If you can’t physically be at Clifton Beach in Cape Town, the next best thing is to watch those sunbathing and swimming.
NOTE: This is an updated article with the latest weather conditions at Clifton Beach
Clifton Beach comprises of four separate beach coves, numbered 1 through 4 from north to south, along Cape Town’s Atlantic seaboard.
Clifton 1, 2, 3, and 4 are separated by granite corestone boulders and have almost pure white quartzite sand and icy turquoise waters and have regularly been voted among the best beaches in the world.
According to the lekkeslaap website, Clifton 4th beach has been awarded prestigious Blue Flag status in recognition of its environmental, safety and tourist standards.
It is the most popular and busiest of the four, lined by volleyball nets, frisbee-throwers, and sunbathers.
There are ablution facilities and outdoor showers. Umbrellas and sun loungers are available for hire and local traders walk the beach with ice lollies and cool drinks for sale.
PICTURES | Clifton ‘glass house’ on the market for R195 million
Lifeguards are on duty during Blue Flag season (December to March) and on calm days, you’ll likely see the water speckled with yachts of the rich and famous.
Parking is limited so make sure you get there early to stake your claim to nearby parking and secure a good spot on the beach.
For those wondering, shark sightings are extremely rare in Clifton and on the Atlantic coast in general.
DID YOU KNOW?
Clifton was originally called Skoenmakers Gat (Cobbler’s Cave) after a ship deserter who lived in a cave above second beach.