Enjoy Soaking In The Sun At This Vibrant South African Coastal Village
With its gleaming white houses stretched along the wild and windy shore of western South Africa, the tiny settlement Paternoster feels charmingly like a place out of time. As one of the oldest fishing villages on the Cape, It has always been a place where humans have thrived on its natural resources and the bountiful harvest of the sea, dating back thousands of years to the earliest hunter-gatherers who migrated here seeking sustenance. Relatively recently, the village is said to derive its name from the hopeful prayers of shipwrecked Portuguese sailors who made it safely to shore. Nowadays, it has lost none of its old-world charm but attracts visitors with its picturesque abodes, sparkling sands, and the promise of sun and relaxation.
Paternoster sits on the tip of a peninsula just a two-hour drive from Cape Town, looking out over the wide expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. The village is tucked in against the rocky Cape Columbine Nature Reserve and fronts onto a long crescent of pristine beaches that run in an unbroken sweep to Groot Paternoster Private Nature Reserve to the north. It's a world away from the urban sprawl of the big city and makes a perfect cold-weather retreat if you're from the northern hemisphere. South African winters run from June to August, which means you can bask in the sunshine while everyone back home is shivering in the rain and snow. It's a chilled-out place to add to your Africa Bucket List.
Things to see and do in Paternoster
The main draw of a visit to Paternoster is the appropriately named Long Beach, which sweeps northward from the town in a five-mile arc. Swells rolling in from the Atlantic make it a good spot for surfers, and the length of the beach means that you won't be fighting for space with other sunseekers. The water temperature is bracing but you don't need to get wet to enjoy a day on its soft white sands. A stroll will take you past colorful fishing boats and the area's signature white houses. There are little or no facilities once you get away from the town so make sure you bring everything you need and keep to the designated swimming zones if you decide to take a dip.
Nature lovers shouldn't miss a visit to Cape Columbine Nature Reserve. With around 260 hectares of unspoiled wilderness spread across the rocky coastline, it's a wonderful place for hiking and taking in the ocean views. If you're lucky you might catch a glimpse of dolphins and whales, and you can even set up a tent right on the beach at Tietiesbaai Holiday Resort. Whether you are staying overnight or just exploring for the day, it's worth timing your visit to catch the amazing sunset over the ocean. If you want even more incredible views, check out Cape Columbine Lighthouse, one of the few left in South Africa manned by lighthousekeepers. Overnight stays are also available.
Staying in Paternoster Village
Modern-day Paternoster is a pretty hip place, with lots of quirky little independent art galleries and boutique shops selling gifts, handmade keepsakes, and local produce. You can easily spend several hours wandering around its quaint streets admiring the whitewashed houses and seeing what you can find. Renowned for its beaches, the village attracts quite a few tourists during the summer months and it has a good choice of places to stay. These range from luxury accommodations like the five-star Strandloper Ocean Boutique Hotel with its spa and sea view terraces to more modest options such as cozy Smugglers' BnB.
Paternoster has also built something of a reputation as a foodie destination and there are plenty of delicious dining and drinking options. Chief amongst the village's eateries is Wolfgat, a tiny 20-seater rustic space with dishes created from locally foraged ingredients. It was named Best Restaurant in the World as recently as 2019 and reservations are essential. Other good dining options include De See Kat, serving sushi and seafood on its smart beachside terrace, or Blikkie for pizza and burgers if the fruits of the sea aren't your thing. Those who enjoy a tipple won't be disappointed. if you have a taste for the hops, check out Paternoster Brewery for craft beers; if viticulture is more your style, sample South African wines at Paternoster Wine & Tasting Lounge. Almost wherever you choose will also come with the option of viewing those gorgeous sunsets.