Witnessing the day’s breathtaking finale from the best beaches in Cape Town is a soul-stirring experience not soon forgotten.
Summer is a time when Cape Town puts on its best show for sun worshippers and beach lovers alike. The coastline unfurls with picture-perfect beaches and secluded coves where turquoise waters kiss the shore. In the backdrop, Table Mountain stands guard over the city. The shores tempt you with balmy air and ocean breezes, ideal for a dip or soaking up the sun’s rays.
Many find a spot to admire the sunsets. Some even stay until the crimson and tangerine hues fade into the twilight. Then there are those who make a day of it by packing a gourmet picnic spread and a bottle of crisp local wine.
For a beachside escape near our luxury Sea Point holiday apartments, head to these four best beaches in Cape Town where fire-wood pizzas and sundowners are best enjoyed with sand between your toes and waves gently lapping at the shore.
Clifton First Beach
As the road curves along the vista of Lion’s Head’s slopes, look downward, where white sands and turquoise waters beckon below. Welcome to Clifton 1st Beach, one of Cape Town’s most famous stretches of sand.
With coveted Blue Flag status and a top 10 world ranking from the Travel Channel, Clifton First truly brings together all the elements that make Cape Town a world-class beach destination.
Families lounge under colourful umbrellas. Groups of friends play volleyball on the smooth sand. Surfers ride the swell in search of their next wave, while paddleboarders meander across translucent waters that stretch towards the horizon.
You can pick up a pizza from Eatery Clifton and find a sunny spot to lounge. When you’re ready for sundowners, make your way across the road to The Bungalow and other trendy bars with prime views of the bay.
Access to Clifton First is easy via a set of stairs leading down from the road above, or take the scenic route from Clifton Fourth and stroll along soft sand while breathing in fresh ocean air.
Saunders Rock Beach
At the southern tip of Sea Point’s promenade, where the suburb meets the azure waters of Bantry Bay, you’ll find Saunders Rock Beach. It’s a little cove framed by dramatic sea cliffs and punctuated by granite boulders. The rock pools formed by the boulders are a favourite spot for splashing in the water. When the tide goes out, the rock pools become tranquil swimming holes warmed by the African sun.
While the rocky outcrops give the beach a rugged beauty, there’s plenty of soft sand for lounging under the sun. Sun worshippers have plenty of room to lay out towels on soft sand patches between the rocks. It’s a photographer’s delight at sunset when the rocks glow golden.
This petite beach is Cape Town’s best-kept secret for sundowners and beach picnics.
Getting to Saunders Rock Beach couldn’t be easier with parking available right at the beach entrance and just a short walk away. Street parking along Beach Road is also readily available.
A casual stroll from the beach, NY Slice Pizza and Ariel Modern Italian offer classic Italian fare and artisanal pizza to savour on the beach.
Bakoven Beach
With an idyllic location where Camps Bay meets Oudekraal Nature Reserve, Bakoven Beach is a cherished spot for sunset dips, weekend picnics, and impromptu beach hangs.
Sheltered by granite boulders that resemble a stone pizza oven, this petite stretch of sand is a peaceful retreat from the lively crowds further up the beach.
The boulders create a natural windbreak, perfect for sunbathing. They also provide uninterrupted ocean vistas; grab a spot on the rocks at sunset for a sundowner experience. The beach itself has clear blue waters and underwater kelp forests teeming with rock pool life. Snorkelers will find excellent visibility to explore the marine world up close.
When you’re ready to emerge from the water, there’s a string of restaurants and bars such as Col’Cacchio and PRIMI lining Victoria Road where you can refuel on gourmet pizza and cocktails with picture-perfect sea views.
Cosy Beach
There’s a good reason why this small stretch of coastline is referred to as Cosy Beach. Set along the scenic drive linking Camps Bay with Llandudno, it’s tucked away in the Oudekraal area. This secluded sandy spot features a maze of boulders and is blissfully peaceful. Arrive early to secure parking, then descend the wooden steps leading to the beach itself. These particular Atlantic waters are pristine, with the rocks ensuring calmer seas within the cove. Trees fringe the back of the beach, offering patches of shade. It’s also protected from the wind here.
Pack a picnic lunch, then decide between a dip in the crystal-clear water or exploring the labyrinthine rock formations. Or maybe both.
Final word
Whether seeking solitude or society, culture, or natural wonder, the beaches of Cape Town cater to every whim. Minutes from the city, a seaside getaway is the perfect ending to a perfect day in a city like no other.
