The 30 best places in Hermanus, Western Cape

Hermanus Reviews

Clyde Niekerk

30 December 2020

Peaceful and friendly people. Great views!

Okay. 3 out of 5

Charlton Theunissen

12 March 2020

The quietness and the sea views.

Superb. 5 out of 5

Anonymous

02 March 2020

...the small town feeling with the ever present beautiful blue sea!!!

Superb. 5 out of 5

John Harbottle

13 January 2020

The accommodation was lovely!

Superb. 5 out of 5

Bev

02 January 2020

Great location for relaxation and walks.

Superb. 5 out of 5

Anonymous

16 November 2019

The area is nice and cool but we were indoors, didn't go out. Will definitely go again.

Superb. 5 out of 5

Pierre Naude

24 October 2019

The buzz.
Grotto beach is awesome (especially when the wind isn’t howling).

Fabulous. 4 out of 5

Tracey Hendricks

21 October 2019

The beach.

Okay. 3 out of 5

Ashraf Enus

25 September 2019

The whales, atmosphere and ocean basket was great

Superb. 5 out of 5

MAGAN Reddy

19 September 2019

Nice weather and atmosphere.

Superb. 5 out of 5

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More info about Hermanus

All around the world Hermanus is known as the best land based whale watching destination in the world. Hundreds flock here for whale watching and, of course, the whale festival that takes place every year to celebrate the returning of the Southern Right Whale to the area. Situated between the ocean and the magnificent Overberg mountains, Hermanus is the perfect place for rest and relaxation.

In the Fernkloof Nature Reserve which boasts 1400 different types of plant species, bird enthusiasts are spoiled for choice, with over 100 varieties of birds. Such as the Orange-breasted Sunbird, the Cape Sugarbird, Victorin’s Warbler and many more rare, beautiful and fascinating animals.

The town of Hermanus was founded in 1820 by Hermanus Pieters and was originally called Hermanuspietersfontein. The name was then later changed to Hermanus in 1902 by the Postmaster as it was too long. Over the years the small fishing village has become one of the most popular places around. Hermanus has a rail way station, but no trains or tracks. Plans were being made to build a railway extending from Botriver, when Sir William Hoy decided that there would be no trains as the steam would pollute the fresh air.

Lying on the coastline with it’s beautiful scenery, it is one of those places you just need to see for yourself.

Things to do

The coastal town offers a wide range of activities for couples, friends and families to enjoy. Just a few of the activities you can enjoy include Fishing, Bird-Watching, , Hiking, Kayaking, Scuba diving, Treetop zipline slides, Paintball, Horse riding, Shopping and so much more.

Whale watching is one of the most popular activities to do whilst visiting Hermanus. There are a few ways to do this which includes, boat tours, aerial tours and land based viewing.Shark Cage Diving is also a popular activity and is available all year round for the whole family.

You can also enjoy the Hermanus Wine Route which runs from Benguela Cove all the way down to the village, where you can enjoy your tasting while taking in the beautiful scenery.

If you would like to see all the history Hermanus has to offer, there are a number of Museums you can visit.

There a a wide range of beaches in the hermanus area to visit which include Grotto Beach, Breakfast Bay, Sandbaai Beach, Onrus beach, Langbaai, Kammabaai and Voelklip Beach.

Where to Eat

Hermanus is know for it's delicious seafood, which is indulged in while taking in the glorious views the coastal town offers. For those you are not so keen on the oceans fresh offerings there is a selection of restaurants to choose from to apease your palate.

Fisherman’s Cottage is the place to go for a little history and a wide selection of delicious fresh seafood. The building dates back to 1890 and forms part of the old harbour museum located in the fishermans village.

If you are looking for a great family restaurant that serves Italian food, then Rossi’s Italian Restaurant is the place to be. Established in 1985, Rossi’s has a great atmosphere and a view of the overberg mountains.

For some home made breakfast and good coffee, pop into Anya’s Mum Cafe. Their menu is changed on a daily basis and they have great garden, where you can sit and relax to escape the crowds.

Just Pure Bistro offers you a memorable experience with views that overlook the bay. They use only the freshest ingredients for all their delicious meals.

Looking for some good sushi. Harbour Rock Restaurant is situated on the cliff overlooking hermanus. During the winter they partner up with Gecko and offer you a discount on Fridays known as “Sushi Fridays”.

Want the best steak in Hermanus, then you have to visit B’s Steakhouse to get their famous char grilled steak and signature ultimate onion!

The Blue Roof Pub & Restaurant is located in Fisherhaven, just outside of Hermanus. They have live music on a regular basis and have a R40 pub grub menu, which means all their dishes offered on the bar menu is R40. You can unwind with some music and a good view, overlooking the Bot River.

Situated at the original market square in Hermanus, Tapas Food & Wine Bar offers you a wide range of local and international cuisine. They also have a wide selection of award winning wine that you can taste by the glass.

Where to Stay

Whether you're visiting Hermanus for a few days or weeks, with family and friend, or just with a partner, you'll be sure to find the accommodation to suit your needs!

