Our seaside town has been buzzing since whale-watching began in winter! With summer rolling in, there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained: beaches, festive markets, adventure activities, coastal walks, and slow days in the nearby Hemel-en-Aarde Valley and Ridge.

Hit the Beaches and Coastline

Hermanus is known for its pristine stretch of coastline and family-friendly beaches. Grotto Beach, a Blue Flag favourite, offers long walks, wide sandy stretches, and gentle surf. Perfect for swimming, long walks, and soaking up the sun. Plenty of parking, too.

A little further along, Voëlklip Beach is the go-to spot for surfers and bodyboarders. And if you prefer to just lie back or picnic, the few rocky coves nearby offer a quieter, more private experience.

Both beaches are a hit with locals and visitors: Clean waters, soft sands, mountain backdrops, and loads of space to unwind.

Escape to Wine Country

Just a short drive inland, the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley opens into one of South Africa’s most celebrated cool-climate wine regions. The ocean breeze that rolls in from Walker Bay shapes elegant Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, while green slopes and mountain peaks create a view made for long lunches.

At the heart of it all lies La Vierge Restaurant and Tasting Room, perched high above the valley with sweeping vineyard views. Here, Executive Chef Rachel van Zyl works her magic with seasonal ingredients and fresh local flavours. It’s food made for sharing: fresh salads, charcuterie boards, and plates that invite conversation as much as a second glass. A thoughtful kiddies’ menu keeps families at ease, so everyone can enjoy lunch or a late afternoon tasting as the sun slowly takes its leave.

La Vierge wines tell their own stories: from the expressive Story Teller Collection to the refined La Vierge Range, each glass reflects the character of this cool-climate area.

In the festive season, our restaurant comes alive with a bright, holiday mood: chilled wine, easy laughter, and tables that stretch from lunch to late afternoon tastings. The festive pairings and seasonal menu make it the perfect final stop after a day exploring Hermanus. A soft breeze, good company, and a glass raised to the view. That’s the essence of summer in Hermanus.

This December marks the launch of the Summer Sunset Sessions at our Tasting Room. Locals and holidaymakers are invited to gather for live-music evenings to celebrate good wine, family and friends, and long summer days. It’s relaxed, heartfelt, and the start of a new La Vierge summer tradition.

Just an 8km drive from our Restaurant and Tasting Room, is La Vierge’s Oak Cottage on the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge. Here, on our working farm, the pace is gentler. The farm is home to a centuries-old building that’s been lovingly restored and now houses a selection of local food favourites and artisan finds. Oak Cottage is the kind of place that feels both familiar and full of discovery. Visitors can enjoy pre-ordered picnic baskets, join guided vineyard walks, or enjoy a tasting beneath the old oak trees.

Chasing waves, wandering markets, discovering art, or sipping wine among the vines — every moment in Hermanus feels like a holiday memory in the making. And ending the day at La Vierge is the perfect way to toast it.

Walk the Cliffs

Now, here’s a treasure! The almost 12km Hermanus Cliff Path hugs the rugged coastline from New Harbour to Grotto Beach, boasting some of the best sea views in South Africa. Southern Right whales visit Hermanus between June and early December, so you may still catch a final spout or tail flick from the path. Even when the whales move on, seals and dolphins often steal the show. There are plenty of benches along the way; perfect spots to pause, breathe, and take it all in.

Because the Cliff Path falls within the Fernkloof Nature Reserve, it’s also a delight for birdwatchers. Cape Sugar Bird, Sunbirds, Rock Thrush and the Rock Jumper are often spotted.

Adventure Activities in Hermanus

If your idea of a holiday includes getting your pulse racing, Hermanus delivers. From mountain biking and ziplining to kayaking, kite surfing, quad-bike trails, park runs, and open-water swims, there’s something for every thrill-seeker. Surrounded by ocean, mountain, and fynbos, our town is a natural playground for outdoor enthusiasts and families with energetic teens.

Markets and Festive Pop-Ups

The Hermanus Country Market is a local favourite. Held every Saturday from 9am to 2pm, it’s the “heart and soul of Hermanus”. Discover a mix of handcrafted goods, local foods, gourmet treats, live music, and more. During the holidays, the Summer Night Market adds even more sparkle on Wednesday evenings from 5pm to 9pm.

In December, the market scene lights up across town. Christmas and night markets, strung with fairy lights and filled with artisan gifts, food stalls and festive energy that’s part shopping trip, part celebration.

The Gift Market Hermanus is an annual highlight, featuring more than 180 stalls, selling everything from deli items and jewellery to décor and gifts of every kind. It runs from 12-28 December 2025, 10am to 6pm, at Curro in Sandbaai.

And if you love browsing, you’re in luck — smaller pop-ups appear all over Hermanus during the festive season, adding a little extra jingle to the air.

Explore Art and Culture in Town

Hermanus has a creative side worth slowing down for. The First Friday Art Walks open galleries after hours with live music and wine, turning the town centre into a relaxed evening stroll. It’s a celebration of Hermanus’s status as one of South Africa’s leading art destinations.

By day, boutique galleries and studios line the streets around the Old Harbour Museum, which offers a fascinating glimpse of the town’s fishing and whaling history. Interestingly, the building itself was once Hermanus’ original fishing depot.

The Whale Museum is also worth a visit, offering insight into the Southern Right Whales that return to  Hermanus each year. It’s open daily from 10am to 3pm and makes a meaningful stop for visitors wanting to understand our town’s connection to the ocean.