Hermanus - Where you are most welcome
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Still looking for your dream home in a magical town?
From a charming, chic shanty; to a minimalist cozy ocean possie; or perhaps a prestigious palace; in Hermanus you'll find exactly what your heart desires to feel at home.
But why choose Hermanus?
Are you a lover of nature? Hermanus will delight you with nature reserves - fynbos-rich Fernkloof has many mountain hiking trails with tranquil waterfalls. Voëlklip side you'll find kilometres of white sandy beach stretches, with wheelchair access, and coastal cliff paths for strolls for every level of fitness. Fick's (Westcliff side) and The Marine Tidal Pool (central Hermanus) for swimming or snorkelling, and mountain biking trails that wind through wine farms in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley.
Are you a wine and diner? The Hemel-en-Aarde Valley boasts more than 15 award-winning wineries - each with their own appeal and stories of how they began, many with decadent dining experiences. Creation is well known for their food and wine pairings and displaying local art and sculptures in their wondrous gardens. If you just want to grab-and-go from an impressive selection of wines, both local and imported, you can have a look at the well-stocked Wine Village.
If you prefer beer, you'll love locally-produced Folk & Goode, Old Harbour Beer, and The Brewery with the iconic whale-crier on the label. The whale-crier walks through town in whale season, blowing his kelp horn to let people know where whales have been spotted. You'll find his image on the draught glasses. The Brewery is also a great spot for delicious pub-style grub, if you're not interested in fancy ingredients. If you just want to feast in town, there are options from the best gourmet burgers at Char'd Grill & Wine Bar, to connoisseur-approved surf-and-turf options at Burgundy Restaurant. The Cape Whale Coast region won the UNESCO City of Gastronomy award in 2019, being placed among international contenders. For dessert, pop by Gelato Mania for world-class gelato and take a stroll down to the Old Harbour.
If the sun's out, there are plenty of beaches from Voëlklip to Vermont - some great for swimming, surfing and bodyboarding - just ask world champ Tristan Roberts; others for fishing and diving. Check out the Sharklady for shark cage diving and boat fishing expeditions. For golf lovers, there's Hermanus Golf Club's 27 holes with Fernkloof Estate on its perimeter. You can also go kayaking on the ocean or at Onrus or the Klein River Lagoon (Voëlklip side). The first man who kayaked all around Madagascar, Riaan Manser, often visits this naturally abundant town. He holds 4 world records, of which one is to cycle the entire perimeter of Africa. An adventure seeker knows a good spot for the great outdoors. For the thrill-seeking wild child there is kite surfing, paragliding, horse riding and so much more.
When the sun is a bit on the shy side, bookworms will find plenty of book stores for a decent read to curl up at the fireplace with - pop in at Hemingways Bookshop if you're not sure what to read, they'll guide you. If you prefer the 3D version, Whale Coast Mall has a theatre, as well as plenty stores for satisfactory shopping. Or if the sun's out, take a stroll around town where you'll find the usual shops as well as many unusual hidden gems.
Explore Hermanus, there will always be something to enjoy, for young and old, and those who will never feel old. After all, global talk cannot be wrong to rank us at #41 in the Tourism Sentiment Index (TSI) for the Most Loved Destinations Around the World 2021.
Author: Ruché ten Have
