In a coastal town, the beach plays an important role in every resident's day-to-day activities, no matter what stage you are in life, and irrespective of season.
Hermanus has a major asset in a seafront cliff path, which stretches from Grotto Beach all the way to the new harbour, a distance of about 10km. An excellent way to discover your favourite beach is to walk along the well-signposted path, in the direction of Hermanus central.
Benches are strategically placed at look out points along the way, allowing you to take a rest when needed. The cool breeze will keep you going on a hot summer's day and the anticipation of spotting a whale around the next bend, will keep you motivated for the long walk in winter months.
Early in the morning, you will see animal lovers walking their dogs on Grotto Beach - the only beach where dogs are allowed. (On a leash, and bring a poop-scoop please!)
This pristine beach stretches as far as you can see in the direction of Gansbaai, past the Klein Rivier lagoon mouth and De Plaat and area popular with kite-surfers.
Its excellent toilet and shower facilities, security, lifeguards, ample parking, braai facilities and playground make it popular with locals and tourists alike.
In winter, put on a beanie, and windbreaker, and walk as far as you can, until you can't feel your nose anymore in the fresh Atlantic air. The positive ions generated by the sea will dispel negative winter moods. Pack a flask of coffee and park at a lookout point to thaw out and admire the whales afterwards.
In summer, this is a great stretch of sand to play beach rugby, Frisbee or bat and ball, as it is vast enough to mark out your own space, although it may require trekking a distance from the car park.
As popular as Grotto is Voelklip Beach, although this local surfer's hangout is it is considerably smaller. Lifeguards are on duty in season, there are clean toilet facilities, shops nearby and a grass verge overlooking the beach for those that don't take well to sand sticking to their sun cream.
During the whale season, Southern Right whales can be seen playing just beyond the breakers, companions to the surfers.
On summer mornings you'll find nannies with small children gathered at Kammabaai for a chinwag, taking advantage of the fact that the beach is quiet enough for little ones to play while older kids are at school and moms and dads at work.
For this very reason, this protected little bay is also known as Nanny's Beach as it is within easy walking distance of Hermanus' swanky northern suburbs homes for nannies with prams.
Kammabaai takes on a completely different role in the afternoons and weekends, as teenagers and body boarders enjoy the perfect waves. Picnic and braai spots can be found under the Milkwood trees.
Next on your exploratory route is Langbaai, generally felt to be Hermanus' secret beach. It is small, but flanked by two rocky outcrops keeping it private and protected from the wind.
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