Cape Town Collections
From the cold, clear coves of the Atlantic seaboard to the warmer, gentler water of False Bay, Cape Town’s beaches are far more varied than a single stretch of sand.
Cape Town sits between two very different bodies of water, and its beaches divide accordingly. The Atlantic side is dramatic and cold, with granite boulders, sheltered coves and mountain backdrops rising directly behind the sand. Around in False Bay the water is noticeably warmer, the surf is gentler, and the beaches suit long slow days rather than quick swims.
That difference is the most useful thing to know before choosing one. Wind, shelter and water temperature vary enormously between beaches only a short drive apart, so it is worth picking for the conditions you want rather than the name you recognise. Start with the beaches below, then browse the rest of the collection.
Featured beach
A broad Atlantic beach with the mountains behind and the city one road away
Explore
Featured beach
Colourful huts, long sandy stretches and beginner-friendly waves in Cape Town's surf capital.
Explore
Featured beach
Cape Town's iconic Table Mountain view, world-class kiteboarding and unforgettable Atlantic sunsets.
Explore
Four sheltered coves of white sand and granite beneath the mountain
Explore
A beautiful sandy beach where mountain scenery, calm waters and the working harbour create one of Cape Town’s most welcoming coastal destinations.
Explore
A granite cove between Camps Bay and Hout Bay, with no beachfront strip behind it
Explore
A relaxed False Bay seaside village with colourful bathing boxes, a coastal walkway and welcoming cafes.
ExploreCape Town’s tidal pools are sheltered, shallow and swimmable on days when the open sea is not.
Explore all tidal pools
Birdwatching12 places
Historic LandmarksFortresses, churches, houses and streets where the city’s past is still visible.24 places
MarketsFood, crafts, local produce and neighbourhood markets worth browsing.7 places
Museums & CultureMuseums, galleries and cultural places that tell the stories of the Cape.19 places
Nature & ParksMountains, reserves, gardens and protected landscapes around the city.32 places
Scenic DrivesCape Town’s most memorable roads, where the journey is part of the experience.5 places
Scenic ViewpointsLookouts and elevated places for some of the city’s defining views.7 places
Tidal PoolsSeawater pools around the peninsula for swimming beside the ocean.9 places
Waterfronts & HarboursWorking harbours, promenades and waterside places to explore.5 placesWildlifePlaces to encounter the remarkable animals and marine life of the Cape.14 placesTell us what you have in mind and we will come back to you with availability and options.
