Heavenly Hermanus is THE place to visit on a weekend. The town boasts breathtaking views, gastronomic delights and even it’s own wine route! If you find yourself in the area, here’s a few things you MUST do…
Wine tasting in Hemel en Aarde
Why you should visit: The official Hermanus (also known as the Walker Bay) Wine Route along the R320 boasts a number of really good wine farms. The area produces some of the country’s best cool-climate wines.
Turn off the R43 and you’ll stumble across the Wine Village, voted one of the country’s best wine shops. Taste a huge variety of wines (from over 700 producers, they say). If you prefer, try a gin or whiskey tasting and stock up on local delicacies, or fill the car boot with cases of your favourite coastal wine.
Avoid driving by booking a Hermanus Wine Hopper wine safari. The safari-style vehicles take visitors to all the wineries in the region and make for a safe and fun tasting adventure.
How much does it cost: Contact each winery for tasting pricing. The Hermanus Wine Hopper Safari is priced from around R350 per person for a full-day ticket.
How to get there: It’s 6km from Hermanus to the Wine Village.
Have a bite to eat at Ficks Hermanus
Why you should visit: Ficks restaurant is one of the most popular spots to dine in Hermanus. Featuring spectacular views of Hermanus landmark, Ficks Pool and the ocean, Ficks is a must visit when in town. The restaurant offers a range of Pinchos, which are small sized meals inspired by a Nothern Spain cuisine. Order lots of little plates and share between friends and family.
How much does it cost: Check the menu here.
How to get there: Find it on 8 Marine Drive, Westcliff, Hermanus.
Fernkloof Nature Reserve
Why you should visit: The Fernkloof Nature Reserves offers up to 60km of hiking, biking and walking trails suited to all fitness levels. Pack some weekend padkos and make sure to stop at the scenic viewpoints of Lemoenkop outlook point, the Three Dams, Galpin Hut and the waterfalls. There is also a landscaped garden at the entrance, showcasing fynbos and other indigenous species found in the reserve.
How much does it cost: Entrance to the reserve is totally free.
Whale watching from the Cliff Path in Hermanus
Why you should visit: Winding its way for 11km along the shoreline, the Cliff Path is one of the natural treasures of Hermanus and is a great spot to view the whales. The walk is protected as part of the Fernkloof Nature Reserve, so access is free. There are benches dotted along the path at intervals to rest your legs and soak up the views and the best points to spot whales, which show off during the months of early June to December, are between Gearings Point and Roman Rock, Mickey to Kraal Rock, Sievers Punt and Kwaaiwater.
How to get there: Park your car at New Harbour, Stil Street and get walking.
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