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Beautiful Hermanus; it is a town that has a pleasant habit of getting under your skin in the most meaningful and irresistible of ways.
Hermanus is as popular with the locals who love to spend a weekend here, soaking up that laidback coastal vibe in summer, or curling up by a fire, listening to the wind roaring in winter, as it is with international travellers who leave understanding why this spot has been lauded as one of the most desirable places to live in South Africa.
Just about a 2-hour drive from Cape Town, this Western Cape destination has mastered the art of balance; it’ll give you ocean and mountain, salt and soil, wine and so much wonder.
For those planning a Western Cape holiday, Hermanus will give you the time and space to unwind and restore your senses, and it will allow you to simply take in every moment so that it becomes ingrained in your soul and a part of your favourite travel memories.
Before you read our guide to one of South Africa’s most idyllic places, take a visual trip through Hermanus and all of the best destinations and lesser-known spots that have made this small town beloved by local and international guests.
Destination Highlights
Hermanus itself is usually what travellers will come to see.
The town has racked up various other accolades over the years, most culinary and wine-related, and it is probably best known for being one of the best places in South Africa to see the Southern Right Whale.
Home to a population of around 87 000 people, Hermanus is considered to be one of the smaller towns in South Africa, with much of its population being seasonal rather than permanent residents.
Aside from the town and its spectacular coastal views, when you’re visiting Hermanus for your Cape holiday, there are a few other destinations worth visiting.
The Cliff Path
Breathe in the Ocean Air
Stretching for more than 10 kilometres, the Cliff Path is a scenic trail well-known for giving walkers some of the best land-based whale watching.
The trail hugs the shoreline, weaving between sculpted benches, wild fynbos, and a few eclectic art installations that form the town’s open-air sculpture garden, its works framing the sea like moving art.
Early mornings bring stillness, and afternoons, the distant call of whales. It’s a walk you’ll want to take your time with.
Recommended Activities:
- Stroll the full stretch from Grotto Beach to the New Harbour
- Stop for coffee and people-watching at the Marine Drive cafés
- Visit the outdoor art installations along the path
- Go whale watching if you are visiting between August and September.
Hemel-en-Aarde Valley
Indulge in some of South Africa’s Best Wines
“Heaven and Earth”, the name says it all.
The Hemel-en-Aarde Valley is where you’ll see old vineyards that roll across the valley, tall mountains and a patchwork of farmland.
Hemel-en-Aarde is Hermanus wine country, and it is home to family-owned boutique estates and some of South Africa’s finest Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs.
The best way to spend time here is to spend a whole day moving between vineyards, tasting your way through the valley. If you’re an ardent oenophile or a foodie, you’ll love visiting Creation Wines, Bouchard Finlayson Winery, Ataraxia Wines, Hamilton Russell Vineyards, La Vierge, and Bosman Hermanus.
Not only are these wine farms a great place to learn about the ancient technique of winemaking, but they also have places to dine, stunning scenery, and a few other things to keep you entertained.
Recommended Activities:
- Wine tastings at award-winning vineyards
- Lunch at Spookfontein with panoramic valley views
- Visit an art gallery or ceramic studio along the wine route
- Join a guided wine and food pairing experience
The Windsor Hotel
Wake up to the Sounds of the Sea
Perched right on the edge of the cliffs, the Windsor Hotel is a Hermanus landmark.
It is elegant yet unpretentious, with sea spray on its windows and comfortable, sophisticated furnishings throughout.
When you stay at The Windsor Hotel, you can fall asleep to the ocean’s hush and wake to waves curling below your window.
Mornings here start with a slow breakfast and a long gaze across Walker Bay, where you’ll often spot whales surfacing in greeting during the right season.
Recommended Activities:
- Enjoy a glass of local Pinot Noir as the sun dips
- Watch whales from your room’s balcony during the season
- Take a morning walk straight from the hotel to the Cliff Path
- Explore the nearby markets and galleries in town
Hermanus Market
Just the Place to Mingle Like a Local
Small town South Africa is all about the community, and no place quite does it like Hermanus and its buzzing Saturday morning Country Market.
It’s a gathering of locals, farmers, and artisans, all with something delicious, handmade, or heart-filled to share.
Walking around the market, you’ll find fresh pastries, organic cheeses, fragrant coffee, and a wide variety of unique handmade keepsakes.
The market hums with live music, friendly chatter, and that unmistakable sense of community that makes Hermanus so special.
