The coastal town of Hermanus draws local and international tourists throughout the year, with its esteemed reputation for whale watching, meandering wine routes, and its bustling small village atmosphere. Here are the top things to do in Hermanus:

Where to have sundowners

Dutchies Beach Restaurant at Grotto Beach offers a diverse range of exotic cocktails that make for the ultimate sundowner experience. Take your pick of refreshing beverages from Margaritas to Cosmos, non-alcoholic cocktails, ciders, and an extensive list of wines and beers.

Where to eat

For a unique dinner out, head down to Bientang’s Cave; an award-winning restaurant carved into the depths of a century old cave, overlooking Walker Bay. Like many of the restaurants in this seaside town, Bientang’s Cave specialises in seafood, with fresh line fish, oysters, calamari, and other underwater delicacies, but they also offer potjies, curries, and burgers for those who have not yet cultivated a taste for the ocean.  Be sure to try their dessert, Bientang’s Dream, which consists of a tot of Franjelico and Amarula served over crushed ice.

Where to shop

The Village Square promises a day of fun for shopping enthusiasts, with everything from clothing, furniture and décor, to gifts, curios, and jewellery. There are also a few restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat.

Where to “chill out”

If you’re looking to spend a day outdoors with relatively little activity, we recommend you make a trip to La Vierge wine farm (and plan a designated driver). Unwind on the veranda with a magnificent view of the valley and vineyards and taste the exceptional range of La Vierge wines. The tasting room is open daily from September to April from 10h00 – 17h00, and May to August from 10h00 – 16h00.

Where to go with the family

While Grotto Beach is a firm favourite, we prefer the quiet solitude of Voelklip Beach (although during the holidays, you often can’t escape the crowds). The size of the beach is largely determined by the tides; at low tide, you can walk around the rocks to the neighbouring Kammabaai Beach, while at high tide, most of the sand lies underwater. With lovely grassy terraces, this beach is perfect for sun tanning and picnicking, while the kids play in the sand.

What to do on a Saturday morning

The Hermanus Country Market, held at Hermanus Cricket Club from 08h00 – 12h00, is always brimming with smiling people,  organic produce, homemade items, baked goods, arts, and crafts. There is live music and activities for the kids! We also love the Hermanuspietersfontein Market held at the wine cellars of the same name from 09h00 – 13h00.

Where to go for a date

Pack a picnic and head out along the cliff path; a paved walkway that runs along the coastal shoreline from one end of the town to the other, with a plethora of beautiful fynbos. There are plenty of benches along the way where you can stop, admire the view, and uncork a bottle of bubbly. This route is especially beautiful in the winter months when you can spot whales frolicking in the waves below. Tip: the path is quite exposed, so plan a trip on a windless day.

Featured: Where to stay

138 Marine Beachfront is a 4-star guesthouse with enchanting sea views, and one of the few guesthouses in the area set right on the beachfront. Having won plenty of awards for excellent service, you can expect only the best when you stay in one of their luxurious double rooms. 138 Marine is only 5 minutes away from the town centre, at the gateway to the Hermanus Wine Route, and is close to beaches, 2 golf courses, and the 55km “Whale Trail”.

What other places do you recommend in Hermanus?

Main image by Bientang’s Cave.