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
Hermanus hosts every Saturday for 15 years the famous Hermanus Country Market. This market is about local, handmade and homegrown. It ‘s pet- and family friendly, and even hosts a kids corner. Don’t miss this most friendly market in the Western Cape.
At the Hermanus Waterfront you can find our Old Harbor Market, a daily open market with a wide range of products. Stroll around this beautifully situated market and find your favourite souvenirs to take home.
Art and Culture
In Hermanus, art and culture are celebrated with enthusiasm, offering visitors a chance to explore a vibrant creative scene. On the first Friday of every month, the town hosts an Art Walk, where galleries, studios, and exhibition spaces open their doors for evening browsing. Guests can enjoy a diverse selection of local artwork, photography, sculpture, and crafts. Book lovers will find charming independent bookshops to explore, while history enthusiasts can visit museums that showcase the region’s rich maritime heritage, cultural history, and natural wonders.
Dining Out
There are many dining options to choose from in Hermanus. Some of the unique and memorable experiences include The Wine Glass, The Bistro at The Wine Glass, Burgundy, Pear Tree, Mogg’s Country House, 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.
