Arniston is a lovely, small coastal town on the Cape South coast in the Western Cape near Bredasdorp. When I say small, I really mean small. The town has a population of about 2000 people. The lack of hordes of people is what makes the coastal town so magical. It is one of those places where everyone knows everyone, I mean literally. I was introduced to this beautiful small town by friends of my partner who have a seaside cottage in Arniston.
The Cottage is aptly called “Summer Place” and it can be booked for short or long vacations. It is really ideal for weekends away from the city. I am a city rat, but I do like to go away now and again. I grew up in Port Elizabeth, so I love the ocean. I love coastal life. Even when I travel abroad I find myself drawn to other coastal cities. San Francisco anyone?
One winter weekend in 2016, my friends and I went to Arniston. It was really a special weekend because we could get away from the hustle and bustle of Cape Town. I can just see everyone reading this rolling their eyes saying, “Cape Town does not have a hustle and bustle”, which is true, but you still need to get away from it all.
Go somewhere where there is no traffic, a place where there are few people and lots of nature, a seat in front of a fire and chat to your friends about life while enjoying a glass of 100% chardonnay 1682 MCC from Steenberg. My friends and I can’t stop talking about that weekend. In fact, we want to plan another weekend away in Arniston.
Arniston is lovely in that it’s not too far a drive from Cape Town, only 2 hours 30 minutes. So you can have a “half-day” at work and then head out before traffic.
Here are some scenes from Arniston.
