Cape Town Holidays

It may be a vibrant city, but Cape Town’s beaches give you the opportunity to enjoy some downtime. You’ll have lots to choose from, and 10 have even been awarded Blue Flag status, meaning their sands and waters are spotlessly clean. One of them is Camps Bay – probably Cape Town’s most famous beach. With sweeping white sands, a restaurant-lined promenade and views of the Twelve Apostles Mountains, it’s certainly a scenic spot for a beach day. Another option is Clifton. This sandy stretch is actually made up of four beaches, but award-winning ‘Clifton Fourth’ – as it’s affectionately known – is the best.

Keen surfers should head west to Muizenberg, while Bloubergstrand and Milnerton are popular kitesurfing spots. Or, for something entirely different, drive out of town to Boulder’s Beach. Also known as Penguin Beach – for obvious reasons – this place is home to South Africa’s colony of wild penguins. Seeing them waddle along the shore in the sunshine is a must-do on any Cape Town holiday.

You won’t be short of things to do on your Cape Town holiday. Table Mountain, of course, is the headline act. Overlooking the sprawling city below, this iconic plateau is accessible via cable car or, if you’re feeling energetic, you can walk to the top. Nearby Lion’s Head is also a great hike – try going later in the afternoon to catch the sunset.

Cape Town has a number of cultural attractions. The South African National Gallery is home to African, British, Dutch and French art, while Iziko South African Museum has cultural and historical exhibitions. And you can take a tour of Robben Island. Lying five miles offshore, this ex-prison held Nelson Mandela for 18 years and is a must-visit on any trip to Cape Town.

When you fancy a bite to eat, stroll along to the V&A Waterfront. This bustling wharf has more than 80 eateries, ranging from casual coffee shops to gourmet restaurants. Or check out the local markets. Eastern Food Bazaar and Food Lover’s Market are both filled with mouth-watering morsels.

There are so many Cape Town hotels on offer. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly base in the centre or a luxury retreat by the beach, you’re bound to find one that suits you.

If want to be in the heart of the action, there are lots of hotels along the V&A Waterfront. The Table Bay Hotel is in prime position, just a stone’s throw from the Waterfront’s bars and restaurants. And, right on the water, the plush Commodore Hotel boasts views of Table Mountain and the harbour. If you want to stay somewhere central but peaceful, consider One&Only Cape Town.

Located just outside of Camps Bay in a rocky outcrop overlooking the Atlantic Ocean you will find the luxurious Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa. This boutique getaway is perfect for making your trip to Cape Town extra special! With ocean view suites, exceptional dining and a world-class spa you may find you never want to leave this Cape Town gem.

Cape Town’s seasons are the opposite of the UK – summer runs between December and March, while winter is June to August. But the best time to go very much depends on what you want to do.

Generally speaking, summer is the best time to go to Cape Town. Temperatures hover in the mid-twenties, making it perfect beach weather. And, if you’re planning to visit the Cape Winelands, you’ll be able to sip your vintages in the sunshine. Summer is also a great time to going on safari in the Eastern Cape – so you could add this on to your Cape Town holiday.

But if you’re hoping to go whale-watching, a summer getaway may leave you disappointed. Instead, consider going in spring. Whale sightings are pretty much guaranteed in Cape Town between August and November.

Alternatively, if you’re planning to do lots of hiking in the Cape Town area, you might prefer to travel in autumn, when it’s slightly cooler. In April and May, temperatures average 18^oC. In winter, though, Cape Town sees a lot of rain – June and July are particularly wet, so this time of year is best avoided.