Hermanus
Hermanus was often referred to as the Riviera of the South in bygone days and for all intents and purposes, has maintained its status albeit with a modern fusion of luxury holiday homes dotting the pristine coastline, funky cafes, coffee shops and eateries overlooking Walker Bay, speciality shops to delight even the most selective shopper and craft markets to keep you busy for hours.
Probably best known for its renowned Cliff Paths which meander along the coastline, Hermanus has become a whale watchers paradise. Visitors come annually from far and wide to view one of nature's spectacular events when whales come close into Walker Bay to calve. Their antics will amuse you for hours on end, so be prepared. Pack a picnic or have lunch at one of the many little eateries along the magnificent coastline where the uninterrupted views of Walker Bay will ensure endless pleasure during Whale Season.
The Fernkloof Nature Reserve offers nature lovers a paradise of flora and fauna with more than 1 474 species of flora having been identified to date. Also present are up to 92 various bird species e.g. Cape Sugar Bird, Sunbirds, Rock Thrush, Rock Jumper and Raptors amongst many others. Grey rhebok, Cape grysbok, klipspringer, baboon, mongoose and dassie are often seen when hiking through the reserve. Fernkloof Nature Reserve offers a 60 km network of hiking trails through the reserve providing an ideal opportunity for visitors of all fitness levels to enjoy the beauty of the reserve with its spectacular views of Walker Bay. the Hemel and Aarde Valley and Maanskynbaai.
Beaches in and around Hermanus are amongst the finest in the world offering great surfing, sailing, familiy picnic spots,swimming, tanning and great walks for the family.
Hermanus is a hive of activity with its regular craft and produce markets, speciality stores, coffee shops, restaurants, galleries, wine wanders and many varied outdoor activities e.g. land and boat based whale watching, white shark cage diving, paragliding, windsurfing, sailing, hiking, scuba diving and more.
Steeped in history, there are several museums documenting Hermanuspietersfontein's illustrious past, it's growth from a small seaside resort to the burgeoning tourist attaction of today. Beautiful buildings and well preserved homes can still be seen which date back to the early 1900.
There is truly something for everyone in this scenic town and a day is most certainly never enough time in which to explore all of the fascinating aspects of this beautiful coastal town in the Overberg.
Climate
Summers are pleasant, perfect beach weather often with high temperatures but thankfully, being a coastal town, a welcome sea breeze will cool things down in the late afternoons.
Being in a winter rainfall area Hermanus will often have several consecutive days of much needed rain during the winter months. Storms are not unknown during winter but these are thankfully few.