Hermanus, just 90 minutes from Cape Town, packs a lot into one beautiful coastal town: whale-filled waters, wild nature, brilliant wine, beaches, adventure and plenty of art.
Between June and November, Hermanus is one of the best places to see Southern Right whales, with these magnificent visitors often cruising close to the coast. From 2–4 October, the Hermanus Whale Festival brings the fun with three days of music, activations and family-friendly experiences. Once a farming community, Hermanus evolved into a go-to destination for easy day trips and laid-back weekends. It’s the kind of place where you can spend the morning watching whales, the afternoon tasting wine and the evening lingering over a great meal.
Here’s how to spend 48 hours in Hermanus:
Day 1
9 am: Burgundy Restaurant
This Hermanus restaurant is set in one of the town’s oldest buildings, dating back to 1875. Here, you can choose between cosy indoor seating and outdoor seating with ocean views. The restaurant serves meals all day, and its breakfasts are hearty. Around the corner, in the same building, you’ll find Kokkedolf, a traditional, upmarket bistro pub celebrating the best of South African cuisine, if you’d like to visit for lunch or dinner. The menu showcases local delicacies such as lamb tails, skilpadjies and bobotie, alongside a host of other South African favourites.
Location: 7 Harbour Road, Hermanus
Website: www.burgundyrestaurant.co.za/
10.30 am: Explore the museums
Just a few steps away from Burgundy are the Whale Museum and De Wet’s Huis Photo Museum, while across the road you’ll find the Old Harbour Museum. Each museum offers insightful, interactive displays that explore Hermanus, the whales, the history of its people, and the town’s heritage. You can buy your ticket at the Whale Museum for R30 for adults and R10 for children. The ticket grants you access to all three museums.
Location: 3 Market Square Street, Hermanus
Website: old-harbour-museum.co.za/
12 pm: Gearing’s Point and the Cliff Path
Gearing’s Point was once a lookout for fishermen entering the Old Harbour, offering a clear view of incoming boats. Today, people visit to enjoy the coastal views and watch for whales. If the weather is good and you don’t mind walking, meander along the cliff path that hugs the coastline. The 12 km path has plenty of benches where you can sit, watch the whales, or enjoy the ocean views.
Location: 71 Marine Drive, Hermanus
2 pm: Grotto Beach
This Blue Flag beach is renowned for its vast stretch of stunning sand and the sea. Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, games, and even a braai in the designated area. The beach stretches for almost 18 km, making it perfect for a run, a walk, or a cute picnic.
Location: Grotto Street, Voëlklip, Hermanus
6 pm: Dutchies
After your beach session, head to Dutchies for dinner. Tuck into sushi, seafood, bagels, braised lamb shank and more. We recommend relaxing outside under the milkwood tree with a cocktail or a boozy milkshake. It’s kid-friendly, so everyone is welcome.
Location: Grotto Street, Voëlklip, Hermanus
Website: www.dutchies.co.za/
Day 2
6 am: Whale Watching
Hermanus is a prime spot for sightings of majestic Southern Right and Humpback whales. Southern Right Charters runs four trips at 6.30 am, 9 am, 12 pm, and 3 pm, with each trip lasting about 90 to 180 minutes.
Location: The Whale Shack, New Harbour, Hermanus
Website: www.southernrightcharters.co.za/
8: 30am: Hermanus Waterfront
Visit Hermanus Waterfront, where you can browse more than 40 shops and restaurants. Locals call it the “Heart of Hermanus”. The old fishermen’s cottages still line the piazza and have been declared heritage sites. Pop by for breakfast and morning retail therapy before you get on with the day’s exploring.
Location: 104 Main Road, Hermanus
Website: www.hermanuswaterfront.co.za/
10 am: Hemingway’s Bookshop
This quirky bookshop has been around for more than three decades, with lovers of words and wanderers browsing the aisles for timeless tales and award-winning novels. Cosy seating areas are scattered throughout the shop, along with plenty of fun decor. Bring your coffee and spend a few hours here. Victoria Square, where the bookshop is located, is also home to other shops, so you can check out a few while you’re there.
Location: No.5, Victoria Square, 20 Long Street, Hermanus
Website: hemingwaysbooks.co.za/
12 pm: Lunch
You have two popular and aesthetically pleasing restaurants to choose from:
Bientang’s Cave Restaurant & Wine Bar
Set on the shores of Walker Bay and carved into a century-old cave, Bientang’s offers laid-back dining with beautiful views. The full à la carte menu includes a range of seafood, meat, poultry and vegetarian options, as well as hot and cold platters. And, of course, cocktails!
Location: In a cave below Marine Drive, 100m from Old Harbour, Hermanus
Website: bientangscave.com/
Fick’s Pool Restaurant
Walk down the path to find a seat with views of the tidal pool. Yes, you can swim there too. Order their delicious pinchos and a cocktail or two, or try menu items such as flammkuchen and sweet treats. It’s best enjoyed on a warm day.
Location: 8 Marine Drive, Westcliff, Hermanus
Website: www.ficks.co.za/
3 pm: Wine tasting at Spookfontein Wines
In the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, you’ll find plenty of wine farms scattered throughout the region. One local favourite is Spookfontein Wines, known for its wines and equally impressive views. According to its website, the 313-hectare farm produces wines from grapes grown in rocky soil and nurtured by Walker Bay’s cold sea air.
There are two tasting options. The Bordeaux Four includes Merlot, Phantom, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Alternatively, you can choose any five wines from the range. The restaurant has also received rave reviews if you’d prefer to have lunch here.
Location: 33 Hemel en Aarde Road, Hermanus
Website: www.spookfontein.co.za/
5 pm: Sunset Art Walk
Hermanus is underrated when it comes to its art. The area has 23 museums, and if you’re visiting on the first Friday of the month, you can join a free art walk. The art walk runs every month except July and August, and you can wander at your own pace. Hermanus also has 39 sculptures dotted around the neighbourhood, so you can hunt for them and snap a few selfies along the way.
Location: The meeting points vary.
Website: www.facebook.com/hermanusfirstfridaysartwalk/
Stay
Arabella Hotel, Golf & Spa
Rest and unwind at Arabella Hotel, Golf & Spa, with luxury spa treatments and an 18-hole golf course set amid fynbos and mountains. The hotel offers 145 modern rooms and suites, each with well-appointed bathrooms, 24-hour room service, complimentary Wi-Fi, and gorgeous views overlooking the lagoon or pool.
Location: Arabella, Arabella Country Estate, R44 Kleinmond, Hermanus
Website: www.southernsun.com
Windsor Hotel Hermanus
Situated on a cliff’s edge with spectacular panoramic views of the ocean below, Windsor is Hermanus’ oldest and largest hotel. Choose from rooms and apartments, including sea-facing options. It’s also within easy walking distance of shops, restaurants, and many of the town’s activities.
Location: 49 Marine Drive, Hermanus
Website: www.windsor.co.za/
Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate
Benguela Cove is renowned for its waterfront villas and award-winning wines. Each villa is individually decorated with modern finishes and features en-suite bedrooms, high-speed Wi-Fi, private swimming pools, hot tubs and outdoor braai areas. The accommodation is pet-friendly, so you’re welcome to bring your furry friend.
Location: R43, Botriver Lagoon, Walker Bay, Hermanus
Website: www.benguelacove.co.za/
