The Hottentots Holland and Cape Helderberg Mountain ranges provide a striking backdrop for the valley as it descends into vineyards and eventually reaches a coastline lapped with warm waters and breathtakingly white, sandy beaches in one of the most aesthetically stunning regions of the Cape. The communities of Gordon’s Bay, Sir Lowry’s Pass, Somerset West, Strand, Lwandle, and Macassar are located in this region, which is also the home of the Cape Helderberg and Stellenbosch wine routes. The area that once belonged to the Strandlopers is now a playground for tourists and locals, 45 minutes drive from Cape Town.
A walk along the harbour wall to see the yachts and boats as they depart and enter the safe marina is a must to take in Gordon’s Bay’s invitation to windsurf, surf, and braai — it boasts one of the few braai spots on the Helderberg coast.
If you’re looking for a beach for swimming, tanning, and strolling, Melkbaai, Strand’s Bikini Beach, and Main Beach are good choices. If Gordon’s Bay is too crowded, serious surfers travel to Kogelbay. The Cape Helderberg Wine Route, a branch of the Stellenbosch Wine Route, has a distinctive identity, and the region’s superb soil conditions and cool sea breezes have a big impact on the wines made there.
Wineries ranging from a 300-year-old historical manor to art boutique wineries can be found along the route that is lined with vineyards and shares a mountain and maritime climate with the Helderberg. The Helderberg Nature Reserve, which offers picnic areas, hiking trails, and a number of Bontebok, squirrels, and the occasional tortoise, overlooks False Bay.