Recommended Activities:
- Sample local cheeses and olives from family farms
- Browse handmade crafts and coastal-inspired jewellery
- Chat to local artists about their work
- Sip fresh-pressed juices under the oak trees
Sir Lowry’s Pass
Take to the Long, Winding Road through the Mountains
Driving into or out of Hermanus, you’ll be travelling on Sir Lowry’s Pass, a stretch of mountain road that feels like the world is opening up beneath you.
The pass was built between 1828 and 1830, and before that, those moving through the area needed a team of oxen to pull their wagons over the mountain.
Today, you can still see the grooves in the rock made by the iron wheels of the ox carts.
And like all good, misty mountain passes, there are rumours of ghosts and phantom sightings, which can be easy to believe when the weather turns bad.
For the best views, you can head back here mid-morning, when paragliders dot the sky and the valley stretches out before you like the scene from a painting. It’s an experience that feels weightless and freeing.
Recommended Activities:
- Watch paragliders take flight over the pass
- Capture panoramic photos of the valley below
- Stop for a picnic at the lookout point
- Visit nearby farm stalls for homemade treats
5 Fun Things to Do in Hermanus
Hermanus knows how to keep you busy and in the best possible way.
With its oceanfront paths, creative atmosphere, and relaxed café culture, you can slow down and savour the good life. Hermanus might not be the biggest town, but there’s plenty to keep you busy. While visiting the town, you can:
- Wander through the Town’s Art Galleries and Sculpture Gardens
Much like many other towns along the Western Cape’s southern coast, Hermanus has a big art scene. The town has 18 art galleries, showing off ceramics, sculptures, paintings, photography and jewellery. On the first Friday of the month, art galleries in central Hermanus stay open until 8 pm.
There is also Sculpture on the Cliffs, an exhibit that is part of the FynArts Festival.
- Sample Small-Batch Gin and Locally Roasted Coffee at the Harbour
Craft culture is a big deal in Hermanus. Coffee spots like Mikro and Tulip Coffee Roasting specialise in small-batch coffee bean roasting. If you are not a coffee snob, you can always visit one of the many coffee shops to try out the homemade cakes and pastries. No one makes great food and coffee quite like a locally owned cafe.
The town is also known for its flavour-rich small batch gin. You can head to Misty Mountains Wine Estate for a sample.
- Join a Guided Kayak Tour for a Close-up View of the Coastline
Views from the shore are magnificent, but getting up closer to the coastline will give you a whole new perspective. There are various kayak options available, so do your research to find the right one for you.
- Visit the Old Harbour Museum for a Look at Maritime History
Hermanus might not have a maritime past like Simon’s Town, its neighbour a few kilometres away, but a visit to the Old Harbour Museum will be well worth your time if you have an interest in such history.
- Spend a Lazy Afternoon at Grotto Beach, one of South Africa’s Blue Flag Beaches
After a couple of days spent on the move, giving yourself a lazy afternoon at the beach is a great way to wind down a fantastic holiday.
Watching Whales
Hermanus is one of the world’s best land-based whale-watching destinations, and sightings of the Southern Right Whales peak from June to November (South Africa’s winter and spring months).
During these months, the whales arrive to mate and calve in the calm, protected waters of Walker Bay.
Pregnant whales will also arrive during this time, although they are generally the last to appear. The mothers give birth to their calves here, and, once the calves can swim in the Atlantic current, they leave, usually long after the other whales have headed back to the deeper waters.
Along with spotting whales, you’ll also get to see pods of dolphins, African penguins and Cape Fur Seals.
Hermanus has it all: great markets, delectable wines, a thriving art culture and a peaceful atmosphere that invites you to sit back and enjoy the sights and sounds of the ocean.
The ideal way to experience it all is to book a guided Hermanus tour, one that will ensure you visit all the best attractions, stay in the finest accommodation, and still have plenty of time to put your feet up.
And we have just the tour for you.
Hermanus is known for its stunning coastal scenery, exceptional whale watching, and world-class wines from the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley.
Absolutely. It’s a destination that feels both relaxed and refined, perfect for foodies, wine lovers, art enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a coastal escape.
Yes, and they’re magnificent. Southern Right Whales visit Hermanus each year, especially between June and November. You can often see them from the shore.
September and October are peak whale months, when sightings are most frequent and dramatic.
Walk the Cliff Path, explore the beaches, visit the open-air art installations, or enjoy the market’s lively atmosphere, all without spending a cent.
