The Western Cape has the worlds best beaches with pristine white sand, glittering blue ocean with a blend of two oceans, the options are endless. And with summer still around, it’s best to spend the lazy days at the beach.

With temperatures still soaring in the Mother City and the long summer days, it’s only appropriate that you pack in your beach towel, suntan lotion and a hat and, head to these 10 beaches:

1. Kleinmond Beach, Overberg

There are so many beaches to choose from but Kleinmond will always be my absolute favourite. Away from the popular locations, Kleinmond beach is situated close to Hermanus yet it’s quite wide, unspoiled and it’s a blue-flag beach.

Not only does it have the big, blue ocean but it has a lagoon that’s perfect for kayaking to entertain the kids and braai facilities to cater for lunchtime.

Travel Time: 1h30 from Cape Town along the scenic N2.

2. Strand Beach, Cape Metropole

Located along the popular shorelines of False Bay and Gordons Bay with a view of the Hottentots Holland Mountain, this easy to access beach is one everyone needs to visit. With its popularity and mostly sandy landscapes, it’s rather advisable to come out in the late afternoons to watch the sunset, have some ice-cream and sit along the promenade wall; unless you like the overcrowds during the day.

There’s even a tidal pool to swim in if you’re not in the mood for the full ocean current and tons of restaurants and hotels on the beachfront.

Travel Time: 58.km through the N2 or via Baden Powell Drive.

3. Boulders Beach, Simons Town

Boulders Beach is a sheltered beach made up of inlets between granite boulders, from which the name originated. Situated along the Peninsula, tourists flock to the scene for the one thing that sets other beaches apart – The African Penguins who swim alongside you!

Boulders form part of the Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area and therefore, an R65.00 entrance fee is required. But don’t let that stop you from enjoying yourself with the kids, family or friends and, pack in snacks for a leisure picnic.

It’s advisable to come early since it gets packed quite quickly.

Travel Time: 1h00 from Cape Town onto the N2, M5, and M4 to Bellevue Road.

4. Jacobs Baai Beach, West Coast

The West Coast is known for its pristine beaches and peaceful fishing villages and Jacobs Baai is ideal for those tropical warm weather. Tranquil and serene, you definitely won’t find many people along the sandy shores. Albeit quite icy, it’s still great for swimming.

Travel Time: 1h40 fro Cape Town via the R27.

5. Wilderness Beach, Garden Route

The mecca of the Garden Route is magnificent so it’s no wonder that Wilderness Beach is on my list. Breathtakingly beautiful, the sandy beach stretches for endless kilometers and is known for spotting whales and dolphins.

Travel Time: 441km, approximately 4h45 from Cape Town via the N2.

6. Sea Point, Cape Town

Positioned alongside the bustling promenade, the low tide large rocks and masses of seaweed along the shore still make locals come in numbers, every day. Though it’s not really suitable for swimming because of the number of rock pools, it is a firm favourite among locals who are attracted to the area purely for the beautiful view of the ocean and its stunning sunsets.

Travel Time: 15 minutes from the CBD.

7. Onrus Beach, Hermanus

Looking for a secluded beach? Then look no further than Onrus. However, not during the Onrus Classic Surfing and Body Boarding Competition held annually during the December holidays.

It’s wonderful for kids since there’s a lagoon right next to the beach yet it’s quite calm and peaceful to nap or simply tan under the sun while reading your book.

Travel Time: Driving on the N2, it will take about 1h30 to get there.

8. Pringle Bay, Overberg

Surrounded by sand dunes, Pringle Bay beach is exactly 2 kilometers long and 100m wide. This sandy beachfront is absolutely beautiful and ideal for swimming and fishing. And you never have to worry about it being overcrowded.

Travel Time: Drive along the scenic route of Clarence Drive, it will take approximately 1h14 from Cape Town.

9. Paternoster Beach, West Coast

Paternoster with its idyllic turquoise water and sandy beach, is one of the most exquisite beaches to enjoy. The beach is fantastic for walking, sea kayaking, birding, whale and dolphin watching, windsurfing, and horse riding. I highly doubt you would ever want to leave.

Travel Time: 1h45 from Cape Town along the R27.

10. Struisbaai, Overberg

White sand, endless coastline, and warm waters? You can’t get any better than that. Struisbaai is named after its size since it’s the longest natural beach in the Southern Hemisphere, which stretches for a total of 14km in the direction of Arniston.

This makes it ideal for long walks, bicycle rides on the beach, and you can even have a picnic.

Travel Time: 2h35 from Cape Town along the N2 and R316.

Sometimes we forget that some of the most picturesque beaches are right under noses that are untamed, unspoiled and unbelievably beautiful.

Until the next adventure.

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