When you picture the perfect beach break you’re imagining white sands, perfect blue water as far as the eye can see, maybe a granadilla lolly and your kids frolicking in the surf. Not a bun fight to secure the last 2sqm of unclaimed sand. If your closest beach is getting overpopulated, grab your beach brolly and towels, and head off to one of these quiet coastal towns with beaches that deliver a relaxing day in the sun. These destinations are ideal for families that want to be together without having to be in anyone else’s space.
1. KENTON-ON-SEA (EASTERN CAPE)
Kenton-On-Sea is gorgeous retreat perched between the Bushman’s and Kariega rivers, along the Eastern Cape’s Sunshine Coast. It oozes a seaside village vibe that is just idyllic. It’s almost halfway between Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) and East London. Kenton-on-Sea offers a variety of holiday homes and intimate B & B’s, many with water views. Apart from the stretches of beach, there’s also plenty of room on the long river banks. Perfect for Socially Distanced Getaways!
2. THE CRAGS (GARDEN ROUTE)
Situated just outside Plettenberg Bay, The Crags is close to so many of the natural and adventure attractions on the Garden Route. Best of all, it’s right on the coast and perfect for socially distanced getaways. So, visitors can spend the day exploring the many beaches and rivers before heading back to inviting self-catering properties; some of which are nestled in the mountains and forests, while others perch along the shores. This is a picture-perfect destination that offers an utterly indulgent getaway for couples, friends and families.
3. WITSAND (WESTERN CAPE)
Witsand is a fishing and kite-surfing dreamland, where the Breede River meets the ocean and time seems to move according to the tides. This destination is quiet almost all year round (except for peak summer holiday season) and has a vast beach that stretches for four kilometres, as well as scenic river banks. Take the children down to the river to swim and play while you read on the banks or picnic with the family. Lots of accommodation available in Witsand!
4. CINTSA (EASTERN CAPE)
There’s something very special about the Wild Coast. Parts of it feel other-worldly for the dense greenery, exquisite sandy beaches, and turquoise waters. The charming little village of Cintsa is about 30 minutes outside East London and straddles the Chintsa River in what is called Cintsa East and Cintsa West. Enjoy the verdant indigenous forest, the tranquil lagoon, and the river as it runs into the Indian Ocean. The holiday homes in Cintsa along the river banks are perfect for a distanced getaway that makes you feel like you’re in paradise.
5. PORT ALFRED (EASTERN CAPE)
Traditionally a favourite amongst surfers, Port Alfred has plenty of beach space for long days spent in the warmer waters of the country. There’s so much room, meaning that families can relax and soak up the sunshine without running into one another. In addition to the beaches, Port Alfred is on the Kowie River, which winds its way through the town and neighbourhoods. Some homes are dotted along its banks, others overlook the ocean, and others are further inland, where it is green and pretty. As the “heart of the Sunshine Coast”, Port Alfred is between PE and East London (about 90 minutes from each), and less than an hour from Grahamstown.
6. PATERNOSTER (WESTERN CAPE)
This fishing village on the West Coast of South Africa is a real coastal gem and the first choice for many Capetonians that just want a quick weekend away. The quaint self-catering holiday homes in Paternoster line the white sandy shores, making the most of the spectacular Atlantic Ocean views. Look out for whales, dolphins and seals playing in the chilly waters. This isn’t a destination with glitzy hotels and malls. This is the ultimate in quiet, rustic retreats.
7. PRINGLE BAY (WESTERN CAPE)
This picturesque village is in the Kogelberg Biosphere, at the foot of the Hangklip Mountains, and on the doorstep of the ocean – bliss. It’s always been more of a vacation town, which means plenty of holiday homes and not as many permanent residents. The beach is littered with rock pools, which are fantastic for snorkelling and swimming, especially for families with little ones. Look out for whales between June and December.
8. HAGA HAGA (EASTERN CAPE)
This Wild Coast village is only 75 kilometres from East London, but offers a real escape from city life. Endless stretches of white sand, secluded bays, intriguing rock pools, and the river all make for glorious days spent in the water, surrounded by verdant indigenous greenery and very little else. Haga Haga is close to Cintsa too, which just gives you even more variety when it comes to enjoying miles and miles of sandy beaches.
9. ST FRANCIS (EASTERN CAPE)
The Eastern Cape beaches are truly irresistible for their warm waters, abundant marine life, and laid-back vibe. St Francis is split into St Francis Bay, Cape St Francis and Port St Francis; each set apart slightly, but all sharing the same pretty stretch of coast, complete with wide sandy beaches, plenty of rocks and rock pools, and some impressive surfing and kite-surfing waves.
10. NATURE’S VALLEY (GARDEN ROUTE)
The beach at Nature’s Valley is gorgeous, long, and quiet – perfect for a socially-distanced beach holiday. It’s the last leg of the world-famous Otter Trail and is ideal for swimming, fishing and surfing. There’s also the river mouth and the scenic lagoon, where little ones love playing and splashing around. Nature’s Valley is in the heart of the magnificent Tsitsikamma forests, with views of the mountains, and a distinct air of serenity permeating the entire area.
11. SODWANA BAY (KWAZULU-NATAL)
Nestled in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, this is a hotspot for nature enthusiasts that are craving some salty water and plenty of adventure. This part of the Elephant Coast in KwaZulu-Natal is renowned as a world-class SCUBA diving destination, being the only tropical dive site in South Africa. There are secluded lodges and accommodation in Sodwana Bay, in the forests and on the coast, making this a getaway to remember.
12. ST LUCIA (KWAZULU-NATAL)
Also in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, this holiday spot is wonderfully chilled and scenically exquisite. There are swamps, marshes, freshwater pans, lakes and the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. St Lucia is brimming with wildlife on land and in the water and offers plenty of places to explore. What’s more, St Lucia is warm and sunny practically all year round. Book your stay in St Lucia if you want to be central to all the area has to offer.
Book Your Beach Getaway
We have hundreds of gorgeous accommodation venues listed in all of these and many more destinations in South Africa. Visit SA-Venues.com now to book the perfect accommodation for your escape from the crowds.
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