Less than two-hours' drive from Cape Town is where you will find the quaint seaside town of Paternoster.s
It's a natural West Coast beauty that takes its name from The Lord's Prayer in Latin - as a token of thanksgiving of shipwrecked Portuguese sailors who initially came to rest there.
Secret Getaway's Insider Secret series is all about tapping into local places we love. It's the kind of connection our community (Click here to join, it's free) thrives on.
Sure, there are those destinations we're all familiar with, the ones that make the ‘Best of’ lists time after time. But in this series, we'll dig a little deeper to go beyond the typical touristy attractions, to uncover the lesser-known and off-the-beaten track spots that will make your in-destination experiences extraordinary.
Experience
Cape Columbine Lighthouse Tour: Visit the Cape Columbine Lighthouse which, built in 1936, is the last coastal beacon to have a dedicated keeper.
Cape Columbine, a majestic headland on the Cape’s West Coast, is situated in the Tietiesbaai Nature Reserve, almost 5km from the picturesque little fishing village of Paternoster. This is an ideal day-trip experience to enjoy this picturesque part of South Africa.
Taste
Paternoster is located on the West Coast Way Foodie Route.
As one of the oldest villages in the area, this town is well known as a seafood haven. You can either buy fish fresh from the boats as they come in or you can indulge in a feast at one of the quaint restaurants in the village - Wolfgat in particular has won numerous culinary accolades and is worth your time and effort.
Pop in at West Coast Wine, an intriguing spot featuring some of South Africa’s best wines from local wineries. First and foremost, a wine-tasting bar the menu reflects this with over 200 wines on offer. Four producers are featured seasonally in celebration of some of the best wines in SA.
Activity
Hike Through the Cape Columbine Nature Reserve: For those who love experiencing nature on foot, a hike through Cape Columbine Nature Reserve is a must. An especially beautiful time is in spring (August & September) when nature puts on a natural show during the West Coast Flower Season.
For those who would prefer to experience this extraordinary part of the West Coast by sea, take a paddle in a sea kayak to spot penguins and all forms of sea and aquatic life that lives in this area.
Insider Secret
Treat yourself to a pamper session at Dunes Beauty. Feel refreshed and re-energised with a pamper treatment performed by a qualified therapist. Treatments range from a deep-tissue massage to a beach-ready manicure.
Upcoming Events
Make a date in the diary to explore this area with some calendar highlights:- Weskus Jou Lekker Ding Braai Festival - annual April - May festival
- Jazz on the Rocks - annual summer festival.
- West Coast Flower Season - mid-August to mid=September