The Atlantic Coast has some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. Beaches and mountains form an irresistible combination. The trendiest beaches of the cape are here. The beaches are used mainly for sunbathing as the water from the Antarctic Benguela current makes swimming possible only for the really tough. The Suburbs of Camps Bay, Clifton, Bantry Bay, Sea Point and Green Point lie behind Signal Hill. The Northern Coast comprises the suburbs of Maitland, Bloubergstrand and Table View.
Tip: When there is a table cloth over Table Mountain, there are very strong winds in Camps Bay. Clifton beaches are completely sheltered by the mountains and are absolutely windless.
Camps Bay is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. By car you can reach the beach within 5 to 105 minutes from the City Bowl. There are spectacular views of the Twelve Apostles running south of Table Mountain.
The beach area are relatively unspoilt and only overcrowded between Christmas and New Year. On the palm fringed cosmopolitan beach road are several shops, pavement cafes and trendy restaurants.
Clifton's four interlinked beaches can be reached by steps leading down from Victoria Street. The beaches are the trendiest and busiest beaches in the Cape. The beaches are absolutely calm when the south easter blows over the mountains.
All beaches have a different vibe and atmosphere and you will have to find out which beach is to your taste. Parking in high season is a major problem, so park your car towards Camps Bay and walk the 200 to 300 meters.
Bantry Bay is situated on a small stretch of land between a mountain and the sea. As a result, space is at a premium and, unlike other suburbs in Cape Town, houses are built closely together, there are more blocks of flats and there are less public spaces.
Green Point is a trendy suburb just outside the city centre, between the V&A Waterfront and Signal Hill. One of the main areas of entertainment, Green Point isconsidered to be gay friendly and the Main Road is a lively experience of pubs, clubs and cabaret restaurants. Green Point is close to Sea Point and Clifton’s beaches.
Green Point is relativly safe to walk the narrow streets, with its restored Victorian style homes. From Green Point you are within walking distance of the city centre and the V&A Waterfront. African arts and crafts are sold every Sunday on the market on the common. (next to the old stadium) This is the area where the new stadium for the 2010 World Cup will be built.
Sea Point on the coast is a densely populated bustling residential suburb with apartment buildings and hotels fringing the sea. Main and Regent Streets are lined by shops, restaurants, and coffee shops. Swimming on this rocky coast is only possible in a few small bays so head
off to Clifton.
The popular Sea Point sea-water swimming pool is very popular with the locals. Upper Sea Point, on the slopes of Signal Hill,
is the site of expensive, large and sought after homes. Sea Point has a cosmopolitan vibe
and its promenade is especially popular with walkers and joggers.
The small suburb of Fresnay, lies high on the slopes of Signal Hill and is the site of expensive, large and sought after villas. The famous beaches of Camps Bay and Clifton are only a minutes drive away. Enjoy the breathtaking views over Sea Point towards Robben Island. This area has no wind in summer.
