PATERNOSTER
TRAVEL GUIDE - CAPE WEST COAST - SOUTH AFRICA
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Paternoster, heart of
the West Coast by Kobus van der Merwe
Barely an hour's drive from
Cape Town on the rugged West Coast, in a tranquil bay embroidered with
scattered rocks, is the beautiful fishing village of Paternoster.
With it's picturesque white washed houses, green-grey veld and turquoise
water, you'd be forgiven for thinking you've ended up in a remote hamlet
somewhere on the Mediterranean coast. Then again, you won't get anything
more authentically South African than the local delicacy of bokkoms (salted,
dried fish) - the seafood version of that other very South African treat,
biltong. |
| Being close to Cape Town,
this predominantly Afrikaans-speaking village is a popular weekend getaway
destination for affluent Capetonians who prefer the unspoilt West Coast
to the tourist friendlier South Coast. In summer the nearby camping site
at Tietiesbaai in the Cape Columbine nature reserve, is frequented by hardy
fisherman and snorkel divers.
 Although
the water is generally too cold for bathing, colourful boats baking in
the sun is a typical sight on the town's unspoilt stretch of beach. On
a good day up to thirty boats can be seen across the bay - almost all of
Paternoster's humble permanent inhabitants are still solely at mercy of
the sea to provide them with food and a means of income.
Legend has it that the town's
name, which is Latin for "Our Father's prayer", was given by Portuguese
seafarers who had trouble in rough seas. Grateful for having safely reached
shore, they vowed to build a church and christened the village Paternoster.
A visit to the Paternoster
hotel will give you a bit of insight into the town's colourful culture.
The hotel's infamous "panty bar" - with it's walls and ceiling covered
in women's underwear and dirty jokes - is where you'll find sturdy fishermen
watching sport on television while consuming copious amounts of Brandy
and coke. Across the road from the hotel's terrace, locals sell their catch
of the day - whether Snoek legally or Crayfish underhandedly (it is illegal
to buy or sell Crayfish or West Coast Rock Lobster with a recreational
Crayfish permit).
Down the road is the Paternoster
farm stall, where merchandise includes a delicious variety of homemade
seafood pickles like mussels with coriander and chili or curried calamari.
Diagonally opposite is the charming Oep ve Koep (the name directly translates
from an Afrikaans expression in typical West Coast slang as "open for buying")
where typical kitschy tourist memorabilia sit between a large collection
of antique enamelware, glass containers and vintage signage.
At the beach front market
indulge in the freshest fish and chips from the Seemeeu Kiosk or brave
the pungent smell and buy a bunch of bokkoms - truly a delectable substitute
for anchovy.
For the perfect ending to
a typical West-Coast visit, make dinner reservations at the quaint Die
Voorstrandt restaurant. Situated right on the beach in one of the oldest
buildings in the village, Die Voorstrandt offers a taste of the freshest
local seafood and unsurpassed views of the most beautiful West Coast sunset.
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| About the Author - City
Guide SA is a comprehensive one-stop travel resource providing visitors
to South Africa with up-to-date information on where to stay, eat and play
in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban. |
PATERNOSTER
BED & BREAKFAST/GUEST HOUSE ACCOMMODATION - CAPE WEST COAST
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Baywatch
Guest House, Bed & Breakfast, PATERNOSTER
The 4 star, 4 bedroom Guest
House offers stunning accommodation and facilities just 20m from the beach.
The interiors soft furnishings and textures reflect a unique combination
of the West Coast’s seashells, beaches and wild flowers. Enjoy delectable
breakfasts each morning while you look over a manicured lawn with the sea
just behind it. Situated in the small, unspoilt, tranquil crayfishing village
of Paternoster, an all year round destination halfway between everywhere
on the West Coast .150kms north of Cape Town on the coastal road R27 via
Vredenburg on R45. Famous for its traditional fisherman’s architecture,
endless pristine beaches to walk or run down, you may be lucky and get
a peek at the rare African Black Oystercatcher. Whales & dolphins frequent
the bay and if they are in residence you will see the whales blow and splash
around in the water, the dolphins love to surf the waves, a sight to behold. |
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Farr
Out Guest House, PATERNOSTER
How does the crayfish get
onto the plate? You will experience the personal contact with the
local fishermen when they land their boats onto the beach and proudly display
their catch of the day. Get excited and choose the correct size of
crayfish to suit your appetite. You may want to partake in first-hand
preparation until the fresh crayfish will be served onto your plate.
