Simon’s Town, Cape Town, South Africa

This pretty coastal town is South Africa’s main naval base and consists of lovely Victorian buildings, quaint streets and walkways and a fascinating history. Simon’s Town is a little further along the False Bay coast from Muizenberg towards Cape Point, and is some 40km from Cape Town, which means it’s a great destination for day trips from the Mother City – either by car or by train. Named after the governor of the Dutch settlement, Simon Van Der Stel, who arrived in the Cape in 1679, Simon’s Town is South Africa’s third-oldest settlement. The governor chose it as a safe alternative to the stormy Cape coast during the turbulent winter months. 

Within walking distance of Jubilee Square you’ll find Seaforth, one of the best swimming beaches in Simon’s Town. There’s also a beach-side restaurant which is a perfect spot for enjoying sundowners. Long Beach is another option; it’s not great for swimming but is a good place to take a long walk. Boulders is Simon’s Town’s most famous beach, with its colony of about 3000 African penguins. This exquisite beach contains huge, rounded rocks (hence the name “Boulders”), and there are numerous coves and rock pools that beg to be explored.