National Geographic has named Cape Town, South Africa the second best beach city in the world.
The African capital of cool sprawls on a peninsula that divides the icy Atlantic from the warmer Indian Ocean, putting some 20 beaches within striking distance. The Clifton beaches, known for the posh homes that overlook them and stellar sunset-viewing, are sheltered from the region’s strong trade winds by a mountainous ridge. Further north, the breeze is unleashed at surfing sweet spots Milnerton and Blouberg. Families favor the eastern False Bay coast for warmer water and tot-friendly tidal pools.
Conde Nast Traveler has listed Cape town, South Africa as ”one of only five places around the world to view penguins in their natural habitat”. Boulders Beach, Cape Peninsula is home to a colony of 1,000+ penguins relaxing in the sand, warming themselves on rocky outcrops, or diving into the water. See our article on their endangered status.
Blue Flag is an international annual award given to beaches that meet a standard of excellence. South Africa was the first country outside of Europe to win Blue Flag accreditation for its beaches. In its 15th year our beaches rate among the top beaches in the world.
Why don’t you head on south?