Tucked into South Africa’s southwestern coast, the charming seaside city of Hermanus has a lot of feathers in its cap. For one, its bay is an excellent swimming ground for southern right whales and the city even hosts the Hermanus Whale Festival. This is what makes Hermanus the world’s premier land-based whale-watching destination. The former fishing hamlet is a bustling and walkable town that’s perfect for culture vultures who want to explore its winding streets on foot. Intrepid travelers love the hiking trails and coastal cliff paths, while the wine-tasting regions around are teeming with oenophiles. There are simply so many things to do and places to visit. Explore all that Hermanus has to offer at your own pace by staying in one of the town’s many gorgeous vacation rentals. To that end, here are the top Airbnb vacation rentals in Hermanus, South Africa.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on October 25, 2024.
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1. Ground-floor rental with private hot tub and garden (from USD 118)
There’s no place better than this intimate one-bedroom apartment for those looking to spend some romantic moments in Hermanus. Located close to the town center, the apartment was designed for romance. Whether it’s the private garden with alfresco furniture or the sizzling hot tub-for-two, this place is the epitome of an amorous retreat. The ground-floor apartment boasts a capacious living, dining, and kitchen area, perfect for cooking romantic meals together. There’s even a barbeque in the garden for a dinner under the stars. The highlight, though, is the huge bedroom and bathroom, with the entire bathroom being open to the bedroom, including the bathtub.
Top guest reviews
Host:
renzske thank you for being such a great hosta pleasant and accommodating hostrenzke is a wonderful host toothe hosts were quick to respond to any messages and offered great reccomendationsLocation:
great location with all you need within walking distancestunning location and beautiful apartmentgreat place and location a stones throw away from the cliff pathextremely stylish and very well situated for walking to restaurants etcgreat location love the braai and jacuzziCleanliness:
nice clean and spacious placeapartment was clean private and had everything one could needthe space is stylish very clean and extremely well equippedenjoyed the stay so much and is very safe and cleanthe bath is quite nice and large and the shower is spacious enough with a large shower headRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
great space for hosting if you stay with lots of sitting space but only one bed
2. Beachside escape with lovely views (from USD 85)
Magnificent views of the beach and the Indian Ocean greet you no matter where you stand in this luxurious one-bedroom beachside apartment in Hermanus. The contemporary sanctuary lies just 10 minutes from the town center in a tranquil and secure seafront complex. Make a day of sunbathing on the beach, watching whales, and swimming in the cool waters of rock pools. At the apartment, a stunning living area with a sea-facing balcony with a barbeque welcomes you. There’s even a swanky kitchen for preparing lavish meals and a chic bathroom with a bathtub. Finally, the bedroom boasts a cloud-like queen bed and a balcony with amazing views.
Top guest reviews
Host:
the host very accommodating and on call for any helpthe security complex is well kept and the staff friendlyleon was an amazing host easy to communicate with and accommodatingamazing place and wonderful host will definitely come backleon is a great hostLocation:
good location quiet estatecentral and easy to get to towncute place on the waterclose to a lot of places and easily accessiblewhat a great location amazing viewsCleanliness:
nice place very clean gorgeous viewthe apartment is beautifully decorated clean and the view is incredibleRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
amazing views of the sea from the living room bedroom and outside balconya great apartment with lovely sea viewsthe apt has a great location with outstanding views it has all the amenities one needsbeautiful apartment with amazing viewsextraordinary view pool is available as well perfect to have a relaxed evening on the balcony as well
3. Charming town center cottage (from USD 59)
This charming two-bedroom cottage lying right in the heart of Hermanus is the perfect base for those who want to explore the town. Not only is the center within walking distance, but so are the beach and the cliff paths. Two ensuite bedrooms with a double and a queen bed easily sleep four adults, making this a great group getaway. After a day of exploration, get together around the braai in the garden while making yourself comfortable on the alfresco furniture. When it gets cold, move to the cozy living room where you can watch a movie together on TV. Rounding up the features is the off-street parking, Wi-Fi, and the full kitchen for cooking meals to your liking.
Top guest reviews
Host:
emmanuel the host was friendly leading us there on his bicyclehost were very helpful and accommodated us in such a short timecheck-in was quick and easy and all of our interactions with the staff were pleasantowners are responsive when you have any queries and provide suggestions for activities and dininggreat space spacious and well decorated staff is so amazingly friendly and helpful a great experienceLocation:
great location close to central hermanuscute place close to the centre within walking distance and secure parkingperfect location walking /running distance from everything we could needgreat location very close to the center of town - just a quick walkreally worth it and close to townCleanliness:
super clean and comfyclean and comfortable placeits clean and has a lot of charmthe place was really clean and very invitingvery clean and great for familiesRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
full dstv and wifi a real treatbedding was extremely comfortablecosy little cottage very clean with all the amenities comfortable with its little terracehad a great stay in apartment which had everything we neededprivate cottage which is comfortable and airy
4. Vintage one-room cottage (from USD 43)
Discerning travelers, this comfortable cottage with a vintage touch is for you. The open-plan one-room cottage features a full kitchen with a dining nook at one end, and a “living space” with a cushy sofa and a flat-screen TV in the middle. At the other end lies a lovely double bed, complete with a bedroom bench at the foot of the bed. A swish bathroom lies right behind, and it even has a deep-soaking bathtub for unwinding. Besides free Wi-Fi and on-street parking, the cottage’s location is close to all sights and attractions that Hermanus has to offer.
