Activities
The Hermanus and Overstrand region has plenty to offer tourists and families.
Wine Tasting
The Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, located just behind Hermanus, presents a picturesque scenery of lush vineyards, majestic mountains, and stunning farmlands that offer a plethora of options to choose from. Among the numerous wineries in the region, some noteworthy ones are Creation Wines & Restaurant, La Vierge, Bouchard Finlayson Boutique Vineyard, Bosman Hermanus, Bartho Ecksteen, Spookfontein Wines, Hamilton Russell Vineyards, Newton Johnson and Ataraxia.
Beer Tasting
For those who enjoy trying different types of craft beers, there are a few breweries in Hermanus that offer tastings. The Hermanus Brewery was founded in 2014 with a commitment to providing beer lovers with unique and high-quality options. Similarly, the Folk & Goode Brewery, launched in 2016, offers a variety of beer expressions to both locals and tourists. Finally, the Birkenhead Brewery, established in 1998, was one of the first craft breweries in South Africa and is another great option for beer tasting in the area.
Markets
In Hermanus, there are several markets worth exploring. The Old Harbour Market, open daily, is a great place to find a diverse range of products, including clothing, souvenirs, food, beauty products, and more. On Saturdays, visitors can head to the Food & Wine Market at the Hermanuspietersfontein Wine Cellar, located in the Hemel-en-Aarde Village. This market offers free wine tastings and unique gourmet-style food stalls in an elegant and lively atmosphere, rain or shine. Additionally, the Hermanus Country Market, also on Saturdays, is a small market with a warm and inviting atmosphere where visitors can meet with friends, eat delicious food, and purchase beautiful items.
Art and Culture
In Hermanus, art and culture are celebrated, and visitors can take part in an Art Walk on the first Friday of every month. This is an opportunity to browse through numerous galleries, bookshops, and museums in the area. Some noteworthy places to visit include Art Thirst, De Jongh Gelderblom, Forty x 40 Gallery, Fynarts Gallery, Gallery 19, Gillian Hahn Art, Hermanus Art Circle (HAC), Hermanus Photographic Society, Lembu Gallery & Studio, Originals Art Gallery, Rossouw Modern, and Walker Bay Modern Art. Book lovers can check out Hemingways Bookshop and The Book Cottage, while those interested in history can visit the Old Harbour Museum, Whale Museum, and De Wet’s Huis Photo Museum.
Dining Out
There are many dining options to choose from in Hermanus. Some of the unique and memorable dining experiences available include Bientangs Cave, The Hussar Grill Hermanus, The Wine Glass, Mogg’s Country House, Fick’s Pincho’s & Wine, Just Pure Bistro and Fisherman’s Cottage.
Hiking & Walking
Hermanus offers great hiking and walking opportunities for nature enthusiasts. The Hermanus cliff path is a 12km stretch that runs along the coastline, starting near the new harbor and providing stunning views of the rugged coastline all the way to Grotto Beach. Walkers can take breaks on the numerous benches to observe the whales or appreciate the ocean views. Fernkloof Nature Reserve, covering 18 square kilometers in the Kleinrivier Mountains, features a wide range of altitudes, from sea level to 824m, and boasts over 1250 identified plant species. Hoy’s Koppie is another picturesque location to explore, with an abundance of interesting bugs and birds, as well as over 1,250 plant species to admire.
Whale Watching
Hermanus is widely regarded as the world’s top destination for whale watching, with many visitors eagerly anticipating the chance to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. During whale season, tourists flock to Hermanus to catch a glimpse of the intelligent creatures frolicking in the water. The town even has its own unique attraction in the form of the “Whale Crier,” the only one of its kind in the world. This individual is tasked with roaming the cliff paths, calling out the locations of whales to anyone passing by throughout the day.
Shark Cage Diving
For those seeking an adventure, shark cage diving is sure to get your adrenaline pumping. This activity provides an opportunity to come face-to-face with one of nature’s most feared predators: the Great White Shark. Get up close and personal with these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
Mountain Biking
Whether you bring your own biking gear or rent locally, mountain biking is a must-try activity in Hermanus. Explore the beautiful Hermanus Mountains by cycling the trails and take part in one of South Africa’s fastest growing sports.
Quad Biking
You don’t need a special license to enjoy an exciting day with your family or friends while quad biking. Experience the thrill of riding a quad bike without any special requirements and make unforgettable memories.
Golf
Hermanus Golf Club – this 27-hole course has been updated to offer golfers a modern, challenging and visually stunning experience. The course features carefully shaped fairways, grassy mounds, bunkers, trees, and rocky water hazards.
Arabella Golf Club – ranked as one of the best golf courses in South Africa, this course features pristine grass, tricky sand traps, and challenging water hazards. Designed by Peter Matkovich, it has been enjoyed by celebrities such as Samuel L. Jackson, as well as professional golfers like Ernie Els and Gary Player.
Beaches
Hermanus is a popular tourist destination in South Africa that offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. These activities include markets, art and culture events, dining, hiking and walking, whale watching, shark cage diving, mountain biking, quad biking, and golf. Visitors can also relax on one of the many beaches that dot the coastline of Hermanus, such as Sandbaai beach, Onrus beach, Grotto beach, Kammabaai, Langbaai, and Voëlklip beach.
