WHERE TO STAY IN HERMANUS

FINDING ACCOMMODATION IN ONE OF THE WORLD’S BEST SEASIDE TOWNS

Hermanus is a quaint little seaside town around 150km east of Cape Town, about an hour and 30 minutes’ drive. With a range of beaches to choose from, plenty of trails to walk and wander, wine farms to visit, whales to spot, and lovely restaurants to try, this is the perfect spot for a lovely holiday where you can choose your pace.

Although Hermanus is primarily a seaside destination, there is something for everyone to do year-round. Warm weather from October through to April attracts holidaymakers who spend many happy hours on the beaches, splashing in the waves and exploring the rock pools, while braver folk catch the larger waves further out, go paddle boarding or kayaking. The many hiking trails in the Fernkloof Nature Reserve and the scenic cliff path along the coast are perhaps an alternative for cooler weather, and whale watching is a pleasant pastime from July to November when the Southern Right whales venture there to calve.

When planning a visit, it is important to research the holiday accommodation available in Hermanus.

SELF-CATERING ACCOMODATION IN HERMANUS

With its proximity to Cape Town and the inland towns, many locals own holiday homes in Hermanus. These are often rented out as self-catering accommodation for tourists. Many of these houses have spectacular sea views and most are usually located within walking distance from the beaches so they are ideal for those seeking an easy, no-fuss holiday. These holiday homes are located along a thin strip of coastline wedged between the Klein River Mountains and the sea, so roads are quiet and nothing is further than a short stroll away. Each beach offers something different: Grotto Beach is the largest and a blue flag beach. Walk all the way to the lagoon or simple laze on the white sand. Further towards town is the grassed Voëlklip beach, next is Kammabaai which is ideal for children, and the last beach before the rock pools is Langbaai, which is actually the shortest beach.

Within the town centre there are also many apartments to choose from that are close to attractions such as the Old Harbour, the museum, a myriad of cool coffee shops and some lovely restaurants, with great views of the bay. There are also well-stocked grocery stores so no need to shop beforehand. 

Arguably the best accommodation in Hermanus is at either the Birkenhead or Marine Hotels. Each located in prime positions right on the sea, guests can enjoy their breakfast while whale watching or enjoy cocktails on the terrace while watching the sun sink into the sea. Both these establishments have spas which offer massages and treatments.

Luxury accommodation in Hermanus can also be found in a few smaller boutique hotels and guest houses that offer personalised, tailor-made services to the discerning traveller.Suitable accommodation near Hermanus can be found in the neighbouring villages of Onrus, Vermont and Stanford, while the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley nearby boasts a number of wine farms where guest accommodation is available. In this pristine valley, instead of sea views, visitors can enjoy spectacular mountain views and enjoy walking through the indigenous ‘fynbos’ plant kingdom. There are several wine farms producing excellent cool climate wines. 

Bosman Hermanus is a WWF Conservation Champion so a visit there is a must. The Frame House offers an impressive range of wines to taste matched with small plates of locally sourced food with a spectacular view of fynbos, vineyards and the towering Babylonstoren Mountain. Children are welcome here and can stretch their legs on the jungle gym while their parents taste wine or enjoy a game of boules. 

The farm also offers accommodation, the Bosman Hermanus Farm Stay. This two-bedroomed cottage is perfect for a family: There is one double room and another with twin beds, a bathroom, a lovely open plan kitchen/living area with an enclosed veranda offering jaw-dropping views of the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. It’s a 5-minute walk to the Frame House for a light lunch, there is a short hiking trail for the more energetic, and the beaches are just a short drive away.

Other wineries to consider are Creation, Bouchard Finlayson, La Vierge and Hamilton Russell to name but a few. Choose accommodation from several ‘farm stay’ options, mountain chalets and more exclusive serviced cottages. For those staying in Hermanus who don’t want to ‘drink and drive’ there is a great alternative: The hop-on-hop-off wine safari takes tourists to the various wineries making your trip easy and stress-free.  

This wine region is known mostly for their Pinot Noirs, a tricky grape that thrives in this cooler climate, while several highly rated Sauvignon Blancs and Chardonnays are also on offer.

CHEAP ACCOMMODATION IN HERMANUS

For those on a tight budget, there is backpack-type accommodation in the town, as well as reasonably priced studio apartments and rooms to rent. There is so much to do in and around Hermanus that you will spend most of your time out and about.

HERMANUS SELF-CATERING ACCOMMODATION SPECIALS

While Christmas and Easter are high season in Hermanus, there are often ‘specials’ offered in off-peak times or as a last-minute deal. Contact the Hermanus Tourism Bureau or visit local holiday booking websites for great deals.

WHEN TO GO TO HERMANUS

There is always something to do in Hermanus, even if it is too cold for the beach. There are a number of festivals held throughout the year from the Fynarts Festival in June, the Kalfie Fees in August and the Whale Festival in September. Each festival caters for a different sector of the market but they are all well-run and well-supported.

The Fynarts Festival celebrates art in all its forms from music to theatre, drama, dance, food and wine.

The Kalfiefees is similar but focusses particularly on Afrikaans culture with local bands performing, book launches, workshops and art and lifestyle events.

The Whale Festival celebrates the Southern Right whales who come to calve in Walker Bay each year. While there are always several environmental exhibitions and talks, this is more of a fun festival with beer tents, live music, a street parade and a fun run.

But the best time to see whales in Hermanus is not necessarily during the Whale Festival, they can be spotted from the shore between July and November and there are a number of whale watching tour operators that take tourists out into the bay for a closer look. These boats leave from the New Harbour which is also a good place to stop for a while, look at the fishing vessels and walk along the pier.

Hermanus is also a haven for artists and there are a number of galleries, both in the town itself, and in the villages nearby, that exhibit their work. Often on a Friday evening the galleries will stay open later and offer a glass of wine to art lovers wanting to enjoy the artwork.

IS IT SAFE TO WALK AROUND HERMANUS AT NIGHT?

There are a number of pubs and clubs in the centre of Hermanus where both young and old gather for a whole lot of fun. Please note it is not safe to walk around Hermanus alone at night. Rather walk in a group and keep your bags safe and closed. It is also not recommended to walk the cliff path after dark.

There are a number of lovely restaurants situated near the Old Harbour that offer anything from seafood to a great steak, while The Rock at the New Harbour is well-known for their seafood and excellent sushi. Hame is a little restaurant located in an historic fisherman’s cottage in town. Chef and owner Emilia Knight cooks up delicious meals often with a Scottish twist. She also hosts an occasional whisky tasting which is really popular. 

Hermanus is great for a weekend getaway but to fully unwind and appreciate all this beautiful corner of the world has to offer, rather book a longer holiday. There is so much to do in Hermanus, but to simply relaxed and breath in the renowned ‘champagne’ air is therapeutic in itself. 

So pick a place to stay, pack your bags and head out. You won’t be disappointed!