If you want to get a feel of what coastal Cape Town was like before everyone realised how fabulous it was and relocated to the Mother City, Fish Hoek is a great place to start. This quaint seaside village sits on the False Bay side of the Cape Peninsula and retains its original character, evident from the odd collection of old and interesting shops that line the streets. Fish Hoek’s residents are much like the suburb itself – calm and unaffected by the activity going on around them. Flip flops and sunnies are a common sight, and why not, when Cape Town’s safest beach is on their doorstep?

The Kalkbaaiberg and Elsie’s Peak headlands cast a shadow upon the colourful houses that take up residence on its slopes, the sandy beach and the sparkling ocean water below. The beach is ideal for swimming, snorkelling, wind surfing and hobie cat sailing, especially since the water is warmer and more pleasant.

Between July and November, during whale watching season, beachfront restaurants and coffee shops provide the perfect setting from which to gaze over the bay and search of Southern Right Whales playing in the ocean. Alternatively, one can buy an ice-cream (in summer) or coffee (in winter), and stroll along the catwalk heading southwards to Sunny Cove. Find a bench, get comfortable and enjoy the view!