Cape Peninsula - West Coast

The western coastline is characterised by rocky outcrops and beautiful beaches. Around the mountain from the city centre you will find Green Point, whose Common is a well used recreational area with a 9 hole golf course, sportsfields and the Green Point Stadium. The Green Point Lighthouse on the shore was built in 1824 and is the oldest in the country.

The Cape Medical Museum is housed at the New Somerset Hospital - which was built by Governor Sir George Grey, who laid the foundation stone in 1859. Fort Wynyard, in Fort Wynyard Road, is a naval museum specialising in the history of coastal defence.

Further around the mountain is Sea Point, a busy and vibrant seaside village which is characterised by high-rise blocks of flats and holiday apartments.

With majestic Lion's Head as a backdrop and the azure Atlantic Ocean in front, the Protea Hotel President represents comfort and refinement on Cape Town's spectacular Platinum Mile.

Bantry Bay is an elite suburb and has a unique little beach called Saunders’ Rocks which has a beautiful tidal pool for safe bathing. Around the corner are the four world famous beaches of Clifton.

Camps Bay is close by and its beaches are Glen Beach and bigger Camps Bay Beach. The road now winds around the mountain past the small suburb of Bakoven, with its tiny, picturesque beaches, and along a winding 15 km drive.

The small village of Llandudno has a spectacular setting. Sandy Bay, Cape Town's nudist beach is a 20 minute walk from the parking area at the end of Llandudno's Sunset Avenue.

As one goes over the hill and into the valley, one encounters the enchanting fishing village of Hout Bay. The harbour is the focal point of the village and has become a major attraction with the development of the Yacht Club Marina and Mariner's Wharf.

Hout Bay’s Mainstream Shopping Centre (021 - 7902345) is a beautiful 21st Century shopping complex situated in the ambience of a 100 year old fishing village, featuring major national names and 56 other boutiques, craft and gift outlets.

The Hout Bay Museum in Andrews Road gives visitors an insight into the natural and cultural history of the area. The historical Cape Dutch homestead of Kronendal is on the Main road, and was built in 1800.

One of the most interesting attractions in Hout Bay is the World of Birds in Valley Road.

The 10 km long Chapman's Peak Drive is an extremely picturesque road that follows the division of strata between the Peninsula's granite base and its sandstone superstructure. At the end of the drive, the long beach of Noordhoek is visible.

Once in the Noordhoek valley one can turn off into Avondrust Circle and visit the Noordhoek Art Route consisting of local artists who’s media ranges from bronze sculptures to stained glass and ceramics. It is possible to visit some of these artists in their studios and watch them work.

The coastal road now continues down the west side of the peninsula to the small village of Kommetjie, where surfing, angling and sunbathing are an integral part of the laid-back lifestyle.

From here the road follows the shoreline through the small holiday village of Scarborough. Vegetarian and meat dishes are also available.

Here the road turns inland towards the entrance to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and Cape Point.