Exploring Betty’s Bay and Surrounds
Wild coast, Quiet luxury. Nature at its purest.
Tucked between the mountains and the sea, Betty’s Bay is a tranquil coastal village within the UNESCO-listed Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve. Known for its pristine beaches, dramatic landscapes and unhurried pace, it’s a place to slow down, reconnect with nature and enjoy the rare luxury of space and silence.
Whether you’re here for a restorative holiday, a longer remote-work stay, or a creative escape, Betty’s Bay offers a rich blend of outdoor adventure, gentle exploration and mindful living.
Must do activities in Betty’s Bay :
Stony Point Penguin Colony - walk the boardwalk among the critically endangered African Penguins in one of the world’s most important breeding sites.
In addition to the boardwalk - follow the ocean’s edge in a westerly direction (left when facing the sea) along scenic footpaths and groups of penguins frolicking in the ocean and rock pools.
Betty’s Bay Main Beach - long, wild stretches of sand ideal for sunrise walks, beach picnic and quiet contemplation.
Harold Porter Botanical Gardens - showcases the exceptional beauty of the Cape fynbos. Meandering paths lead through indigenous gardens, along fresh streams and gentle waterfalls, offering peaceful walks, picnic spots and access to scenic mountain trails within the UNESCO-listed Kogelberg Biosphere reserve.
Further afield
For those willing to explore a bit more,
Panthera Africa is a rewarding destination. South Africa’s remarkable wildlife parks, marine reserves, and nature walks are likely key reasons for your visit. However, it is also important to acknowledge the dedicated individuals and organisations working tirelessly to rescue and rehabilitate animals affected by the illegal wildlife trade. Panthera Africa is one such sanctuary, just a short drive from Hermanus. We highly encourage you to visit their website for details and bookings. Visiting Panthera Africa has been one of the most enlightening and moving experiences for us, and we believe you will find it equally impactful.
Guide to Betty’s Bay
Wine Farms
We are spoilt for choice, there are many wonderful wine farms in the area. Here are some of our top pics.
Genevieve MCC - one of our favourites, small boutique style farm, great indoor and outdoor seating area. Wonderful service.
Beaumont family wines & restaurant - great wine farm, lovely restaurant with wonderfully flavorful food. Great to enjoy the outdoors on a sunny day.
GabrielsKloof Wine Estate & restaurant - upmarket wine farm and restaurant. Wonderful sitting area protected from the wind. Great wines, especially their MCC (yes, we love MCC).
Wildekrans Wine Estate & restaurant - great wine farm and restaurant. Nice in and outdoor seating areas.
Benguela Cove Wine Estate & restaurant - commercial wine farm with wonderful views back to Betty’s Bay. We enjoy a platter while sipping on some (yes you have that right) MCC on a Sunday afternoon watching the sunset.
Wine farms of the Hemel and Aarde Valley
This beautiful valley is home to many wonderful wine farms, below are some of our favorites ones.
Hermanuspietersfontein Wines - the wines are as interesting as their names - one of our regular stops.
Bouchard Finlayson Winery - our favourite wine farm in the area. Lovely views, their red blend Hannibal is a must try.
Bosman Hermanus Wine Farm and restaurant - great views and setting - wonderful wines and platters. Another regular stop of ours.
Newton Johnson Wine Farm and restaurant - great wines and restaurant - booking ahead essentail.
Ataraxia Wine Farm - set in what looks like an old Church, they have wonderful views into the valley. Great wines and friendly service.
Creation Wine Farm and restaurant - very commercial wine farm and restaurant. Usually busy with tour groups/busses. Great wine and food, be prepared for it to be busy.
Domain des Dieux - love their MCC and wines. We go here just for the MCC.
Beaches
The area has many breathtaking beaches, with one thing in common - miles of soft white sand surrounded by blue waters and with a mountain as a backdrop.
Jock’s Bay - wonderful little beach with footpaths taking you along the ocean all the way to Betty’s Main beach. This cove is protected from the north westerly wind.
Betty’s Bay Main Beach - long, wild stretches of sand ideal for sunrise walks, beach picnic and quiet contemplation.
Silversands Beach - wonderful beach to walk along, beautiful views.
Pringle Bay Main beach - perfect spot to watch the sunset - spectacular mountain views and views across to Cape Point.
Small beach in Pringle - Small little beach with beautiful views - also a good spot for a picnic or to watch the sunset.
Moonlight Beach - easily mistaken for the Caribbean - blue waters, white sand and amazing views. Park at the pin drop and walk over the dunes to this quiet beach.
Dappat Se Gat - What a beach. It is a bit of a walk down the stairs and over rocks, where you will be rewarded with a perfect beach, surrounded by caves with incredible view back across the ocean. The caves fill with water at high tide - for safety please check the tides before entering the caves.
Park in the parking area at the pin drop. Find the set of stairs going down which are at the far left of the parking (when facing the ocean).
Our Favourite Local Gems
Bakery
Broodstories Artisan Bakery - for freshly baked sourdough bread and sweet treats.
Coffee Shops & restaurants
Betty’s Bay
Coffee on Clarence - popular local coffee shop with in and outdoor seating. Perfect stop-off after a walk through the Harold Porter Gardens. They offer light meals, cakes and some pastries.
Chapter 3 - small menu, good food, perfect for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Not licensed, you can take your own alcohol.
Waaygat - upmarket restaurant, perfect for foodies and special occasions.
Reservation essential - we can book for you, just send us your preferred date and time.
Koring and Kaf - small cozy restaurant. Great flavours in their food. Mainly bread based items on the menu - pizza, Turkish pide….one or two salad options.
Kleinmond
Bistro14 - one of our favourites. Perfect setting with in and outdoor seating, great for breakfast / lunch.
Carry me home restaurant and deli - another favourite of ours. Great for breakfast / lunch. Wonderful cakes, especially the take away version to enjoy back at the cottage while watching the ocean.
Pringle Bay
The Book Club - owner run restaurant, “fine dining”, good quality food.
Reservation recommended - we can book for you, just send us your preferred date and time.
ma Cuisine - small owner run restaurant. Great food and attentive service.
Reservation recommended - we can book for you, just send us your preferred date and time.
Hanging Rock Kitchen - eclectic style, wonderful pizzas, worth the visit just for the decor.
Take-away (no delivery - collection only)
Hake away - fresh fish and chips. We often grab a takeaway and enjoy it out of the packet down on the beach watching the sun set.
Fynbos enterprises - oven fired pizza, small and cozy restaurant. Great service and friendly atmosphere. House wines on offer - rather take your own - not licensed.
Keep an eye open for our handpicked hidden gems which we will share with you via Whatsapp during your stay.
Note : Check google for latest trading hours. Most restaurants are closed on a Monday and Tuesday.
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Note : Check google for latest trading hours. Most restaurants are closed on a Monday and Tuesday. 〰️