurant - Dutchies, with amazing Dutch cuisine - and braai facilities. You can take a stroll all along the cliff paths that lead to a number of beaches up until Langbaai, and to Hermanus Waterfront with a whole host of culinary delights.
Voëlklip Beach is right next to Grotto Beach. If you're not the biggest fan of sand in your sandwich, Voëlklip offers the perfect picnic spot for you - on lawns overlooking the sand and sea. If you didn't pack a picnic but still feel peckish, there is a tuckshop and often a coffee or ice-cream trailer. Voëlklip is popular among younger folks and is a surf hot spot.
Kammabaai, also known as Nanny's Beach, is a surf-haven at high tide and fun for the kiddies at low tide, when sea critters can be seen on the rocks. There are some braai facilities, but they are few, if they're full then pop over to Grotto which has a few more.
Langbaai, for a more tranquil experience, lying between the rocks forms a slight barrier against the wind. Generally less populated than the other beaches, Langbaai is accessible by stairs or taking the cliff paths which may be a hindrance for some, but a delight for others. Surf, stand-up paddle or go for a swim in cool waters that are relatively calm on beautiful sunny days. Feeling hungry? Experience some delightful Asian inspired dishes at popular Lizette's Restaurant.
Sandbaai Beach is relatively quiet, even in the festive seasons. It is a popular beach for angling, and diving for crayfish and molluscs such as periwinkle, or 'alikreukel'; as well as snorkelling. The many tidal pools offer loads of entertainment for the kids. Walk over to VB's Restaurant for delectable pizzas and craft beer on tap.
Onrus Beach has it all, great surf, a restaurant over-looking the beach and lagoon - which offers safer waters for the little ones to play in, and a cliff path that hugs the coastline all the way to Vermont. For the best views with your food, head over to Milkwood Bistro Restaurant and Beach Hut. Milkwood has lovely breakfasts, lunches with cocktails or local craft beers, and dinners with an extensive selection of local award-winning wines. The Beach Hut has bar-style seating where you can unwind and take in the beach atmosphere whilst watching kids play in the lagoon. The kiosk offers takeaway snacks and also has a TV for sports enthusiasts to check the score. Close-by Moltenos is a local favourite for wholesome meals with a great vibe. Or head over to Coffee Corner for a café-style meet with friends or Fish Express if you're craving good old-fashion fish and chips.
Brekfis Bay is situated in Vermont. Aptly named for being a prime breakfast spot, Brekfis Bay provides a secluded beach experience, bordering the Hoek-van-die-berg Nature Reserve with beautiful fynbos, and views of the Onrus Mountain. Sand dunes offer loads of play time for the kids, while the adults prepare for breath-taking sundowners.
Hawston Beach has also gotten its Blue Flag status with beautiful stretches of white sand that are unspoiled, safe for swimming, and has lifeguards on duty during the holidays. This is a fantastic beach for surfing, bodyboarding, and stand-up paddling. Beach-goers are occasionally spoiled with the sights of dolphins playing in the surf or whales cruising past.
The one place with something for everyone, from beaches to amazing properties, where working from home feels like a holiday!
Photo: Courtesy Erlo Brown
Author: Seeff Hermanus
