Camps Bay Beach

Many would argue that nearby Clifton’s four beaches take top billing in Cape Town, but while Clifton is indeed lovely, the beaches can only be accessed by walking down steep sets of stairs cut into the Cliffside. Camps Bay Beach, on the other hand, is right next to the main road, and unless it’s December or January, it will take you five minutes between parking your car and walking barefoot on the wide, white sand beach. Take an early-morning walk (and go for a swim if you can brave the chilly Atlantic water), then have coffee at the Sandbar, the nicest of the cafés lining the beachfront. Or go before sunset; bring a picnic basket and a bottle of wine, and avoid the pounding music and overpriced drinks at the beachfront bars.