Is it the Mediterranean? Is it Greece? No, it’s Paternoster!  

Just like me, the first time you see Paternoster you’ll be forgiven for thinking you’ve discovered a tiny slice of the Med on the Cape West Coast. With its whitewashed cottages and bright blue painted window frames, Paternoster looks like a scene straight out of Mamma Mia. And just as its name suggests, I was instantly hooked on this gorgeous, quirky fishing village.  

Only 2 hour’s drive from Cape Town, Paternoster is the perfect weekend getaway. Hotels, camp sites and self-catering chalets allow for everyone’s budget and tastes.  

For marine mammal enthusiasts, Paternoster is the perfect place to spot dolphins (and sometimes even whales between October and November). If flora is your love, visit between late July and October, where you can see the rainbow of spring flowers which look like blankets of colour over the landscape. And for the romantics and foodies, look no further than Paternoster. On The Rocks is your go-to for casual fish and chips on the beach (conveniently situated next to the fish market). You can also try some awesome oysters at the Noisy Oyster, and for dinner have a little taste adventure at Wolfgat, which was voted Best Restaurant in the World at The World Restaurant Awards in Paris in 2019. You can only imagine the culinary adventure. 

Note: if you are visiting in the peak season, you must make reservations at the restaurants in advance.  

For a city dweller like myself, I crave the ocean. It is what gives my busy mind calm, and my restless brain serenity. While the Atlantic Ocean is too cold in which to swim, the beach is just perfect for a relaxing read under an umbrella or even long walks along the water.  

There’s plenty to enjoy in the area surrounding the sleepy fishing village too. Just 5km from Paternoster lies the Cape Columbine lighthouse in the Columbine Nature Reserve. Built in 1936, it was the last manned lighthouse constructed, and some 90 steps will take you to the top for incredible views over the Britannia reef and Atlantic Ocean.  

If you are lucky enough to live in the Western Cape, Paternoster should definitely be your next weekend away. If you live outside the province, start planning your next holiday to the Cape and make sure you add Paternoster to the list of places to stay. Give us a call so we can make Paternoster another charming place to tick off your bucket list! 

Written by Tanya Cardova.