Top guest reviews
Host:
marita is a perfect hostthe host was very helpful and checked us in quickly and efficientlyhosts are also very friendly and supportivemarita was a super hostthe best hosts very accommodatingLocation:
wonderful place ideally located in beautiful hermanusgreat location in a complex so felt completely safegreat location 5min drive from shops and beachgood place to stay with many attractions near driving distanceclose to the cliff top walk with a chance of spotting local wildlife would highly recommendCleanliness:
very clean and prettyvery clean and felt very safesuper clean and stylish little cottageit was clean and airyclean quiet and relaxing stayRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
the electric blankets on the bed was also a lovely benefitthe cottage is cozy and comfortable definitely a place to come towe had a comfortable stay at marita's placethis is a beautiful and comfortable space that's particularly quiet and private
5. Beachside 1940s cottage (from USD 79)
Now, who wouldn’t want to live in a beachside cottage? Welcome to this modern-living cottage whose origins go back to the 1940s! Tucked into one of Hermanus’ upscale suburbs, the place lies right opposite the sandy shores of Langbaai beach. Two bedrooms, each with a scenic view of the garden, feature a king and a double bed that practically guarantees a dreamless sleep. The living room with a fireplace for winters is a great place to hang out, with a well-equipped kitchen and a dining space just beyond. But, what you’ll love is the outdoor wooden deck at the back, with a braai that’s perfect for a grilling dinner with striking views of the mountains.
Top guest reviews
Host:
host was aware it was our honeymoon and left a thoughtful gift which was very nice of herexcellent restaurants nearby both which were recommended by the hostleatitia was a fantastic host with brilliant communication prior to our arrivalLocation:
great location lovely spota lovely short walk to the cliff trail and beaches perfect locationvery well suited close to the beachgreat location super close to walk the cliff paths and visit all the best beachesthe location is perfect – quiet safe and ideally situatedCleanliness:
good location clean and stylishthis is a lovely cottage she's tastefully decorated very clean and cosy and spaciousRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
overall very comfortable and modern with great amenitiesleatitia's cottage is warm and very comfortableoutside via the kitchen is another covered area on a wooden deck with a great “braai area”the beds were both of good quality and the cottage was sparkling cleanthe kitchen is nice and mod with everything you need
6. Boho-chic garden apartment (from USD 143)
Channeling a Boho-chic vibe, this ocean-inspired apartment lies at one of Hermanus’ most coveted addresses - Marine Drive. With the promenade right outside, the town center is a mere five-minute walk while the cool tidal pools for swimming lie right across the road! In fact, the place even has a back patio where you can grill dinner on the braai. Two queen beds in two plush bedrooms and two bathrooms, one even with a spa bath, make staying here a lavish affair. Add to that the fully equipped kitchen, and you don’t need to worry about meals either. The living room with a smart TV with Netflix is where you can relish meals together while catching up on a movie.
Top guest reviews
Host:
renzske was a great hosta great host and luxurious apartmenthost was friendly and greeted us at check inrenzske was friendly helpful and quick to respondour host was very professional and the communication was excellent i would definitely stay there againLocation:
beautiful complex with great locationgreat location and modern facilitieswonderful place and amazing location in hermanuscomfortable apartment in a good locationthe location was perfect and very central to hermanus’ waterfront and shopsCleanliness:
access control and exceptionally cleanvery clean great communication from hostthis place is beyond amazing from the spacious braai area to the most amazing spa bathRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
we loved this place it's a really beautiful apartment with loads of space
7. Two-bedroom garden cottage with a pool (from USD 67)
If you want to stay in a private villa-like place while in Hermanus, this little gem of a cottage is where you should be. Not only is it located close to Hermanus’ waterfront, but it even comes with a private pool, complete with sun loungers under umbrellas! The garden cottage, which has a king and a single bed in two bedrooms, can sleep up to three guests, but that’s not all. Besides the pool, the cottage even has an outdoor deck with a barbeque setup where you can enjoy an evening grilling outside with your travel mates. What’s more, you can even request a hearty breakfast to begin your day on a high note!
