Cape Town · Atlantic coast
Clifton · 4th Beach
One of four coves separated by granite boulders below the slopes of Clifton.
Good for: scenery and a relatively sheltered cove
Summer · December to February · travel guide
South Africa
Cape Town coves, False Bay and the Indian Ocean beaches around Durban.
Why this destination now
The coming southern summer offers three different coastal experiences: the cold Atlantic, False Bay and subtropical KwaZulu-Natal. Summer does not mean warm water along the entire coast.
Editorial review: 3 October 2026. Coming southern summer 2026–27.
Cape Town · Atlantic coast
White sand between granite and mountains; the water can be cold even in summer.
Cape Town · Atlantic coast
Camps Bay Beach
A broad beach with the Twelve Apostles behind it and restaurants across the promenade.
Good for: sunsets and nearby services
False Bay · Cape Peninsula
Surf at Muizenberg and granite coves with penguins at Boulders.
False Bay · Cape Peninsula
Muizenberg Beach
A long beach known for its colourful huts and surf schools.
Good for: learning to surf with a local school
False Bay · Cape Peninsula
Boulders Beach
Small granite-framed beaches beside a colony of African penguins.
Good for: wildlife and coastal scenery
Durban · Umhlanga
Seaside promenades and holiday beaches on the KwaZulu-Natal coast.
Durban · Umhlanga
North Beach · Durban
A beach on Durban’s urban seafront, beside the Golden Mile promenade.
Good for: seaside walks and a city beach atmosphere
Durban · Umhlanga
Umhlanga Rocks Beach
A holiday coastline recognised by its lighthouse, pier and Indian Ocean promenade.
Good for: seaside walks and a coastal holiday base
Read more from local sources
- Cape Town Tourism · Clifton ↗
- Cape Town Tourism · beaches ↗
- South African Tourism · KwaZulu-Natal ↗
- South African Tourism · seasons ↗
Reviewed on 2026-10-03. Check the latest information before travelling.