Atlantic Seaboard Beaches

About Atlantic Seaboard Beaches

The Atlantic Seaboard Beaches is where the more fashionable set go to see and be seen. The Atlantic Seaboard, also known as the "Riviera" of Cape Town, stretches from the V&A Waterfront on the north shore of Table Mountain up as far as Hout Bay and is connected by one of the most picturesque, scenic drives along Victoria Road.

Did you know? The beaches in Cape Town are amongst the cleanest and most beautiful beaches in the world.

Mouille Point, Sea Point and Three Anchor Bay don't have much beach to speak of - they're more ocean front than beach. However, Saunders Rock at Sea Point has a little tidal pool and Three Anchor Bay has a tiny, little beach from which many sea kayakers embark. It's the promenade that draws people here. This walkway is right near the sea and is a haunt of joggers, walkers, dog walkers and families.

Clifton Beach is an extremely popular hangout for locals and international jet setters - you're here to be seen and to share space with the latest designer costumes and sunglasses. Clifton has four beaches called 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th beach and has blue flag status, not least because of the turquoise water and white sands. These beaches are Cape Town's premier beaches, divided by granite boulders and packed with beautiful people in summer.

Camps Bay Beach, just up the road from Clifton, is a long sandy beach with palm trees and a fantastic promenade lined with trendy restaurants, cafes and cocktail bars. Here Cape Town's fashionable set mingle with visitors to the city against one of the most beautiful backdrops of Lion's Head and the 12 Apostles. The beach in Camps Bay is very popular for sundowners and in hot weather it's a beach paradise.

From Camps Bay you can walk to Glen Beach - a small beach set in a little enclave and great for surfing - and Maiden's Cove, which is very much a family beach just in front of the Glen Country Club. Bakoven Beach gets a mention because of its natural beauty - big boulders, white sands and a gorgeous setting. But it's smallish and zealously protected by territorial local residents.

Llandudno, set in an exclusive neighbourhood, is one of the most photogenic beaches in Cape Town and definitely one of the most beautiful. If you're not a strong swimmer then settle for a dip as the currents are strong but great for surfers and sunsets here are notorious. Parking can be a bit of a headache but this does mean it doesn't get too crowded.

Sandy Bay, a bit of a clamber across the boulders from Llandudno or a walk from the car park, is enclosed by sand dunes and well protected from the wind. It's Cape Town's nudist beach and not as busy as the other beaches, possibly because of the walk. But you can escape the crowds here and don't have to be naked in order to experience the beach.

Hout Bay beach is a protected harbour bay great for walks and horse riding with spectacular mountain surrounds and views over the Holland Hottentots Mountains in the distance. The Chapman's Peak side of the beach is better for sunbathing and swimming is good here as the waves are gentle. Fish and chips are the order of the day and a stroll along the pier to view the fishing boats is a treat, particularly if you can spot the odd Cape Fur seal or whale, during season.