Top guest reviews
Host:
friendly hosts and staffthe staff were so friendlythe staff were friendly and helpfulgreat staff and breakfastthe staff was very helpful and niceLocation:
perfect location within 10 minute walking distance to hermanus town centregood location walking distance to city centre and beach walkgood location nice stay and breakfast was greatsafe walking distance to all the main attractionsgreat place in a good locationCleanliness:
very clean private and quitevery clean modern and stylish appartmentneat clean and very tastefully donenice and clean accomodationit was modern well equipped clean and safeRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
the cottage was beautifully furnished with a fantastic shower room and well equipped spacious kitchen/dinerour daughter (3 yr) loved the pool we enjoyed sitting in our small garden for dinner6 stemmet is an amazing place with lovely breakfastcheck in was easy the place was as described and the breakfast is amazing in the morningfriendly helpful staff and a solar heated pool - we had a lot of fun
8. Tranquil private room in a gated community (from USD 37)
Travelers on a budget will love this quiet garden room, complete with a French door entrance and a patio. Part of a large private home in a gated community, the room is completely ensconced by fynbos (lush vegetation typical of South Africa’s southern coast). In fact, the garden has many fountains and benches for you to unwind while you stay here. The ensuite room is a spacious one, complete with a modern bathroom, a flat-screen TV, and even a dining nook. Besides the room, you even have access to the full kitchen and the barbeque on the patio, where you can savor a grilled dinner under the stars.
Top guest reviews
Host:
lovely and welcoming hosthost was very helpfulles was a wonderful host & so helpfulhost is friendly & accommodatingshe is very kindLocation:
excellent location close to everythingthe location was central for our needs & very safeand her house is located on a safe placethe area is brilliant and close to the beautiful cliff walk waydefinitely the place to book close to everything you needCleanliness:
super clean and modernvery clean and full of personal touchesit’s clean and very quitevery nice clean room and secure estatevery clean and great value for moneyRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
cleans d comfortable with great local recommendationsleslie has thought of every last detail to make your stay hassle free and comfortablethe room is set up with a lot of detail and lovethis little cottage is cozy and very comfortablethe room is perfect for those wanting a short stay as it has everything you need
9. Luxurious ocean-view apartment (from USD 62)
If a luxury vacation rental in Hermanus is what you seek, then this lavish two-bedroom apartment with spectacular views of the Indian Ocean is just perfect. The place is part of a secure complex, which has a gym, squash and tennis courts, and even a swimming pool with a bar! The minimalist-modern apartment boasts a white-grey-blue palette inspired by the sea. It has modern finishes and is furnished for luxurious taste. A plush double bed and two single beds in two bedrooms sleep up to four people, with lovely views out of the windows. The open-plan living/kitchen space is the perfect place to cook meals and hang out at the end of the day.
Top guest reviews
Host:
the host was really helpfulawesome hosts and accommodation was spectacularthe host was very friendly and responded quicklythe apartment is nicely finished and the host is very friendlyhosts were unbelievable and went out of their way to make sure everything was perfect for our stayLocation:
beautiful flat in perfect locationconveniently located as well shops close by beach and also entertainmentperfect appartment and lovely locationthis apartment is very beautiful and you can walk to the beach in 2 minthe place itself suited me perfectlyCleanliness:
good clean and neat apartmentit’s clean and modernbeautiful space- very clean and lovely touches/decorationneat clean well furnished spacevery nice place very clean and beautifully decoratedRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
the apartment had wifi and a tv which was useful during our staythe pool and other faculties are really nice and the ocean view is spectacularnice view and good equipped apartment we had a very pleasant staywe really enjoyed the place the view the beds the walks and especially the entertainment areathe apartment was just as shown on the pictures beautiful and minimalistic
10. Chic one-bedroom apartment with mountain views
Modern with a hint of rustic-chic is what best describes this one-bedroom flat. This second-floor apartment lies in a secure building in Hermanus’ center, and it boasts amazing views of the mountains surrounding the city. Besides high-speed Wi-Fi and Apple TV with Netlfix, the place also has a full kitchen for when you don’t want to eat out. Black-out blinds in the snug bedroom, which has a plush queen bed, ensure that you can sleep whenever you want to catch forty winks. A comfortable living room with a soft sofa, a flat-screen TV, and a modern bathroom complete the place.
Hermanus, Western Cape, South Africa
1.61 km (1.0 mi) from Hermanus Country MarketAccommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Host:
the hosts were great tooamazing space and wonderful hospitality from the hoststhe hosts and staff were friendly and accommodating great service and a lovely spot to staygreat response time and communication from hostsaj is a great hostLocation:
excellent location beautiful apartment close to everything you needcool apartment located just a short walk from the town centrebeautiful apartment with a very convenient locationperfectly located with a short walk or drive to the oceanhermanus is always a great location for a break-away weekendCleanliness:
sparkling clean with beautiful decorgreat apartment very clean with comfy bed and great showervery nice modern and clean apartmentclean and has everything you needwell organised clean and neatRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
beautiful apartment with strong wifi and water pressurevery modern apartment that has all the amenities needed to be comfortablehad very good amenities and i just loved the rotating tvthe apartment is tastefully decorated and has an amazing viewthe apartment is perfectly located has amazing features (swiveling tv and netflix) and is super stylish
Heavenly Hermanus
One of the best small cities on South Africa’s southern coast, Hermanus is a haven for nature and culture lovers in equal measure. While there are plenty of boutique hotels and sea-view hotels, consider giving vacation rentals a try. They allow you to explore Hermanus in your own way, while also experiencing living as locals do. So, choose one of these top Airbnb vacation rentals in Hermanus, South Africa, for your wonderful sojourn.
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