With a coastline of more than 2500 kilometres, South Africa is home to some of the best and most stunning beaches in the world. The coastline spans several provinces and geological regions, which means the beaches and natural surroundings are extremely varied in many ways.

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Tropical and exotic beaches with golden sand can be found in the eastern part of the country. The mild temperatures and warm water of the Indian ocean attract year round visitors to these stunning beaches in South Africa.

The Cape province and the west coast of South Africa has very cold water from the Atlantic ocean. The pristine white beaches with soft sand are very inviting for sunbathing and endless long walks along the shore. During season it is easy to spot whales and dolphins along the coast. The Wild Coast and part of the Eastern Cape are home to a very dramatic and rugged coastline, with amazing beaches in the numerous bays carved out by the ocean.

Blue Flag beaches South Africa

What is a Blue Flag beach?

Blue Flag is an eco-label that is awarded to beaches, marinas and sustainable boating tourism operations. Based on certain criteria, beaches can get granted a Blue Flag accreditation.

The official Blue Flag criteria are:

• Environmental education and information
• Water quality
• Environmental management
• Safety and services

These standards help ensure that Blue Flag beaches are clean, safe, and environmentally responsible.

For the season 2024-2025 a total of 48 South African beaches have been awarded with the Blue Flag, of which 8 Cape Town beaches are on the list. This means that for the visitors the beaches are safe, clean and have well-managed facilities. Some of the South African beaches that have we have listed have been granted a Blue Flag. In general the quality of the beaches in South Africa meet high standards, even without the Blue Flag label.

20 best beaches in South Africa you need to visit

Over the years we've travelled throughout the country, visiting many of the most stunning beaches in South Africa. It is not easy to select 'only' 20 South African beaches, since most of them are worth a visit. I have made a selection of beaches we have visited and that we really loved, either for the beauty of it, or because of our personal preference.

Also whether you can go for a swim when visiting a specific beach will depend on the time of year you'll be visiting.

20. Ushaka Beach in Durban

The Golden Mile is the beachfront area of the city of Durban in Kwazulu Natal province, stretching all the way from Ushaka Marine World to the Suncoast Casino. Nearly 2.6 kilometres (1.62 miles) of golden sand and warm tropical waters are interrupted at regular intervals by various piers. Swimming is allowed where the lifeguards are located.

The Durban beachfront is divided into various sections with Ushaka beach being my favourite. With street performers, the nearby shopping centre and the uShaka Aquarium, there is always something going on, apart from sunbathing and swimming. You can walk on the Ushaka Pier to enjoy the panoramic views over the beachfront and Durban skyline. It’s also a beautiful spot to watch the sunrise over the ocean.

Where to stay: The best place to stay when in Durban is on the golden mile beachfront area. A good hotel where we love to stay is Southern Sun Elangeni where you have lovely views over the Indian ocean. Belaire Suites is another favourite, especially when staying near North Beach.

TIP: Durban beachfront and Ushaka Marine World are lovely to explore by yourself. However, should you want to explore the city of Durban itself, I would recommend to join either this guided walking tour or this guided tour including a visit to the local market. Due to safety concerns, I wouldn’t advise exploring the city solo.

Things to do at Durban beachfront:

• Visit Ushaka Marine World which has an aquarium, waterpark and various restaurants.
• Walk or cycle along the Golden Mile promenade.
• Book a surf lesson with a local surf school.
• Try local Durban street food, like bunny chow in the various restaurants along the beachfront.

19. Leisure Bay - KwaZulu Natal South Coast

Beautiful swimming beaches, tropical and lush vegetation and a great climate makes Leisure Bay a popular holiday destination on the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal. The warm water of the Indian ocean is very perfect for swimming,  snorkelling and surfing.

Basically there are quite a few beaches on the Durban South Coast, all long stretches of tropical beaches, some more popular than the others, for various reasons. I chose Leisure Bay, since it was a holiday favourite of Sean and his family when he was growing up. He spent all his childhood summer holidays on the beach here with many wonderful memories.

