Summer is in full swing and it’s time to cool off at the beach. Whether you’re a local looking for a quick swim or a visitor jetting in for a holiday, Cape Town has no shortage of beautiful beaches where you can dip your toes in the ocean.
Here are our favourite beaches in Cape Town:
Savour a slice of paradise at Clifton
Clifton is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful beaches in Cape Town. Turquoise waters and soft, white sand make it an idyllic coastal spot. The beach is separated into four coves, making it seem like four different beaches, each with its own distinctive atmosphere.
Clifton Fourth Beach (the closest to Camps Bay) is the most popular, being the most accessible of the four. On a beautiful sunny day, the beach is usually filled to the brim with umbrellas and bodies bronzing in the sun – be sure to arrive early to secure your spot!
If you’re looking for something a bit more private, simply move on to the next beach. Just remember that when the tide comes in, you may need to clamber over rocks to get back to Clifton Fourth.
Show off your surfing skills at Muizenberg
Muizenberg is one of the most popular surfing spots in Cape Town. With a number of surfing schools located on the beachfront, it welcomes all levels of experience!
If surfing isn’t quite your idea of a fun day out, Muizenberg is also a Blue Flag beach, making it safe to enjoy no matter your choice of activity. Go for a swim, build a sandcastle or enjoy a long walk along the coastline.
Laze in the sun at Llandudno
Loved by locals, Llandudno offers a big and beautiful beach area, without attracting masses of beachgoers due to its remoteness. Llandudno will offer you a classic “day-out-on-the-beach” experience with sun, sea and sand, no frills attached.
Also a Blue Flag beach, Llandudno is perfect for bringing the kids and enjoying long swims in the cool water. Don’t forget to bring a picnic basket, as the beach is quite a distance from shops and eateries.
Enjoy a long stroll at Melkbosstrand
Melkbosstrand is another firm favourite for locals, many of whom even arrive with umbrellas and tents to spend the whole day by the sea.
With its long stretch of beach and slightly firmer sand than its Cape Town counterparts, Melkbosstrand is perfect for long, lazy walks along the coastline. Even better is having Table Mountain in the distance to add some scenic value!
Swim with the penguins at Boulders Beach
Boulders Beach is home to a colony of about 3 000 African penguins. Although the area is protected, you can swim in the cool water, clamber over the boulders and spend time with the penguins in close proximity.
As part of the Table Mountain National Park, this is a protected sanctuary, so take care that wayward plastic items and paper don’t end up in the water.
Indulge in a beach barbeque at Oudekraal
Also part of the Table Mountain National Park, Oudekraal boasts incredible natural beauty and views across the Atlantic. There are lawns with barbeque facilities, as well as a sandy beach protected by boulders offering calm, cool waters to swim in.
The beach is usually frequented by families, which only adds to the atmosphere. Pack a picnic and kick off your shoes at Oudekraal!
See an iconic view of Cape Town at Bloubergstrand
Aside from a picturesque beach, Bloubergstrand is also home to one of the most famous views of Cape Town, overlooking Table Mountain across the ocean.
Enjoy a long walk on the beach or pack your beach umbrella and enjoy a day out in the sun.
Be sure to visit on windy days as the beach is a popular kitesurfing destination, often with thousands of kites in the sky at a time.