6 Cape Town beaches to enjoy on a windy day

Spending a day sprawled out on a towel, feet in the sand with the ocean spread out in front of you is pure bliss – especially when it’s on one of the Cape’s world-class beaches. But sometimes Mother Nature sends the howling wind to interrupt our seaside fun. So if you’re not up for getting caught in an impromptu sand attack, hit up one of these wind-free beaches instead.

1 Clifton 1–4

The four Clifton beaches are amongst the most popular in Cape Town. And who can blame both the locals and tourists for making it so? With great views of Lion’s Head, the Twelve Apostles and the Atlantic Ocean, it’s beach paradise. Beaches two and three are also great spots to be when the wind kicks in. The cove formation around all the beaches means they are relatively unaffected by the wind.

Where Off Victoria Road, Clifton 

2 Glen Beach

This tiny snow-white beach is nestled between the famous Camps Bay and Clifton. Set in an enclave that’s flanked by huge granite boulders, the rocks help to keep the wind at bay. Relatively uncrowded, this is the spot favoured by locals. On less windy days, enjoy a stroll from Glen Beach, past Maidens and Bachelors Coves to Clifton’s Fourth Beach.

Where Off Victoria Road, Clifton 

3 Llandudno

Driving to Llandudno gives you a sense of how protected it is. Set between Camps Bay and Hout Bay, with the Twelve Apostles as a backdrop, it’s surrounded by beautiful houses that act as protectors against the wind. To get to it, you’ll need to drive far off the coastal road and past beautiful mansions along the mountainside. The beach itself is relatively hidden and pristine – the perfect spot to enjoy a good book while catching up on your tan.

Where Off the M6 Victoria Road

4 Sandy Bay 

Also located on the Atlantic Seaboard, Sandy Bay enjoys shelter from the wind by the sand dunes that surround it. It’s also sheltered from view, making it (unofficially) the only beach you can strip down and tan in the sun. Be warned: there’s a 20-minute walk to the beach but if you’re keen to let it all out, it’s worth it. Sandy Bay is located just south o fLlandudno and has a small car park so it’s best to get there early.

Where Off the M6 Victoria Road

5 St James Beach 

The iconic colourful huts that decorate Muizenberg are also found on the small and wind-protected St James Bay. Situated right under a railway line, St James hosts a tide pool where you can take a dip, a rocky area to explore and is close to the buzzing shops and cafés in Kalk Bay. You can access it via the St James-Muizenberg walkway that runs along the railway. Take along the kids as it’s the perfect family-friendly beach.

Where Main Road, St James 

6 Boulders Beach 

There are three factors that make Boulder’s great: one, the boulders keep the wind out; two, there are boulders that keep the waters relatively calm; and three, and most important of all, there are penguins! Boulder’s beach forms part of the Boulders Penguin Colony and the cute little critters can be seen amongst the rocks enjoying the beach too. As the beach forms part of a national park, there is an entrance fee of R70 for adults and R35 for children.

Where 1 Kleintuin Road, Simons Town

Photography Archives