Where to stay: We love to stay at TO Strand Holiday Resort, located right next to the beach, offering both chalets as camping pitches. There are various other accommodation options available in Leisure Bay as well as the nearby town of Port Edward, ranging from self-catering cottages to guesthouses and small hotels. Browse for more accommodations.

18. Bloubergstrand

Bloubergstrand offers one of the best panoramic views of the iconic Table Mountain, along with some of the most spectacular sunsets in Africa. The beach tends to get pretty windy which makes it a very popular place for kitesurfers from all over the world. Bloubergstrand is located just 15 kilometres north of Cape Town. The name means "Blue Mountain Beach" in Afrikaans, one of South Africa’s official languages.

Where to stay: With stunning views of the ocean and Table Mountain, BlaauwVillage Boutique Guesthouse is a great place to stay. Another great option is Blaauwberg Beach Hotel, located right on the beachfront with easy access to the promenade.

Things to do in Bloubergstrand:

• Go kitesurfing or just watch the action as Blouberg is one of the world's top kitesurfing destinations.
• Enjoy the view with a drink at one of the beachfront cafés, especially at sunset.
• Take a picture of Table Mountain at the yellow frame between Blouberg and Eden on Bay.
• Enjoy a walk or bike ride on the promenade

Good to know: Bloubergstrand is known for its strong winds, which is exactly why it's such a popular kitesurfing destination. Also if you are planning to swim, note that the Atlantic Ocean here is quite cold, even in summer.

17. Noordhoek beach

Noordhoek beach is an 8kilometre (5 miles) stretch of unspoilt pristine white sand along the Atlantic coast. It’s not a popular spot for sunbathers, as the water is very cold and the beach often catches the famous strong Cape Town winds. However this untamed, beautiful beach is a favourite for walking, jogging, surfing and horse riding.

The beach can be reached from Cape Town via the spectacular Chapman's Peak Drive, which also offers some of the best views of Noordhoek Beach from above. On the southern end, at the other side, the beach ends at the rustic seaside village of Kommetjie, known for its laid-back surf culture and charming coastal vibe.

Where to stay in Noordhoek Beach: Willow Beach House has stunning sea views and is right next to the beach. Monkey Valley Resort is a hideway in milkwood forest and direct access to Noordhoek Beach.

Where to stay in Kommetjie: If you prefer to stay at the other end of Noordhoek Beach in Kommetjie then The House of Braganza is an excellent choice, as well as the 5 star hotel Last Word Long Beach.

Things to do:

• Take a drive through Chapman's Peak, South Africa's most scenic drive.
• Walk along the beach and visit the Kakapo shipwreck.
• Go Horseback riding on Noordhoek Beach.

16. Paternoster

Paternoster is a small picturesque seaside town on South Africa's West Coast. The village draws many local visitors, especially during summer and wildflower season, when the whole area turns into a carpet of spectacular colours.

Many people are attracted by the white houses of the Cape Dutch architecture, great seafood and of course the long stretch of white sandy beach. It is perfect for a weekend getaway, to observe the marine bird life and to enjoy some tranquil, peaceful beach time.

Where to stay: Paternoster offers a range of charming guesthouses, self-catering cottages and boutique hotels. Some recommended places to stay are Strandloper Ocean Boutique Hotel, Abalone House and Oystercatchers Haven. But there are many more great places to stay in Paternoster.

15. Platboom beach in Cape Point

Most visitors to the Cape Peninsula head straight for the lighthouse at Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope. However, the peninsula is actually a stunning national park, rich wildlife and beautiful nature and scenery. There are also some very pristine and deserted beaches to be discovered in the natural reserve.

Platboom beach is one of these gems, with soft white sand, some great and unique scenery and most of all, hardly any visitors. When we were there, we had the whole beach to ourselves while the coaches and tourists were queuing just a little bit further on up the peninsula. Here is where one can truly enjoy the Cape Point and the most South western tip of Africa.

Good to know: Platboom beach is part of the Cape Point Nature Reserve and remains largely untouched. Keep in mind that the beach is a bit remote. The Atlantic Ocean here is cold and currents can be very strong so be very careful when swimming.

