Cape Town’s Most Iconic Beaches – From Penguins to Pina Coladas

 When it comes to beaches, Cape Town loves to show off. From supermodels sunbathing to hidden coves, every stretch of Cape Town sand has its own sultry personality that doesn’t disappoint. Many of Cape Town’s beaches are Blue Flag beaches meeting top international standards of safety, cleanliness and amenities. If you are planning your dream Cape Town holiday, here is the insider’s guide to Cape Town’s top beaches paired with luxury villas along the iconic shorelines.  

 1. Clifton: The Supermodel of the beaches

Clifton is well known for having the best beaches in Cape Town and is divided into four sheltered coves of powdery soft sand and turquoise waters.

 Clifton First beach is a pooches’ paradise, being the only one where dogs can roam off lead.  Clifton Second beach is a well-known favorite, especially for the celebrities, with a stunning view of Lion’s Head. Clifton Third beach is equally stunning and very popular amongst Cape Town’s gay community. Clifton Fourth beach is the ultimate Clifton beach, with its Blue Flag status, its always bustling with people. Having fewer stairs to the beach and always being sheltered from the wind, it is definitely the busiest for a reason.

 All four beaches are well known for sunbathing, swimming, people-watching, and best of all sundowner picnics.

 Stay at the Clifton Ice Bungalow and walk to beach in a mere 20 steps. This bungalow is located at the popular Clifton Fourth beach. 

 Bungalow Ulasaba is an experience on its own and overlooks Clifton Third beach.

2. Camps Bay: The Socialite

The Camps Bay strip is famous for its tall palm trees, buzzing cocktail bars, award winning seafood restaurants and vibey eateries. Conveniently, across the road from this busy strip is a golden stretch of white sand and blue waters, the Camps Bay beach. With stunning views of the dramatic Twelve Apostles mountain range and the iconic Lion’s Head, the Camps Bay beach is not to be missed. Top attractions include beach lounging, volleyball, cocktail sipping and fine dining on the strip.

 Seasonsfind is a mere 20-meter walk to the beach offering prime location and easy access to the cafes, restaurants and nightlife. You also have unbelievable views over the expansive Atlantic.

 3. Llandudno Beach: The Hidden Gem

Tucked away between giant granite boulders, this secluded Blue Flag beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Llandudno is secluded, unspoiled and breathtakingly beautiful. With no shops, no bars and no noise it is the perfect spot for a romantic couple’s picnic or quiet family sundowner. For those who want the full body tan, Llandudno has Cape Town’s only nudist beach… Sandy Bay beach. Which is only a twenty-minute walk from the main beach parking lot.

 Backline Views is a coastal escape and just a four-minute walk to the Llandudno beach.

 4. Noordhoek Beach: The Wild One

Stretching for 8 kilometers long, Noordhoek beach is windswept and impossibly dramatic with its wild beauty. With the most scenic drive in the world, Chapmans Peak, as its backdrop, the beach is particularly stunning at sunset. Its long, white sandy shores are popular for long walks and horseback riding. The strong winds and waves make it ideal for kite flying and surfing. This beach is less about cocktails, and more about connecting with nature.

 Villa Memento offers the ultimate feeling of peace, located in a quiet street and only three-minute to the Noordhoek beach.

 5. Boulders Beach: Unlike No Other

Boulders beach is home to a large colony of endangered African penguins, making it one of Cape Towns must-do-activities. This unique beach is perfect for families and animal lovers who want to visit a beach unlike any other. Imagine swimming in the chilly waters and a tuxedoed local paddles by. Swim in the calm waters of False Bay or simply observe the adorable pinguins in their natural habitat.

 Villa Simonstown offers comfort and luxury with superb views of False Bay, and is only a short drive to the legendary Boulders Beach.

 6. Saunders Rock Beach: The Local One

Tucked between the end of the beautiful Sea Point promenade and Bantry Bay, Saunders is a small beach featuring granite boulders and natural tidal pools. Saunders is loved by locals for swims in the tidal pool, after work sundowners and unbeatable sunset views along the Atlantic Seaboard.  

 Aretzi offers an unforgettable two-bedroom seaside escape just steps from Saunders Rock Beach.

 Belle Vue Penthouse offers incredible views from almost all areas and ideally located for Saunders beach lovers.

