Whether you prefer the warmer waters and family-friendly attractions of False Bay, or the glamorous sands on the Atlantic Seaboard, Cape Town is home to some of South Africa’s best beaches.
But even amongst the best beaches in Cape Town, there are a few that stand out for offering world-class services, user-friendly facilities and a commitment to upholding environmental standards. The best of the best, as they say, earn coveted Blue Flag status.
South Africa has long been a member of the international Blue Flag program, an internationally recognised eco-label awarded to beaches, marinas, and sustainable boating tourism operators that meet strict environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility criteria.
First awarded in 1987, Blue Flag aims to promote sustainable tourism and environmental stewardship globally. In South Africa, the program has been operational since 2001, with 18 coastal municipalities participating. The initiative not only enhances local economies by boosting tourism, but also promotes environmental education and community involvement. By 2030, the goal is to award 100 Blue Flag sites in South Africa.
And earning a Blue Flag certainly isn’t easy: there are 33 strict criteria to meet, from the quality of the water to the environmental education that happens. Accessibility and visitor facilities are also taken into account.
This year 48 beaches around South Africa’s coastline made the cut, including eight in the city of Cape Town and two in the ‘Overstrand’ region. The 2024 Blue Flag-certified beaches in Cape Town are:
- Clifton 4th, which has been a Blue Flag beach for 20 years
- Camps Bay
- Llandudno
- Muizenberg
- Fish Hoek
- Bikini Beach, which has been a Blue Flag beach for 10 years
- Melkbossstrand
- Silwerstroomstrand
A little further afield in the Overstrand – take scenic Clarence Drive for the best views en route – both Kleinmond Beach and Grotto Beach in Hermanus were given Blue Flag status this year.
Don’t want a dip in the actual ocean? Try the Time Out guide to the Best Tidal Pools in Cape Town.