All this does not have to stay a dream. It can be real at Farr Out!
But that's not all! Stunning indigenous wild-flower-carpets between
the end of July and October will astonish you. Bird lovers can discuss
225 different species. Cape Columbine Nature Reserve nearby. Tietiesbaai
offers the last manned lighthouse of South Africa. Strolls along
the eight kilometer unspoiled white sandy beach, frequented by playful
dolphins and Southern Right whales in season, are a must...... and much
more to offer! |
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HIGHLY
RECOMMENDED BY OUR TRAVEL PARTNER:
The
Oystercatchers Haven at Paternoster, PATERNOSTER
The
Oystercatchers Haven at Paternoster is situated right on the beach and
just 2 minutes' drive from the village centre of Paternoster. It offers
a plunge pool and en-suite rooms with sea views. Rooms at The Oystercatchers
Haven combine old world charm decor with modern design. Each comes with
a verandah or balcony, en-suite bathroom, satellite TV, tea-and-coffee
making facilities and refrigerator. The stylishly decorated lounge has
a cozy fireplace an opens up onto a spacious verandah with magnificent
views. Restaurants are located within a 2 km radius and the property is
10 minutes' drive from the Columbine Nature Reserve |
More
accommodation in Paternoster
PATERNOSTER
SELF-CATERING ACCOMMODATION - CAPE WEST COAST
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Baywatch
Villa Collection, Self-Catering Villas & Cottages, PATERNOSTER
Baywatch Villa Collection
a unique collection of luxury accommodation in Paternoster on the Cape
West Coast - local architecture close to the beaches. AA Superior/3
& 4 Self Catering Accommodation (Furnished and fully equipped for ultimate
comfort and enjoyment... 'welcome' refreshments...pets by arrangement).
Paternoster a small unspoilt fishing village halfway between everywhere
on the West Coast 150kms north of Cape Town on coastal R27 via Vredenburg
on the R45. All year round destination famous for its traditional
fisherman’s architecture with endless pristine beaches, whales & dolphins,
sea birds and breathtaking sunsets. Foghorn adventure activities
with millions of indigenous flowers which open and densely carpet the earth
in bright bursts of colour in Springtime. Fishermen with their daily
catch locals offering “crawling” crayfish in season, delicious seafood. |
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Nieuview,
Holiday Home, PATERNOSTER
Are
you flying Business Class? Are you an executive? You have found
the right place to stay during your precise holiday. Imagine full, uninterrupted
sea views from the bed, bath, lounge, dining table. Enjoy a lazy, luxurious
holiday in a modern, fully serviced fishermans cottage. A unique
experience awaits you at Nieuview. Nieuview is a luxurious retreat
that taps into the natural relaxing powers of the sea to bring you a one-of-a-kind
experience. Bathed in natural light, accented by smooth stone flooring
and pristine white interior, Nieuview creates the ideal atmosphere for
relaxation for the executive. This tranquil environment provides the natural
properties of water and sand to soothe away stress and tension from the
every day. |
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HIGHLY
RECOMMENDED BY OUR TRAVEL PARTNER:
Pensione
Symi, Self-Catering Apartments, PATERNOSTER
Situated
in the quaint fishing village of Paternoster, Pensione Symi is situated
amongst the sand dunes of the Atlantic seashore, overlooking the ocean,
just 5 minutes' walk from Bekbaai beach. Free WiFi connection is available
throughout. The individually designed units have come with a lounge area
and a fully equipped kitchenette. They open onto a patio and garden, facing
the pool. Three of the units are located downstairs. One unit is situated
upstairs and offers an open plan bedroom, bathroom, a fully equipped kitchen
and spacious balcony with BBQ facilities. At Pensione Symi you will find
an outdoor pool. Activities in the surrounding area include kayaking, kite
surfing, fishing, hiking, bird watching, cycling and golf with the Cape
Columbine Nature Reserve and lighthouse only 10 minutes' drive away by
car. |
More
accommodation in Paternoster
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