Noordhoek

Your jaw will drop as you encounter the view after cornering the last sharp bend of Chapman's Peak Drive in the direction of Noordhoek village. The huge stretch of white sandy beach is dotted with surfers, beach walkers, dogs, horse riders and kite surfers.

Cape Town’s most rural suburb has preserved its countrified atmosphere despite ongoing development. The valley is characterized by leafy lanes, horses grazing on the common and cows, pigs, poultry, rabbits and even lamas roaming around the pretty gardens. Life here is serene and super chilled but not overly sleepy.

Noordhoek boasts an award-winning wine estate producing Sauvignon Blanc grapes for the Cape Point Vineyards. The Foodbarn Restaurant and Café Roux at Noordhoek Farm deliver amazing posh nosh. Grab regular pub grub at the Toad or the Red Herring for blowout pizza. Noordhoek Farm Village also offers a great selection of arts and crafts at some unique little shops.

There’s so much to do here with fabulous hiking in the mountains and birding in a prime wetlands area. Drive over Ou Kaapse Weg for excellent mountain biking, hiking or picnicking and braaing in the Silvemine section of Table Mountain National Park. Horse riding on Noordhoek beach is phenomenal – contact Sleepy Hollow or Imhoff Equestrian Centre. And the surfing on Noordhoek beach is legendary. Enjoy sundowners overlooking Noordhoek beach or walk to the Kakapo shipwreck. Look out for whales or dolphins in season.