What better way to celebrate this festive season with your loved ones than a picnic by the beach? It’s time to put on your best swimsuit and fill the picnic basket to the brim with snacks, because we’ve compiled a list of 6 picturesque beaches in South Africa perfect for a Christmas picnic.
1. Blouberg Beach, Cape Town
Credit: Aaron Yun/Unsplash
About 18 kilometres north of Cape Town’s city centre sits Blouberg, which is comprised of a few different beaches, including Dolphin Beach, Small Bay, and Big Bay. Aside from striking sunsets and soft sands, Blouberg offers a little bit of everything for everyone.
Small Bay is a popular spot for families, as there are fewer crowds, meaning there’s more space for the little ones to build sandcastles. A stone’s throw away sits Big Bay, a popular destination for kitesurfing. Blouberg also boasts the best view of the iconic Table Mountain and guarantees a stunning picture to share on social media.
Also Read: 10 beautiful guesthouses in Cape Town
2. Llandudno Beach, Cape Town
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Headed towards Hout Bay, down a narrow winding road off the highway sits Llandudno Beach. This unique beach is a favourite for the locals who are eager to escape the crowds at surrounding beaches.
With no restaurants or shops nearby, Llandudno Beach offers an escape from the daily nine-to-five grind and the city buzz. For those who can withstand the icy Atlantic waters, bodyboarding and surfing is a must. The beach is set in a cove filled with soft sand, ideal for picnics and building sandcastles.
3. Nahoon Beach, East London
Picture: mrpfeifer – Flickr Commons
This piece of paradise is a popular go-to for big-wave surfers, but swimmers and beach bums will have a blast too. The Nahoon River is also a big attraction and visitors can do boat rides, kayak and swim to their heart’s content. The Wild Coast’s incredible beauty never disappoints and is only a short drive from the city.
4. uShaka Beach, Durban
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uShaka Beach stretches along the southern end of Durban’s Golden Mile of Beaches. This family-friendly beach boasts a series of activities for the entirety of summer in South Africa.
Aside from the uShaka Marine World theme park right at the back of the beach, this picturesque beach is an all-year-round spot for surfers, kite surfers and kayakers. There is also a large pier that stretches out into the Indian Ocean, at the end of which sits a restaurant and bar.
5. North Beach, Durban
Credit: Toxic Bunny/Flickr Commons
Durban’s North Beach: golden sands that stretch for miles along the coastline, palm trees lining the shores, and pristine waters begging you to take a dip. This beach is surrounded by popular cafes and shops, so if you forget your sandwiches or cool drinks, you’re in luck.
Tourists flock to this beach to chase wicked barrel waves against the sun, and to take bikini-ready body pictures. If it’s not on your itinerary, it should be!
6. Salt Rock Beach, uMhlanga
Credit: HelenSTB/Flickr Commons
Just a mere 20-minute drive from Durban’s King Shaka International Airport sits Salt Rock Beach. A stretch off the shore of Salt Rock Beach, snorkellers and scuba divers can view the thriving reef.
Aside from surfing, this beach is unique for something that has not yet made it to this list – stand-up paddleboarding. Salt Rock Beach also takes safety one step further with shark nets and plenty of lifeguards. Once the little ones are done building sandcastles and having a snack on the picnic blanket, they can take a dip in the nearby tidal pool.
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