Atlantic Seaboard Information

Cape Town's Atlantic Seaboard stretches along the western shore of the Cape Peninsula, from Hout Bay all the way to the V&A Waterfront. It's an idylic stretch of land that offers some of the best views that the Cape has to offer, and as such, property prices are equally impressive. With the spectacular 12 Apostles giving way to Lion's Head and Signal Hill on the one side, and the azure blue sparkling Atlantic Ocean on the other, it's no wonder that a drive through this part of the Cape features prominently on many travellers to-do lists. There are a number of small and medium-sized suburbs and regions that fall within this part of town, each offering their own amount of charm and oppulance.

Granger Bay

Nestled right next to the popular V&A Waterfront sits the small suburb of Granger Bay, which over recent years has gained a reputation for its superb location and exclusivity. With stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, including Robben Island and much of Table Bay, it's no wonder that it has become so popular. Its location not far from major thouroughfares and next to a number of top attractions is also a significant drawcard, and the Metropolitan Golf Club, Cape Town Stadium, Waterfront and Green Point are all within easy walking distance. While shops and attractions are somewhat limited in this region, there are a few gems to be found, including the ever popular Grand Café and Beach.

Mouille Point

Just past Granger Bay lies the supurb of Mouille Point, which is defined by a number of impressive sea-facing apartments, which regularly reach prices in the upper millions. This is thanks largely to the superb Table Bay views, and the sense of exclusivity that characterises this small stretch of Cape Town. While there are a number of popular restaurants and delis dotted throughout the region, its most famous landmark is that of the beautiful red and white lighthouse. Often referred to as the Mouille Point Lighthouse, this impressive building is officially called the Green Point Lighthouse, and it's the oldest operational lighthouse in the country. All of which is pretty insignificant though, when the only other thing obstructing your ocean view is a long cocktail or frothy cappucino.

Three Anchor Bay

Often lumped together with neighbouring Sea Point or Green Point, Three Anchor Bay is a small but charming part of Cape Town nestled snugly between its two better-known sisters. Nestled on the slopes of Signal Hill, with superb panormic views and a number of coves and beaches on the shoreline, it's a beautiful spot to sit back, take in a sunset, or just amble casually along its dedicated section of the promenade. Situated just a few minutes from both Cape Town Stadium, and the V&A Waterfront, it's also the perfect spot to base yourself when visiting the Mother City.

Sea Point

Of all the suburbs along the Atlantic Seaboard, few offer as much diversity, charm and energy as Sea Point. This bustling suburb stretching between Three Anchor Bay and Bantry Bay, is perhaps most well-known for its superb Promenade - a beautiful public space along the beachfront that lends itself perfectly to a brisk walk, quick game of soccer, a lazy picnic, or a simple sundowner. But there's a lot more to Sea Point than just the promenade. The busy Sea Point Main Road, which runs inland parallel to Beach Road, is home to a vast array of stores, coffee shops, a number of superb Sea Point restaurants, as well as accommodation to suit all requirements and budgets, making it one of the most exciting places in which to base yourself when in Cape Town. There's always something on the go in this popular stretch of the Atlantic Seaboard, and a visit here features prominently on our list of 10 Thing You Must Do in Cape Town.

Fresnaye

Unlike the bustling Sea Point below, Fresnaye is an almost exclusively residential area, that offers superb views and a bit of respite from the activity on Main Road. It's location on the foothills of Signal Hill, and just a short drive away from the Cape Town City Bowl and V&A Watefront, make it a superb option for both locals and tourists to settle down in. French influence abounds in the region, most noticably in the street names, and in many ways Fresnay carries a similar charm to its French influences. While there are no bars, restaurants or shops in Fresnay, Sea Point's busy Main Road is just a quick drive, or steep walk, away.

Bantry Bay

Bantry Bay, situated on the slopes of Lion's Head and running all the way down to a dramatic shoreline, serves up some of the region's most spectacular views, from some of Cape Town's most spectacular homesteads. Large, oppulant houses abound in this area, and the steep winding roads to leading to them lend this part of town a high level of exclusivity. It's just a short trip away from Clifton and its popular beaches, and in recent years a number of superb restaurants and delis have sprung up. The popular Bantry Boulders, which perch high above the Atlantic Ocean on the slopes of Lion's Head, offer the perfect vantage point to take in a magnificent South African sunset.

Clifton

Clifton typically needs no introduction, thanks largely to its incredible collection of beaches and equally impressive houses. One of the country's most expensive and exclusive residential areas, living or staying in this part of town is limited to only the rich and famous. But it's really on the beaches that the suburb comes alive, and with four to choose from, most of which are populated with some of the Cape's most beautiful bodies, many an afternoon can be spent basking in the sun here. The beaches in Clifton are numbered 1 to 4, starting on the Bantry Bay side, and each offer varying levels of accessibility. Clifton 1st is the most isolated and thus less-populated during the busy seasons, and it's situated at the bottom of a number of breath-taking stairs; Clifton 2nd is slightly more accessible and offers a good balance of locals and visitors; 3rd is traditionally a gay beach, and offers fantastic swimming. Clifton 4th, however, remains the most popular, and during the hot summer months, can be packed to capacity with beaufitul bodies and plenty of luxurious yachts. Unsure about which beach to visit? Click here to read our guide to beaches in Cape Town.

Camps Bay

Just past Clifton is the popular suburb of Camps Bay, which consists of a large beach, popular strip of restaurants and nightclubs, as well as impressive houses and upmarket accommodation, usually in the form of guesthouses, self-catering establishments, and bed and breakfasts. During the daytime, the pristine beach offers a family-friendly spot to relax, sun tan and absorb everything that this spectacular part of the world has to offer. And just a few steps away, hiding behind the palm-tree lined Victoria Road, are a variety of restaurants, from fine dining to family-friendly, and even fast-food that serve up any array of lunchtime options. As the sun sets over the Atlantic Ocean, however, many retire to a favourite watering hole to sip on an exotic cocktail and reflect on a hard day's work in the sun. Quiet restaurants are quickly transformed into thumping bars and night clubs, as the cities most glamourous ascend on Camps Bay to see, and be seen, making Camps Bay one of the most popular and visited spots on the Atlantic Seaboard.

Bakoven

Just after Camps Bay lies the closely guarded secret of Bakoven. This small, often ignored little enclave of the Atlantic Seaboard serves up some of the region's most sought after properties, and its beach after the same name is a real hidden gem in this part of the world. The charm of Bakoven lies in its proximity to Camps Bay, but without being affected by much of the hustle of the popular strip. And, with easy access to Llandudno just a few kilometres further along Victoria Road, many choose to head south for the day when the busy summer season hits.

Llandudno

With just a single entry road, a spectacular array of properties, and some of the best views on the Seaboard, Llandudno is one of the most exclusive suburbs in Cape Town. And yet, thanks largely to its proud and involved population, it has managed to retain charm and avoid the often negative connotations associated with its more snooty neighbours. There are no shops or restaurants in Llandudno - for those you'll have to pop over the mountain to Hout Bay - but what it lacks in commercial infrastructure it makes up for with incredible scenery and a relaxed, charming beach. Llandudno beach is perhaps the Cape's most beautiful, and with powerful waves perfect for a quick surf, and superb walks along the rocks on either side offering up impressive views of both mountain and sea, your day doesn't have to be spent exercise-free. It's also widely accepted that Llandudno serves up some of the city's best sunsets, so pack a picnic basket and be prepared to spend a balmy summer evening soaking up the blood-red sky that so regularly envelopes the region.

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