Hotels: If you are just looking for a place to sleep, then Hermanus offers a wide range of high standard hotels.

Guest Houses & Bed & Breakfasts: There is big selection of luxury and affordable guest houses and bed & breakfasts to choose from in Hermanus.

Self Catering & Apartments: If you are coming in a group or as a family, it would be best to choose an one of many self catering and apartments in Hermanus.

Backpackers: If you are just traveling through hermanus, why not stay at one of the backpacker establishments.

Camping & Caravan Parks: Want to be outside in the fresh hermanus air then one of the caravan/camping sites is for you.

Farm Stays: Hermanus also offers you the opportunity to stay on one of it’s beautiful farms.

Transport

When traveling to Hermanus by car from Cape Town, there are two routes you could take. The quickest is to take the N2 over Sir Lowry’s Pass, but if you are looking for a more scenic route then take the drive along the mountain-side by travelling along Clarens Drive.

Air: There is no airport in Hermanus itself. The closest airport is Cape Town International Airport, which is 90 km from Hermanus.

Car Rental: A popular way for getting around Hermanus is by renting a car. There are a number of car rental agencies around the town, or you can organise one at Cape Town International Airport.

Taxis/Shuttle Services: One of the best ways to get around Hermanus is to take one of the many taxis and Shuttle services available. This option is best for tourists or large groups as it pick you up and drops you exactly where you want to be.

Did you know?Hermanus was originally called Hermanuspietersfontein

It is famous for Southern Right Whale watching during the Southern Hemisphere's winter and spring.

Hermanus hosts an annual whale festival to celebrate the returning of the Southern Right Whales to the area for mating season.

Grotto Beach is the largest beach in Hermanus and been proclaimed a Blue Flag beach.

Hermanus has a warm summer Mediterranean climate and temperatures range from 25 °C in February to 16 °C in July but higher temperatures are not uncommon.

The town has one of the richest and highest plant diversity levels in the world.

Hermanus has one of the world's only Whale Criers. He alerts people of whale sighting by blowing his kelp horn.

There is a train station in Hermanus, but no trains or railway lines.

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Hermanus

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About Hermanus

Hermanus Reviews

Clyde Niekerk

319 accommodation listings in Hermanus. Enter dates to see full pricing and availability:

Bed and Breakfast, Cottages, Guest Houses, Holiday Homes, Self Catering, Villas in Voelklip, Hermanus

R5000

Holiday Homes, Self Catering in Hermanus

R1040

Bed and Breakfast, Guest Houses in Hermanus

R510

Apartments, Self Catering in Hermanus

R1000

Apartments, Cottages, Self Catering, Pet Friendly in Fernkloof Estate, Hermanus

R750

Bed and Breakfast, Apartments, Guest Houses, Holiday Homes in Eastcliff, Hermanus

R1870

Bed and Breakfast, Guest Houses in Eastcliff, Hermanus

R1180

Bed and Breakfast, Guest Houses in Voelklip, Hermanus

R1760

Cottages, Self Catering, Pet Friendly in Hemel En Aarde Valley, Hermanus

R1875

Holiday Homes, Self Catering in Hermanus

R1800

Cottages, Self Catering in Onrus, Hermanus

R750

Guest Houses, Guest Lodge in Westcliff - Hermanus, Hermanus

R638

Bed and Breakfast, Guest Houses in Sandbaai, Hermanus

R1470

Apartments, Self Catering in Hermanus

R850

Bed and Breakfast, Cottages, Guest Houses, Holiday Homes, Self Catering, Pet Friendly in Hermanus

R900

Guest Houses, Guest Lodge in Westcliff - Hermanus, Hermanus

R935

Bed and Breakfast, Guest Houses in Northcliff - Hermanus, Hermanus

R1105

Boutique Hotels, Hotels, Pet Friendly in Hermanus

R1250

Self Catering, Resorts in Hermanus

R600

Bed and Breakfast, Boutique Hotels, Hotels in Hermanus

R2200

Self Catering in Sandbaai, Hermanus

R800

Bed and Breakfast, Guest Houses in Voelklip, Hermanus

R3592

Bed and Breakfast, Guest Houses in Westcliff - Hermanus, Hermanus

R812

Bed and Breakfast, Guest Houses, Boutique Hotels in Voelklip, Hermanus

R1806

Apartments, Holiday Homes, Self Catering in Hermanus

R3750

Bed and Breakfast, Guest Houses, Boutique Hotels in Onrus, Hermanus

R999

Cottages, Self Catering, Pet Friendly in Sandbaai, Hermanus

R450

Cottages, Self Catering in Sandbaai, Hermanus

R1200

Apartments, Self Catering in Onrus, Hermanus

R700

Self Catering in Hermanus

R710

Apartments, Self Catering in Onrus, Hermanus

R750

Holiday Homes, Self Catering in Hermanus

R5500

Holiday Homes, Self Catering in Hermanus

R1200

Bed and Breakfast, Guest Houses in Voelklip, Hermanus

R1716

Apartments, Cottages, Self Catering in Eastcliff, Hermanus

R2600

Apartments, Holiday Homes, Self Catering in Hermanus