The African Voyager

Cape Town, South Africa

Life’s a beach: unveiling Cape Town’s top 5 beaches

Southern Africa • See & do • Life’s a beach: unveiling Cape Town’s top 5 beaches

The best beaches in Cape Town

Cape Town’s beaches are as diverse as they are beautiful. Whether you’re a sun-seeker, a surfer or someone who simply enjoys the sound of waves crashing against the shore, be prepared to be impressed by Cape Town’s beaches. With dramatic mountain backdrops, clear blue waters and stretches of soft sand, each beach offers something unique. Cape Town’s beaches are more than just places to swim, surf and relax – they’re an integral part of the city’s lifestyle, where locals and visitors alike come to connect and enjoy the natural beauty surrounding them. In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through Cape Town’s best beaches, giving you all the info you need to find your perfect spot by the sea.

Llandudno Beach

Located between Camps Bay and Hout Bay, Llandudno Beach is a hidden gem that the locals love. This secluded cove is framed by large granite boulders and lush natural bush, creating a stunning setting perfect for sunbathing and relaxing. The beach is named after the North Wales seaside resort of Llandudno and it shares a similar rugged charm. The surf here is excellent, attracting both seasoned surfers and bodyboarders, though the strong currents make swimming less ideal. If you’re seeking adventure, the rocky headland known as Sunset Rocks offers great views and a spot for brave souls to jump into the ocean.

Llandudno Beach
Llandudno
Cape Town
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Unsplash

Clifton 4th Beach

Clifton 4th Beach is the crown jewel of Cape Town’s Atlantic Seaboard, famous for its soft white sand and crystal-clear waters. This blue flag beach is one of four beaches in the Clifton area, each separated by large granite boulders that provide shelter from the wind. The views here are simply breathtaking, with the Twelve Apostles mountain range providing a unique backdrop. While it’s a popular spot, the beach’s layout with natural coves offers a sense of privacy, perfect for sunbathing or a sunset picnic. The beach is accessible via steep steps, but the effort is well worth it for a day of relaxation and some of the best sunsets Cape Town has to offer!

Clifton 4th Beach
Clifton
Cape Town
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Unsplash

Want more Cape Town hotels restaurants shops activities cafés ?

Camps Bay Beach

Camps Bay Beach is where Cape Town’s natural beauty meets its energetic social scene. Stretching along the affluent Camps Bay neighbourhood, this beach is famous for its wide, palm-lined promenade and the energetic buzz of nearby cafes and restaurants. The soft, white sand and turquoise waters are picture-perfect, though the Atlantic here is notoriously chilly, so it’s more of a dip-your-toes experience. Camps Bay Beach is also a popular spot for beach volleyball and other sports, with facilities available for hire. What makes Camps Bay Beach unique is its lively atmosphere – it’s the place to see and be seen, especially as the sun sets and the beach comes alive with activity.

Camps Bay Beach
Camps Bay
Cape Town
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Unsplash

Boulders Beach

Boulders Beach is a one-of-a-kind beach, famous not just for its striking granite boulders but for the colony of endangered African penguins that call it home. Located near Simon’s Town, this beach offers a rare opportunity to get up close and personal with these charming creatures. Wooden walkways allow visitors to observe the penguins in their natural habitat without disturbing them. The beach itself is sheltered by ancient granite boulders, providing calm, clear waters ideal for swimming, especially for families with young children. The conservation fee helps support ongoing efforts to protect the endangered penguins, whose population has been declining due to various environmental threats.

Boulders Beach
Simon's Town
Cape Town
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Unsplash

Long Beach

If you are all about the surf, you won’t want to miss Long Beach in Kommetjie. As the name suggests, this stretch of sand seems endless, with a backdrop of dunes and the looming Slangkop Lighthouse, one of the tallest in South Africa. Known for its consistent waves, it attracts surfers from all over the world, offering some of the best surfing conditions in Cape Town. The beach is also popular for horse riding, with several local stables offering guided rides along the shore. Long Beach’s expansive stretch of sand makes it perfect for long walks, beachcombing and enjoying the natural beauty of the area. Unlike some of Cape Town’s busier beaches, Long Beach offers a more rugged, unspoiled vibe, where you can immerse yourself in the raw beauty of the Atlantic coastline.