Tip: Wildlife such as baboons and ostriches roam around the area, so when you see them, make sure to keep a safe distance.

14. Sedgefield beach

Sedgefield, located in the heart of the Garden Route and is known for it relaxed atmosphere and natural beauty. The town has five stunning beaches that flow into one another along the coastline, creating a long stretch of sand. It's great for walking, playing, sunbathing and just relaxing.

Protected by the dunes, the beaches are popular with families, especially during the holiday. There are demarcated areas that are guarded and safe for swimming, making it a safe and enjoyable destination for all ages.

Where to stay: Sedgefield offers plenty of great accommodation options to suit different tastes and budgets. Some highlighted places are Sedgies on the Water and The Gull.

13. Namaqua National Park beach

Namaqua National Park is best known for its spectacular wildflowers and therefore most visited during the wildflower season. These flowers turn the whole area into a carpet of the most amazing colours.

The coastal area of the park is home to some amazingly pristine beaches. Mostly of these beaches are visited by travellers staying overnight in the various campsites along the coast. Most of these camps only have 2 to maximum 6 stands so visitors are few. Most of the times you will have these white pristine beaches all to yourself. It is just amazing to discover the Namaqua coastline on a deserted beach, amidst a wide variety marine birdlife.

Where to stay: Accommodation inside the Namaqua National Park is managed by Sanparks and mainly consists of small rustic campsites and a few self catering chalets. Bookings to stay inside the park are to be made directly on the Sanparks website.

Good to know: Especially during wildflower season, it's highly recommended to book well in advance as accommodation is limited.

Tip: The campsites don't have running water nor electricity and only a long drop toilet. You need to be fully self sufficient if you want to camp there.

Where to stay outside the park: When staying outside the National Park, Harry's Place in Kamieskroon is a good option as well as the Kamieskroon hotel.

12. Morgan Bay

Morgan Bay is a quiet and charming seaside town that we discovered while travelling through the Wild Coast on our way to the Garden Route. It has beautiful surroundings, a nice lagoon with lots of bird life and a seemingly endless stretch of golden beach.

The seemingly endless stretch of golden beach is perfect for long tranquil wals, surfing and swimming when conditions allow. Morgan Bay’s relaxed vibe, combined with its scenic beauty, makes it an ideal destination for those looking to unwind and connect with nature.

Where to stay: We stayed at the Morgan Bay Caravan Park, located right by the lagoon. The Morgan Bay Hotel is right next to the campsite.

11. Kraalbaai beach in West Coast National Park

Kraalbaai beach is located on the shores of the Langebaan lagoon in the West Coast National Park, managed by Sanparks. It's a narrow stretch of sandy beach, overlooking the beautiful lagoon. Kraalbaai is popular for a variety of watersports including kayaking, fishing, swimming, boating and waterskiing.

Due to its proximity to Cape Town (about 100 km), it's a favourite spot for families and friends to gather for beach picnics or summer braais (which is a South African barbecue), especially on weekends when it can get quite busy.

One of the special things to do in Kraalbaai is staying overnight in one of the house boats moored on the lagoon.

Tip: The beach is located on the tip of the West Coast National Park, take some time to enjoy the bird life or the wild flowers during season. A small entry fee is to be paid for accessing the park.

10. Muizenberg Beach

Muizenberg, a laid-back seaside suburb of Cape Town, has possibly one of the most photographed beaches in South Africa. Muizenberg Beach is famous for its row of beautiful Victorian beach houses in all colours of the rainbow. These colourful beach huts have become an iconic symbol of the area.

Muizenberg also has a very active surfing scene, with gentle waves perfect for beginners and a friendly welcoming surf community. The beach attracts a diverse crowd of locals and tourists alike, making it a vibrant and energetic place.

Thanks to the warmer waters of False Bay, swimming here is much more comfortable compared to the colder Atlantic side of the peninsula. So swimming in the water here won't send you into hypothermic shock.

Where to stay: Muizenberg offers a wide range of accommodation suiting every budget. There are self catering apartments with ocean views, cozy guesthouses near the beach and stylish boutique stays. Discover here the options Muizenberg has to offer.