 7. Bali beach: The Secret One

If what you’re looking for is a less crowded tranquil beach, then Bali beach is for you. It’s known as Cape Town’s secret beach to the locals and is just north of Camps Bay. The large rocks form a protected area for swimmers offering calm waters and golden sand. This cove is perfect for paddle boarding and even some snorkeling.

 Ocean Penthouse Retreat is a stunning modern apartment offering unobstructed sea views and is just a short walk to the beach.

 CBT Palm Suite is the perfect getaway for couples looking for a secluded retreat and just a short walk will take you to the beach.

 8. Beta Beach (Bakoven): The Romantic Escape

This small intimate cove in Bakoven is protected by giant boulders and offers jaw dropping views of the Twelve Apostles. This beach has become a popular sunset spot with a secluded and tranquil feel. The beach has such a private feel that you may even find some people sunbathing topless.

 Sapphire Tide Penthouse is just moments from Bakoven beach and is a perfect sanctuary for those seeking tranquility with easy access to the vibrant heart of Camps Bay.

9. Oudekraal beach: The Family Picnic Spot

This glorious beach along the Atlantic Seaboard is nestled between the famous suburbs of Bakoven and Llandudno. What the beach lacks in size, it makes up for in beauty. The beach offers a small sandy beach, large boulders for sunbathing and is even home to a seal colony. The beach is in a protected area within the Table Mountain National Park Reserve and even offers a grassy area with picnic and barbeque facilities. There is no better way to end a beach day with a good old braai.

 Atlantic Horizons is a spectacular coastal villa with unparallel sea views and only a short drive to Oudekraal beach.

 10. Glen beach: The Surfers Playground

This picturesque beach is located between Camps Bay and Clifton and is best known for its white sand and powerful surf breaks, which is thoroughly enjoyed by experienced surfers. Glen beach is just a five-minute walk from the Camps Bay strip making it close enough to enjoy a post beach day sundowner. This luxury enclave is surrounded by exclusive homes.

 Glen Beach House is an exquisite beach villa directly on Glen beach, walking distance to the famous Camps Bay shops and restaurants.

 11. Hout Bay: The Village Favorite

Known for its gorgeous mountain backdrop and charming fishing harbor, the long sandy stretch of beach in Hout Bay is relaxed and laid back with a local feel to it. It is ideal for swimming, but is most popular for kayaking tours with the chance of seeing a pod of wild dolphins. If you visit the Hout Bay beach, you cannot leave until you try some local fish and chips at the harbor.

 Villa Santorini is an exquisite retreat nestled in the leafy suburb of Hout Bay. This beach-style home blends in with the coastal charm of Hout Bay.

 12. Muizenburg: The Playful One

This vibrant blue flag beach is most commonly known for its long row of iconic brightly colored beach huts, making a stunning backdrop for photos. The calm waters make it the perfect beginner-friendly surfing hotspot, and unlike the Atlantic side of Cape Town, the waters of False Bay on the Indian Ocean side are notably warmer. Whether its surfing, sunbathing or photography that you are into, Muizenberg beach has something special to offer you.

 Zwaanswyk Mansions overlooking Tokai’s famous forest and Constancia, offers luxurious accommodation with a wide range of amenities to keep the young and the old entertained. Being centrally located, this property allows easy access to Muizenberg. 

 13. Bloubergstrand: The Postcard Beach

Best known for its breathtaking panoramic views of Table Mountain across the bay, Blouberg beach is Cape Town’s most instagrammed beach. Casual beach walks, especially at sunset are very popular amongst the locals. This relaxed promenade offers a variety of delicious local cuisines and cocktails. This beach is also a prime location for the adventure lovers offering perfect conditions for kitesurfing and windsurfing. 

 Grasso apartment, a paradise by the sea.

 From penguins in tuxedos at the famous Boulders beach to classy cocktails in Camps, wild horseback rides in Noordhoek, or family picnics at Clifton, Cape Town offers it all. And the best part is that at the end of the day you don’t need to squeeze yourself back into a hotel room, you can escape the madness and retreat to the privacy of your luxury villa.

 Beaches by day, villas by night. Book with us at Villas in Cape Town to secure an unforgettable stay.