12 Best Beach Holidays In South Africa - Updated 2024

1. Kenton-on-Sea (from USD 85)

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Located on the Sunshine Coast of South Africa, Kenton-on-Sea is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Shelly Bay and Carriage Rock are few of the many breathtaking sights waiting to be explored. Adventure-seekers can enjoy exhilarating activities such as beach horseback riding, kite surfing at Cannon’s, and sandboarding. History buffs will appreciate the opportunity to visit landmarks such as the Diaz Cross and explore the shipwreck hiking and canoe trails in Kleinemonde.

The House Quarters located just off Route 72 and 25 km (15.53 mi) from Port Alfred is a stylish property that would be suitable for a coastal holiday in South Africa. Each room features a lounge area with a flat-screen TV, kitchenette, and viewing deck. Plus, guests can enjoy free wi-fi throughout the property, as well as access to an on-site day spa and private parking.

2. Elands Bay (from USD 87)

Located in the West Coast region of the Western Cape, Elands Bay is a charming beach town with an abundance of flora during springtime. The magical Verlorenvlei, which flows into the Atlantic Ocean at Elands Bay, is home to over 180 bird species. Only 221 km (137.32 mi) from Cape Town, Elands Bay offers a variety of adventurous activities such as surfing, rowing, sailing, rock climbing, mountain biking, bird watching, whale watching, and fishing.

Fork West Holiday Apartments is the perfect beach getaway in South Africa, located just a short distance from popular tourist attractions such as Sandveld Museum and Bird Island Nature Reserve. Each room comes with a fully equipped kitchenette. Some units also include a balcony or patio for guests to enjoy the stunning views.

3. Durban (from USD 462)

With more than 4.5 million in population, Durban is tagged as one of the most populous cities in South Africa. With that number, Durban is blessed with innovative and creative people who have established beach holiday attractions in the city. Also, since Durban is a populous city, expect a mix of diverse cultures and architecture for every beach resort you may visit. If you’re looking for an A-lister celebrity treatment for your next beach holiday, The Oyster Box will provide amenities such as a mini bar, satellite TV, free use of wi-fi connection, private lounge area, swimming pool, and comfy bed.

4. Mossel Bay (from USD 50)

Mossel Bay is a harbor town in South Africa where tourism skyrockets yearly because of the great beaches everyone can visit here. For international and local tourists, some of the top beach holiday destinations here are Santos Beach and Diaz Beach. The waters around and beneath these sandy beaches are from the Indian Ocean. To complement your next beach holiday in Mossel Bay with a colorful experience, the Point Village Hotel in Mossel Bay is the accommodation you should pick. Point Village Hotel features self-catering apartments, with colorful rooms equipped with a flat-screen TV, a small kitchen facility, and free wi-fi.

5. Cape Town (from USD 167)

There’s no way your South African trip is complete without visiting Cape Town. Cape Town is popular with tourists because of Instagram-worthy crystal-clear beaches. These past few years, Cape Town’s trending beach has been Boulders Beach where tourists can enjoy the sandy beach with a colony of cute penguins. When you’re in Cape Town, be sure to check in at Bliss Boutique Hotel. This hotel will give you heavenly views of Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean. Amenities include free private parking, air-conditioned rooms with a flat-screen TV and free wi-fi.

6. Knysna (from USD 76)

If you want to spend your next beach holiday in a town surrounded by lush ancient forests, head to Knysna. You can take a day tour at Knysna Lagoon, Knysna’s most popular destination because of the salt and freshwater fusion of the lagoon. Nearby this beautiful lagoon, you’ll get many choices of beach apartments. Among these many beach accommodations, Under Milkwood Resort stands out. This luxurious hotel-resort features phenomenal views of the Knysna Lagoon and surrounding milkwood trees. Unlike many other hotels in the area, Under Milkwood Resort houses chalets equipped with a full kitchen and private sundeck.

7. Hout Bay (from USD 80)

Hout Bay is considered one of the best coastal holiday destinations in South Africa. A perfect beach holiday is where you can unwind somewhere near the seaside and where you can indulge in seafood dishes cooked by local restaurants – Hout Bay can offer these experiences. You can also enjoy awesome beach holidays through boat cruises in this town. These boat cruises take tourists to a popular South African island called Duiker Island. At Duiker Island, you can have fun watching cute seals. After your boat cruise trip or any other beach holiday activities in Hout Bay, stay at Hout Bay Breeze. Hout Bay Breeze is a mountainside hotel with each room equipped with a comfy bed, an air-conditioning unit, and a flat-screen TV.

8. Simon's Town (from USD 95)

Fall in love with the majestic views of the False Bay and the Simons Kloof mountains when you take a trip to Simon’s Town. Simon’s Town is arguably one of the best holiday destinations in South Africa because of the stunning beaches with whales, seals, and penguins. To get the perfect views of Simon’s Town’s beauty, your accommodation pick should be Quayside Hotel. Most rooms in this hotel have private balconies overlooking Simons Kloof mountains. Simon’s Town Quayside hotel has a perfect location because it’s just near Boulder Beach, one of the most popular attractions in the area.

9. Hermanus (from USD 184)

Hermanus is a hidden gem nestled on the southern coast of West Cape Town. Tourists love Hermanus because of the relaxing beach holiday activities it offers such as whale watching tours, wine hopping, sea-kayaking, or just simply sunbathing at the beaches. You deserve a relaxing vacation in Hermanus with world-class service. For that, choose Mosselberg on Grotto Beach. Mosselberg on Grotto Beach is a boutique hotel that offers an excellent location and lovely views of the Hermanus town. It is conveniently near the airport and interesting attractions such as the Hamilton Russel Vineyards and Village Square.

10. Paternoster (from USD 115)

If you’d like your next beach holiday to be different from just the usual swimming or sunbathing at beach resorts, take a trip to Paternoster. At Paternoster, you can spend your beach holiday by feeling the warm breeze from the sea while interacting with the locals at the many fishing villages in town. If you’d like to bathe in extremely cold water, you can contact a local guide to take you to the West Coast. For your accommodation needs, choose the Strandloper Ocean Boutique Hotel. What makes Strandloper Ocean Boutique Hotel unique is that each of the rooms is equipped with power-saving appliances and have organic embellishments such as handmade stone baths and basins.

11. Port Elizabeth (from USD 106)

Port Elizabeth is considered as the windy city in South Africa. This city is well-known to tourists for having amazing beaches, cool surf spots and rich marine life. If you want to experience a breezy beach holiday, you should explore this major city situated in the Eastern Cape Province. When you’re in Port Elizabeth, check-in at The Beach Hotel to see breathtaking views and exciting things to do such as sunbathing on the poolside, swimming, and snorkeling.

12. Ballito (from USD 111)

Ballito is a holiday destination town in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, known for surfing beaches and world-class hotel accommodations. Aside from warm beaches, some of the favorite tourist attractions here are crocodile farms and biking trails. You can also experience outstanding hotel service in Ballito by choosing Fairmont Zimbali Resort. Here, you can take advantage of amenities such as a luxurious spa, TV, wi-fi, lobby bar, tea room, and spacious bathrooms.

Enjoy your vacation in South Africa

The best way to reach your goals is to stay motivated. And to stay motivated, you have to treat yourself regularly. For instance, take an amazing beach holiday in South Africa by choosing the best accommodation from the list we’ve provided above. Whether you’re traveling solo or with a group, go ahead and don’t hold back because traveling will give you a renewed sense of inspiration.