Exploring Hermanus and it’s surrounds is one of our go to options when we life calls for a quick weekend getaway. It’s an easy 122 km (just over 90 minutes) drive from Cape Town, the food options are fantastic and it has lovely walking paths. We’ve yet to have a good whale watching session – that’s still on our list – but we’re never disappointed by the activities and relaxation when we visit Hermanus.
Things to do in Hermanus
Take a walk through the town
One of the first things we do is take a walk through Hermanus. It’s a great way to gauge the energy of the small town and pinpoint the places you want to explore further. Hermanus has a small market in the centre with local artisans, a gelato shop on the corner to satiate cravings on a hot day, historic monuments, and various coffee shops and restaurants dotted through town.
Visit a museum or art gallery
There are lovely view points and benches along the Hermanus cliff path overlooking the ocean. Follow the path into the Old Harbour Museum, an open air museum highlighting the old harbour, and fishing village.
There is a thriving art community in the town with art installations and street art throughout the town. There are a number of galleries and studios showcasing their work as well as various artist-led initiatives that you can explore while in town. In the warmer months, you can experience the Hermanus Art Walk which happened on the first Friday of the month. You really can’t visit Hermanus and be bored.
Go for a swim
I’m always in awe of people who go swimming in the Western Cape because all I can think of is just how cold the water is compared o other provinces. Still, I’m sure on scorcher of a day I would take a dip, too. You can grab a chair and umbrellas for beach day at Grotto beach, with life guards in peak season) or explore the tidal pools in the area that accommodate swimming and snorkelling. For a change of scenery, you could take a 9km drive to Onrus and explore the rocks and fish in Davies Pool. Or take a swim or boat ride in the Botrivier Lagoon.
Enjoy a meal in Hermanus
The Ficks Pool restaurant is a popular establishment with beautiful views of the ocean. It’s an awesome spot for a long lazy lunch with friends, explore the rocks surrounding the restaurant or sundowners to enjoy an Hermanus sunset. The restaurant around a rock pool that is open to swimming, if you want to take a dip. I’d imagine that’s perfect on a hot day but it was too cold when we visited. We stopped by for tapas and cocktails on a quiet weekday.
A friend recommended that we get a a cup of coffee and a croissant a Black Medicine -on High street. The idea behind this coffee shop is that of visiting a coffee pharmacy. Have a brief chat with the pharmacist and he prescribes the perfect cup of coffee for you. They have coffee from all over the world and freshly grind the perfect beans for your cup.
Where to stay in Hermanus?
Hermanus is geared for tourism and so there is a lot of accommodation in Hermanus. On our last visit, we stayed at the Manor House on Harbour road, right in the centre of town. It had a lovely pool on the property with fantastic views of the ocean and mountains. There are loads of fantastic catered and self catered options in and around Hermanus.
Enjoy wine and art at Benguela Cove
The Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate is an eco-tourism wine destination that we’ve come back to a couple of time. They have boat cruises, a vineyard safari, arts galleries, a sculpture park; and various activities for kids. Unsurprisingly, we spend our time here filled with art, wine tasting and live music. Benguela Cove is one of my favourite places to enjoy for a good charcuterie with tasty, flavourful options. All grown on the farm.
There are so many things to do in Hermanus. So, you can not go wrong with a weekend getaway trip with friend or family. Or use it as a great stop on your way to explore beautiful spots in the Overberg region.