Paternoster, meaning “Our Father”, derives its name from the prayers of shipwrecked Portuguese sailors who were stranded along the coast many years ago. The quaint fishing village is located about an hour and a half’s drive from Cape Town, making it a popular getaway destination among Capetonians. It is one of the oldest towns along the West Coast, famous for its abundance of crayfish, white sandy beaches, and whale and dolphin spotting, which you can enjoy for 10 months of the year.

Paternoster is stunning at any time of year but after the first rains of spring, the landscape is transformed by a plethora of indigenous flowers that make the area exceptionally beautiful.

Various activities, from bird watching and beach buggy trips, to hiking, fishing, and crayfishing, can be enjoyed year round – though are best enjoyed in autumn – while trips to the nearby West Coast Fossil Park and the Cape Columbine Lighthouse (the last manned lighthouse built in 1936) are a must! If you’re interested in exploring Paternoster for yourself, here are some fantastic places to stay:

The Beach Camp™

The Beach Camp™  is located in the Cape Columbine Nature Reserve, and offers accommodation in cosy A-Frames and tents set right on the beach. The camp is relatively sheltered from the wind with fishing nets, and offers an unrivalled view of the ocean. Fitted sheets, pillows, and pillow slips are provided, but you will need to bring along your own sleeping bag or duvet. The facilities include communal ablutions with hot showers and eco-friendly toilets, a fireplace, bar, restaurant, and a fully-equipped kitchen. In the mornings, you can enjoy complimentary tea and coffee as you marvel at the view of the ocean, which is just a stone’s throw away. Please note that there is no electricity to ensure visitors have a truly unique and heightened experience. Read more.

Farr Out

Farr Out is a wonderful B&B on the outskirts of Paternoster and offers magnificent views across an indigenous garden towards the turquoise Atlantic Ocean. The accommodation consists of four beautifully decorated bedrooms that offer east or north facing views. Each room features twin, queen or king-sized beds, private patios or terraces, televisions, linen, tea and coffee facilities, and en-suite bathrooms with spacious showers. For a unique experience, you can spend the night in a tepee, which is nestled amongst the fynbos, and offers an octagonal bed. Curl up in the guest lounge with a good book, or soothe your tired muscles in the outdoor wood-fired hot tub. In the mornings, you can enjoy a superb English or Continental breakfast, and braai equipment can be provided on request for evening meals. Drift off to sleep listening to the sounds of nature, interrupted only by the foghorns in the distance. Read more.

Baywatch Guest House

Situated in Mosselbank, Baywatch Guest House offers a quiet retreat away from the busy centre of Paternoster. The guest house boasts manicured lawns that run down towards the dunes of the beach and the crashing waves of the ocean. There are four individually decorated en-suite bedrooms to choose from. Each room has a king-sized bed, television, mini bar, electric blanket, ceiling fan, and tea and coffee facilities, as well as a private patio. Catch up on some holiday reading in the guest lounge, or take a leisurely stroll to the beach. A delicious breakfast is served each morning, where cooked meals and homemade breads, cereals, yoghurts, stewed fruits, and fresh fruits can be enjoyed overlooking the winding coastline. Read more.

Paternoster Dunes Boutique Guest House

Paternoster Dune Boutique Guest House offers a charming and luxurious stay, just a few steps away from the beach. There are five individually themed bedrooms offering cotton percale linen, air conditioning, electric blankets, satellite television, wireless internet, complimentary bath products, bathrobes, minibars, and a nightly turndown service. The rooms all offer spectacular sea views and direct access to the beach from private terraces or patios. The guest house features a guest lounge, cocktail bar, small library, solar heated pool, beauty spa, and a sea-facing courtyard. Activities to be enjoyed include visiting the lighthouse, exploring the nature reserve, kite surfing, and sea kayaking. Read more.

Have you visited Paternoster? If so, let us know of any exciting activities to do while here.