UNESCO city of Gastronomy
Hermanus: Discover Africa’s First UNESCO City of Gastronomy
When travellers think of Hermanus, whale watching, breathtaking ocean views, and dramatic coastal scenery often come to mind. Yet this remarkable destination on South Africa’s Cape Whale Coast holds another prestigious distinction: Hermanus and the greater Overstrand region became Africa’s first UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy in 2019.
This internationally recognised designation celebrates far more than exceptional restaurants. It recognises a region where food, culture, sustainability, agriculture, wine, and community come together to create a truly authentic destination experience.
What Is a UNESCO City of Gastronomy?
The UNESCO Creative Cities Network recognises cities and regions that use creativity and cultural heritage as drivers of sustainable development. Cities awarded the Gastronomy designation demonstrate a strong food culture, support for local producers, preservation of culinary traditions, and a commitment to sustainable food systems.
The designation celebrates an entire food ecosystem—from farmers, fishermen, winemakers and artisanal producers to chefs, restaurants, markets, festivals, and culinary education.
Learn more about UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network:
https://www.unesco.org/en/creative-cities
Why Hermanus Earned the Title
According to the official Overstrand City of Gastronomy programme, the Overstrand region encompasses a 230-kilometre stretch of coastline and includes Hermanus, Betty’s Bay, Kleinmond, Pringle Bay, Stanford, Gansbaai, Rooi-Els and surrounding communities.
The region was awarded UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy status in 2019, becoming the first destination in Africa to receive this honour. The recognition reflects the area’s rich culinary traditions, exceptional local produce, sustainable tourism initiatives, and strong connection between food and place.
Read more on the official website:
A Landscape That Shapes the Menu
One of the unique aspects of Hermanus is the extraordinary environment that surrounds it.
The region is home to the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve, South Africa’s first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and one of the most biodiverse floral regions on Earth. The indigenous fynbos, fertile valleys, pristine coastline, and cool ocean climate influence everything from local wines and honey to seafood and fresh produce.
This close relationship between nature and gastronomy is a key reason why the region’s culinary offerings are so distinctive.
World-Class Wines and Local Produce
The Overstrand is home to two renowned wine routes:
• The Hermanus Wine Route
• The Stanford Wine Route
Together with neighbouring routes, they form part of the Cape South Coast wine region, which includes approximately 85 wineries.
Perhaps the most famous wine-growing area is the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, internationally recognised for producing exceptional cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines. The valley has become one of South Africa’s most celebrated wine destinations and continues to attract wine enthusiasts from around the world.
The region’s culinary reputation extends well beyond wine. Visitors can enjoy:
* Fresh seafood sourced from local waters
* Artisan cheeses and dairy products
* Locally produced olive oils and honey
* Craft beer and boutique beverages
* Farm-fresh fruit and vegetables
* Sustainable abalone farming experiences
* Farm-to-table and sea-to-table dining
More Than Restaurants
The UNESCO designation recognises the entire food journey.
The Overstrand boasts approximately 70 restaurants, culinary training institutions, artisan producers, food markets, wine estates, breweries, and gastronomic events that celebrate local ingredients and creativity.
The region also hosts a variety of food-focused experiences throughout the year, including:
* The Hermanus FynArts Festival
* The Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir Celebration
* Local wine festivals and food markets
* Seasonal culinary events throughout the Cape Whale Coast
As the World Food Travel Association famously notes:
“Food tourism is the act of travelling for a taste of place in order to get a sense of place.”
Few destinations embody this philosophy quite like Hermanus.
Gastronomy Meets Sustainability
A defining feature of the UNESCO City of Gastronomy programme is sustainability.
The Overstrand’s recognition reflects its commitment to biodiversity conservation, responsible tourism, community development, and support for local producers. These efforts help preserve the region’s natural and cultural heritage while ensuring that tourism benefits local communities.
The official programme highlights initiatives focused on environmental stewardship, food education, culinary innovation, and collaboration between local businesses and communities.
Learn more about the programme:
More Than a Food Destination
What makes Hermanus truly special is the combination of gastronomy with the region’s other world-class attractions.
Visitors can spend the morning watching Southern Right Whales in Walker Bay, enjoy lunch at a vineyard in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, explore mountain and coastal hiking trails in the afternoon, and end the day with a gourmet meal featuring locally sourced ingredients.
Nearby destinations including Betty’s Bay, Kleinmond, Stanford, Pringle Bay and Gansbaai each contribute their own unique flavours and experiences to the Cape Whale Coast’s culinary identity.
Stay and Savour the Experience
To fully appreciate Africa’s first UNESCO City of Gastronomy, visitors should consider staying for several days rather than simply passing through.
A stay of three to five nights provides the perfect opportunity to experience the region’s restaurants, wine estates, local producers, nature reserves, coastal villages, and outdoor adventures.
At Kalliste Boutique Stays, guests are ideally positioned to explore everything the Cape Whale Coast has to offer. Whether you’re discovering local wines, enjoying fresh seafood, watching whales from your balcony, or exploring the beauty of the Overstrand, you’ll experience firsthand why Hermanus has earned its place on the global culinary map.
Hermanus is more than a whale-watching destination. It is a place where food, wine, nature, culture, and community come together to create one of Africa’s most memorable travel experiences.