If you have sipped and sightseen your way around Cape Town and are keen to explore further afield, head for picturesque Paternoster on the West Coast. Paternoster means “Our father” in Latin - in memory, it is said, of the prayers uttered by shipwrecked Catholic Portuguese seamen.
The fishing origins of this small town can be seen in the little white fisherman’s cottages framing the beach, and the colorful wooden fishing boats which still go out every day.
The sand is bright white, the sea an ever-changing feast of blue, and once a year the surrounding veld is covered in wild flowers.
Things to do in Paternoster
- For those who wish to relax, there are art galleries, yoga and Pilates teachers, spas and salons.
- If you favor more active stays, kite surfing, snorkelling, Scuba diving or hiking is available. Kayaks and bicycles can be rented, and there is horse riding too.
- At the nearby Columbine Nature Reserve and Tietiesbaai you can climb to the top of the last manned lighthouse in South Africa – the light can apparently be seen 50 kilometres (31 miles) away.
- For the nature lovers – there are over 200 species of bird in the area, and the famous wildflower season lasts from August to September.
- The Vredenburg Golf Club, one of the best in the district, is 17 kilometres (10.5 miles) away.
Don’t miss…!
- Fresh, West Coast seafood is a highlight of a stay in Paternoster, and there are many top class restaurants around town. Try the Voorstrandt Restaurant, which has a recognizable red roof and is located right on the beach.
- Blikkie Pizzeria is in a traditional fisherman's cottage, more than 110 years old.
- Gaaitjie Restaurant is right on the beach and offers top cuisine, fantastic atmosphere and excellent service. Many visitors have special memories of Gaaitjie (which means ‘small hole’ in Afrikaans), talking about it fondly long after they have left.
- Mention should be made of the Strandloper restaurant, which is a short drive away in Langebaan. It is an utterly rustic seafood experience situated on the beach, and one of the west coast experiences. One, which would be a pity to miss. Booking is essential.
However you choose to spend your time there, a piece of your heart is likely to linger in Paternoster.