Things to do:

• Take a private surf lesson on one of the best surf spots in South Africa.
• Admire the iconic and instagram worthy colourful beach huts.
• Have a drink in one of the beachside cafés or local surf shop.
• Walk or cycle the route from Muizenberg to Kalk Bay along the coastline.
• Join a full day Cape Peninsula tour if you are not staying in Muizenberg but want to visit this beach.

9. Wilderness Beach

Wilderness beach is situated in the heart of the Garden Route. It's a beautiful vast stretch of beach with soft and clean sand making it a perfect beach for long walks or a refreshing swim in the ocean. The beach feels expansive and peaceful, with fewer crowds than some of the more commercial spots along the coast.

One of the best view of the beach you get is from the parking area on the N2, right at the mouth of the Kaaiman river. A visit to Wilderness should definitely be on your Garden Route itinerary, not just for the beach but also for the tranquil vibe of the surrounding village and nature.

Where to stay: Wilderness has some great accommodation. We recommend Xanadu Guest Villa as well as Escape to the Beach, both stylish beachfront guesthouses. Or choose any of these lovely accommodations.

8. Ballito & Salt Rock Beach - North Coast KwaZulu Natal

Located along the Dolphin Coast of KwaZulu Natal, just 40 km (25 miles) north of Durban, Ballito and Salt Rock are popular beach destinations known for their warm waters and chilled atmosphere. We love the beaches here, especially the tidal rock pools both in Salt Rock and Ballito as they offer a beautiful setting and safe swimming, perfect for families with kids

The wooden promenade along Ballito's beachfront is great for a beautiful and scenic stroll or job, especially at sunrise. Both the Salt Rock as the Ballito areas have a vibrant coastal village vibe, with plenty of beach cafés, artisan shops and relaxed eateries to enjoy after a swim.

Where to stay: In Salt Rock I recommend staying in the Salt Rock Hotel, as it has easy beachfront access, a lovely garden with palmtrees and a tidal pool at its door. The Salt Rock caravan park is next door and a great place to stay when camping. In Ballito, Petit Provence B&B and Coco de Mer Boutique hotel are great options.

7. Boulders Beach

Boulders Beach is famous for its resident colony of African penguins that have made the sheltered coves their home. Located near Simon’s Town on the Cape Peninsula, this beach offers visitors the rare opportunity to get close to these lovely birds in their natural habitat.

The calm, clear waters and sheltered bays make it perfect for swimming and snorkelling, while the soft white sand invites relaxing strolls. It’s a magical spot where wildlife and beach lovers come together for a once in a life time experience. I mean, who can say they have swam with penguins in Africa?

Tip: The highlight of a visit to Boulders Beach is the see the African penguins. In this guide you can read all about how to visit them.

Where to stay: Both the Boulders Beach Hotel and the Tintswalo Boulders are close to the beach. Other accommodation can be found in the nearby Simon's Town.

6. Umhlanga Rocks beach

Located just north of the city of Durban, Umhlanga is a popular holiday destination for both locals and international visitors. The warm Indian Ocean and year-round tropical climate make it perfect for swimming, especially in the designated areas with lifeguards. 

The golden sandy beach is wide and welcoming, ideal for sunbathing or simply relaxing. One of the highlights is the paved promenade that stretches along the beachfront which a lovely way to enjoy sea views without walking through the sand. The iconic red and white Umhlanga Lighthouse adds charm to the landscape and is a popular photo stop.

Where to stay Umhlanga offers a wide range of accommodations. From the luxurious The Oyster Box to the more affordable Protea Hotel, Umhlanga has it all.

5. Coffee Bay - Hole in The Wall

The Wild Coast offers some of the most unspoilt and best beaches in South Africa. Along the rugged coastline of the Transkei, you’ll find remote, untouched stretches of sand where it’s not uncommon to have the beach entirely to yourself.

One of the better-known spots in this region is Coffee Bay and the iconic Hole in the Wall. It's a spectacular rock formation featuring a natural arch carved by centuries of wave erosion on a tidal island. The nearby beach has an amazing view of this massive landmark and is the perfect place to cool down and unwind after exploring the area. The vibe here is relaxed and laid-back, offering a true escape from busy tourist hubs.

