As South African seaside living goes, it doesn't get much better than these three suburbs. Here's what it's actually like to live there.
Famed for:
One of the most picturesque long, white-sand beaches in the peninsula, not to mention the same calibre of real estate as its Atlantic Seaboard neighbours. It’s also a favourite watersports spot.
What’s in a name:
In 1903, this seaside neighbourhood was named after the north Wales resort of the same name — apparently they look alike.
Local hang outs:
With Hout Bay a two- minute drive away, most locals do their shopping and eating there, with popular restaurants like Spiro’s, La Cucina and Chappies Hotel for sundowners, not forgetting the Bay Harbour market. However, there is a very well-utilised sports club with squash and tennis courts, and the lifesaving club near the beach is used for social gatherings.
Best kept secret:
From a security perspective, you don’t want to mess with these friendly neighbours, as there is an active Facebook page where the locals post concerns and updates, and ADT has a strong presence.
To wake up with the most awesome ocean and mountain views, breathe in the clean sea air and stroll down to the beach with the dogs is a very precious thing indeed. Llandudno is seaside heaven.
-Clare Putsman, Llandudno resident and Cape Waterfront Estates agent
Famed for:
No fewer than four idyllic (and, in many instances, wind free) beaches, some of the most expensive and expansive mansions in Cape Town and a reality TV series called Clifton Shores, which was filmed here in 2011.
Make that a double:
Although there aren’t any shops, cafés or restaurants in Clifton itself, the closest are in Bantry Bay with Voila! a favourite for coffee, deli goods and light meals; and Koi, the swanky Asian restaurant and sushi bar at the Ambassador Hotel.
Challenges:
Aside from no available parking to be found during the holiday season, the narrow winding roads and pavements have to be navigated with great caution to accommodate trucks, taxis, cyclists, limos, runners, tourist buses, beach-goers and Vespas, not to mention preened pooches.
Solution:
The newly launched MyCiti bus routes (108 and 109) pass through Clifton, so now there’s no reason to complain about the parking — just leave your car at home.
Best kept secret:
Fitness fundis flock to the 300-odd Biskop Steps between Clifton’s 1st and 2nd beaches. You won’t notice the muscle burn because of the panoramic views distracting you.
Clifton is an extremely special place to live. Every day when I look out at the Atlantic I see and experience something new. There are always people out running, walking, cycling or just enjoying this wonderful city that we live in.
-Margarita Putter, Clifton resident
Famed for:
Its secluded beach, where the water is calm and kids play among the rocks. It is popular with locals wanting to avoid the crowds at Clifton and Camps Bay.
The X-factor:
Many of the homes are just a stone’s throw away from the beach and rocks, and there is a strong sense of community. In summer, many residents take their dinner down to the beach and picnic there while watching the sunset.
A bite here, a sip there:
The local favourite is Baked Bistro — a daytime eatery on Victoria Road that bakes and sells fresh bread daily. On most weekends, the nearby parking lot at Oudekraal hosts the Cape Town Food Trucks, where people en route to or from Hout Bay stop for gourmet street food.
Walking vs driving:
For residents, almost everything they need is only about 500 metres away in Camps Bay. But for visitors, be sure to call on your parking fairies during the summer months, as the place is a maze of yellow lines.
Best kept secret:
The suburb itself is a secret from those not from Cape Town. For those who are, members of the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) often do their training on the beach — much to the delight of the neighbourhood kids (and the ladies!).
We all know one another and there is a great sense of community here. At Christmas, for example, we decorate a tree near the beach — the kids love it.
-Annette Fialkov, Bakoven resident
Take a video tour of the Atlantic Seaboard here:
