You will find Hermanus on the southern coast of South Africa’s Western Cape province. Close to the southern-most point of Africa, it’s more than just whale watching and the Overberg mountains.
The small settlement comes with its very own vibe, different from the rest of Africa, and almost European with quaint galleries, safe walkable areas, and clusters of bistros. Read on for more details.
Easily Accessible
The town sits about 75 miles from the bustling city Cape Town and the drive is on excellent roads offering both mountain and ocean views. Famous for whale watching, the gem of a town, sits along Walker Bay where paths wind down to easily accessible white sandy beaches.
But notably, it’s not just about beaches either. The vibe is hard to describe. Whether you shop at the Spring Mall or prefer markets, little shops, or convenience stores, the seaside atmosphere brings a calming and relaxed ambiance.
Clean and green, expect limitations of smoking in restaurants, and while alcohol is available, you won’t find folks drinking themselves tipsy on the beaches. Neat, and compact, one of the best things about the town is the charm of being able to walk just about everywhere.
More of a village than town feeling, from the town center, it’s literally just a short walk to the cliff path. From there, you can then wander back through compact streets and alleys lined with boutiques, cafés and small art galleries.
Everything You Need Is Close By
Actually, the best part of the place is just how accessible and close everything feels. While it gets busy during the main holiday season, you don’t need to travel miles to get somewhere nice.
Simply strolling the seaside pathways with handy benches to rest on, takes very little planning. Just follow your nose along the paths, and then turn around and duck into a courtyard café, or drift toward the Old Harbour area.
Hermanus, if you love art, brings every opportunity to browse charming galleries, local studios, and more.
Clustered around, each gallery is an adventure of creativity, offering everything from brightly colored socks to sculptures, ceramics, and stunning paintings of coastal-inspired works.
A Safe Place With A Nice Vibe
Prepare yourself for an almost European vibe as you visit the streets and squares on The First Fridays Art Walk. People spill out into the streets, browsing, chatting, dining at restaurants with almost every conceivable cuisine.
Above all, it’s safe. Local police are seen around the place to keep you safe, and loiterers with naughty intent get moved along. So enjoy the antiques market late into the evening when the days are long.
Health and safety is always a concern, but in Hermanus, there are excellent private and government hospitals. Nearby, you’ll find world-class pharmacies, physiotherapists, hair salons, easy access to mountain trails, and stunning views all providing a sense of peace, and a fun mix of activities all close to hand.
Languages, Markets & Tipping
If you worry about languages, mostly, English is used in business transactions. ATMs work, banks abound, and you’re spoiled for choices on where to spend your cash.
And don’t forget the weekend markets which help to support many of the local residents. And here’s a tip: Remember tipping is still a thing in South Africa, so allow for about 10 percent on top of your restaurant bill.
Have you ever been to the little settlement of Hermanus in South Africa’s Western Cape? Shout out in the comments below, and remember to come back here often for all your travel news and destination reviews.