Best beaches in South Africa

If you’re a sunseeker looking for your next sandy escape, South Africa is an excellent choice. Home to everything from vibrant city beaches to remote untouched coastlines, South Africa encompasses a variety of different backdrops for your next sunbathing session.

In this guide, we’ll take you on a virtual tour through the different regions of South Africa, identifying those with the most scenic beaches that you absolutely must visit.

Durban

Situated on South Africa’s east coast, Durban is a bustling coastal city known for its golden beaches and warm waters. The location of Durban means that it gets year-round sunshine, making it an incredibly popular destination for travellers seeking a tropical escape.

One of the most popular beaches in Durban is the Golden Mile, a stretch of sandy coastline parallel to a promenade offering a variety of different amenities. After your stroll on the beach, you can sit back and relax in one of the many beachfront cafes; or for the more adventurous, try your luck at some water sports.

The Elephant Coast

Slightly north of Durban, you’ll find the enchanting Elephant Coast. Taking its name from the enormous elephants that roam the area, you can expect to strike the perfect balance between wildlife adventures and relaxation.

Away from the wild landscapes, on the coast you can find some of the most underrated beaches in the country. A particularly stunning beach to explore is the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a heritage site that boasts a collection of shorelines to explore accompanied by an abundance of local wildlife.

The Wild Coast

Further south, you can find the dramatic coastline of Eastern Cape, often called the Wild Coast. This is one of the more remote destinations in South Africa, meaning there are plenty of hidden gems to discover. Amongst the rugged cliffs and towering hills, you can find stunning beaches that appear untouched, bordered by some incredible natural rock formations to keep your mind wondering.

One of the most iconic beaches on the Wild Coast is Coffee Bay, a beautiful cove framed by viridescent hills. Here you can experience the raw beauty of the South African coast in peace, soaking up the scenery around you.

Cape Town

Another destination for some of the country’s most unique city beaches is Cape Town. Just a short stroll away from the vibrant city centre, you can find a number of gorgeous shorelines to explore. One in particular is Clifton Beach, which actually comprises four different beaches in one.

Each section of Clifton Beach has its own demographic, with the first beach known for its dog walkers, the second for the younger crowd, the third for its gay community and the fourth for families, teenagers and everything in between.

Natural beauty and incredible wildlife in one

While the first things that often come to mind when you think about South Africa are its expansive winelands or safari adventures, it’s also becoming a hotspot for beach holidays due to its natural beauty. The shorelines in South Africa are truly unique, after all, where else can you find golden sand accompanied by mesmerising elephants?