It’s my third vacation to Paternoster and I’m so pleased to return! It’s fast becoming known as the St Tropez of South Africa, popular with South Africans but little known by the Brits who tend to hang out in Camps Bay. So I’m going to share this wonderful destination secret!
The locals and fisherman
I fell in love with this ‘off the beaten’ track fishing village on the Western coast of South Africa some years ago. In Latin, Paternoster means “Our Father”. It derived its name from the prayers of ship-wrecked Portuguese sailors.
Life here is closely in tune with the sea. The fisherman strike out to sea every morning at dawn to net crayfish and snoek and return to awaiting customers and tourists on the beach.
Catch of the day! Rock lobster
Paternoster reminds me a little of Greece with all the white cottages in the village with some located along the beach side.
This year we have rented a gorgeous beach side villa called Driftwood with Stay in Paternoster. It is just steps away from the beach and after a nice stroll along the beach, there’s some fabulous restaurants.
The View: Just hanging out beach side in Paternoster
A spacious villa on the beach
Book via Stay in Paternoster: Driftwood
The bonus about this place is so relaxed, you don’t have to dress up and the people are warm and friendly. If you like lobster and seafood, this is the perfect place to holiday!
My favourite places to eat include:-
- Noisy Oyster +27 22 752 2196
- On The Rocks Fish and Chips (Take Away)
- Voorstrandt Restaurant (located on the beach) +27 22 752 2038
- Leeto + 27 83 654 3001
- Gaaitjiie
Gaaitjie Restaurant
If you just want to relax and walk on the beach this the ideal retreat. There’s things to do in the area including the Columbine Lighthouse and Nature Reserve, visit the Bird Island Nature Reserve, the West Coast National Park or take a few days at the Thali Thali Game Lodge.
One thing Paternoster is famous for is the very unclassy but very funny Bra and Panty Bar at the Paternoster Hotel! Pop in for a beer and see what you think!
The Bra & Panty Bar!
On that note I’m off in search of the beach and a Castle Light!
x
How to Get There:
Directions from Cape Town
Travel north on the R27, turn left at the Vredenburg turn-off and travel through Vredenburg to Paternoster. The entire trip is ± 140km.
Directions from Cape Town International Airport
Travel towards Cape Town on the N2, take the N7 – Malmesbury/ Goodwood turnoff (Vanguard Drive) and turn right towards Malmesbury. Travel north on the N7 and turn left at the Melkbosstrand turn-off. Continue to the R27. Turn right onto the R27 and travel north, past Yzerfontein and Langebaan until you get to the Vredenburg turn-off. Turn left at the Vredenburg turn-off and travel through Vredenburg to Paternoster. The entire trip is ± 155km.
Insurance
As always for any holiday make sure you take out adequate holiday insurance. While I haven’t had any problems overseas, South Africa is still a fragile country. Travellers will find that InsureandGo’s lead-in budget policy includes 50 activities and sports as standard. An InsureandGo annual Worldwide (excluding USA, Canada, Mexico and Caribbean) Budget policy starts from £40.99. For more information or to purchase a policy, please visit: www.insureandgo.com. #Sponsored
Parking with Airport Parking & Hotels – 01342 710 071 (https://www.aph.com/gatwick-airport/parking). #Sponsored
Kate flew direct from London Heathrow to Cape Town International Airport with British Airways.