Where to stay: Coffee Shack Backpackers is located in Coffee Bay and a long time favourite among travellers. It's a rustic backpackers with a lovely atmosphere and a lush garden to relax.

4. Jeffrey’s Bay

Jeffrey's Bay, locally best known as JBay, is one of the top surf meccas of the world. The seaside town has been attracting surfers from around the globe for many years, especially during the annual international surf competitions. The waves in Jeffrey's Bay, particularly the famous Supertubes, are regarded as some of the best in the world.

But even if surfing isn't your thing, JBay is still well worth a visit. It has a relaxed vibe, long stretches of clean, soft white sand, and beautiful views of the Indian Ocean. It’s the perfect spot for beach walks or just soaking up the chilled atmosphere. There are also plenty of small cafés, surf shops, and seafood restaurants to explore, especially in the area around Da Gama Road.

Where to stay: Jeffrey's Bay has lots of great accommodations to choose from. To highlight some: Island Vibe is a popular backpackers place and Nine on Uys Street is a lovely B&B.

3. Clifton Beach in Cape Town

Clifton beach, one of the more iconic and popular beaches in Cape Town, is actually made up of four separate coves. They are conveniently known as Clifton 1, Clifton 2,...Clifton 4. Easy? Each of the four white sand beaches are separated by giant granite boulders, which not only create a sense of intimacy but also offer welcome shelter from the Cape’s notorious summer winds during the hot summer months.

Access is via pedestrian stairs leading down from the road above and while the climb back up might be a bit of a workout, the views more than make up for it. The beaches each have their own vibe: Clifton 4th is the most popular and family-friendly, while Clifton 1st tends to be quieter and popular with locals.

The sunsets here are absolutely magical, making it one of the most spectacular ocean sunsets in South Africa. Just don’t expect to spend too long in the water as the Atlantic here is icy year-round, thanks to the Antarctic currents.

Where to stay: Accommodation in Clifton is limited and mostly consist of exclusive villas and private apartments. If you are looking for more options, neighbouring Camps Bay is just a few minutes away and offers a wider variety of hotels, guesthouses and beachfront apartments.

2. Mdumbi Beach

We discovered Mdumbi Beach while road tripping along the Wild Coast and it became one of our favourite stops. While it remains off the beaten track for most international travellers, Mdumbi is definitely cherished by those who know the Wild Coast area well and for a good reason. Compared to the more popular Coffee Bay nearby, Mdumbi feels quieter, more remote and so pristine.

The beach itself is spectacular with soft golden sand, warm Indian Ocean water and rolling green hills all around. It's especially popular with surfers who visit for its consistent waves and laid back atmosphere. We are not surfers but we stayed for an entire week, walking along the beach, swimming and just soaking up the peaceful surroundings.

During the right season, you can even enjoy some of the freshest local seafood, like oysters, gathered by hand from the nearby rocks.

Where to stay: We stayed at Mdumbi Backpackers as we were camping. It's located walking distance from the beach. At the other side of the Mdumbi river, you'll find Swell Eco Lodge, offering spectacular views.

1. Camps Bay in Cape Town

With the iconic The 12 Apostles mountain range as its backdrop, Camps Bay beach is definitely one of the beaches with some of the most spectacular scenery and one of the best Cape Town beaches. With palm trees, pristine white sand and turquoise blue water, this beach is mainly used for sunbathing and soaking in the view as swimming is rare due to the chilly ocean temperatures, even on hot summer days.

What makes Camps Bay so popular is the location and the many fancy bars and restaurants lined up along the beach, where you can sip a cocktail while admiring the famous golden African sunset over the Atlantic ocean. Often called the Beverly Hills of South Africa, Camps Bay is definitely a place to see and be seen.

Where to stay: There are plenty of nice places to stay in Camps Bay. Indulge in luxury in the iconic Bay Hotel, Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa or the Marly Boutique Hotel.

What is your favourite beach in South Africa and why?