The Mother City has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world and something to offer everyone. It is no surprise that South Africa was one of the first countries outside of Europe to earn blue flag status for some of her beaches – there are three on offer in and around Cape Town.
The blend of 2 oceans (the Atlantic Oceanand the Indian Ocean) and hence 2 different styles of beach, divided by a 1000m high peninsula, leaves Cape Town an unrivalled holiday destination.
The west side of the Cape Peninsula, on the Atlantic Ocean, has a very definite style of beach. This is where the more fashionable set go to see and be seen, particularly along the Atlantic Seaboard, also known as Cape Town’s “Riviera”, which 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.
Beaches here enjoy longer sunshine hours, incomparable sunsets and more protection from the “Cape Doctor” (Cape Town’s infamous south easterly) than the False Bay side of the Cape peninsula. There is a spectacular selection of unspoilt beaches with seas that are usually 3 to 4 degrees colder than the Indian Ocean but this doesn’t seem to worry anyone soaking up the sun against the backdrop of blue skies and white sands.
North of the Atlantic Seaboard are the beaches of Table Bay. These sport the picture-postcard views of Cape Town over Table Mountain and Robben Island and tend to be more popular with locals, particularly kitesurfers. Beyond Hout Bay, beaches such as Noordhoek and Scarborough are less frequented but no less beautiful, rather they’re where the locals can get away from the crowds.
The east side of the peninsula, on the warmer Indian Ocean, is generally more laid back and not as frenetic as the Atlantic coastline, although in peak season these family oriented beaches can still become pretty busy. These beaches are favoured by locals who live in the southern suburbs of Cape Town who don’t need to drive far to get to a beach.
False Bay is a huge arc that curves from the Helderberg beaches on the east side of the bay to Cape Point on the west end.
Some argue that the closer beaches are to Cape Point the colder they are but the general rule of thumb for beaches on the Indian Ocean is that they’re three to four degrees warmer than the Atlantic beaches. These are great swimming beaches. Most of them are manned by lifeguards and shallow waters extend quite far out so that swimming and paddling are relatively safe.
The upmarket Clifton area contains some of the most exclusive real estate in South Africa. The buildings range from beach cottages to luxury apartments and custom designed mansions, some of which are built into the mountainside, overlooking this popular part of the Cape coastline and blending in with the natural scenery.
Clifton Beaches cape Town The lively beaches of Clifton
separated by huge boulders and sheltered from the wind, are considered among themost fashionable in Cape Town. They are frequented by a young crowd of sun worshippers, many who spend their time stretched out in the sun or playing beach games. Clifton’s 1st, 2nd and third beaches are small and hidden away from the road by massive upmarket apartment blocks.
Access is by steps winding down from the coast road. Parking is limited to the roadside and to a small parking lot on the coast road. The beach area is a favourite venue for party goers and often becomes lively after hours.
Clifton’s Fourth is the largest most popular beach here and the best choice for visitors as it offers ample parking and refreshments facilities. Lifeguards and security are also provided.
The sea in this area is too cold for all but the most enthusiastic swimmer, so lounging about on the white sands, playing beach games and eyeing the jet skis and yachts moored offshore is a popular pastime.
Information by http://www.sa-venues.com