My top 3 weekend destinations (less than 3 hours from Cape Town).

There’s nothing better than a weekend away. Leaving work just a little bit earlier than you’re supposed to, stopping at that Engen just out of town for a toasted cheese and ham and other padkos essentials, then hitting the open road (well after you’ve made your way through 5pm traffic) to your desired destination.

I enjoy a new weekend getaway experience just as much as the next person, but there are three holiday towns I keep returning to over the years. I love these places for different reasons, but all of them share three common elements: they have affordable accommodation, they are not too overcrowded during holiday season and they are very close to a body of water.

Here are my top three picks for weekends away close to Cape Town.

1.       Elands Bay: (200km from Cape Town)

Once a year, my family and their friends head to Elands Bay for a weekend of braais, beers and surfing. Even though I don’ surf, the uncluttered beaches are a dream, and you can easily spend all day relaxing by the sea. There isn’t much of a town here, a few shops and one or two restaurants, but an array of self catering houses to rent as well and endless campsites to enjoy makes accommodation easy to find. It’s also known for its sailing, bird watching and fishing. It’s unspoilt, simple and super relaxing.

Accommodation: Every year we stay at Vensterklip. There is a selection of large houses, cottages, campsites and caravan parking areas on this property. They have a large lapa which is perfect for weddings and other celebrations. The local bar on the property is great too!

- Vensterklip website: http://www.vensterklip.co.za/

Tip: Head just out of town to the famous Elands Bay Caves, where you can see Khoisan rock paintings. 

2.       Arniston (200km from Cape Town)

A varsity friend with a holiday house there meant that Arniston was visited quite frequently by us in our early 20s, and the memories I have of this quaint fishing village will stay with me forever. Our days were spent eating soft serves on the beach and watching friends surf. Our evenings were then spent sitting around the fire and moving from one house party to the next. Despite being popular, Arniston never feels overcrowded, as everyone’s laid back attitude instantly relaxes you. Go to Arniston if you’re into fresh fish braais, surfing and sand boarding, bike riding and serious napping.

Accommodation: The Arniston Hotel is great for a few nights stay, but is not the cheapest option. Nearly every house in the area is available for rent and no matter what, you are never more than a 2 minute drive from the sea.
- Arniston Hotel Website: http://www.arnistonhotel.com/

- Various self catering options: http://www.arniston-etnas.co.za/

Tip: Make sure you watch the sunset from the top of the dunes. Grab some snacks and wine and be prepared for a little bit of legwork to get to the top, but once you’re there, the view is worth it.

3.       Langebaan (115km from Cape Town)

I have been to Langebaan at least 8 times in the past few years. Family holidays, romantic getaways, Langebaan is my favourite local destination – and it’s only an hour and a half away from Cape Town city centre. Highlights include rustic seaside restaurants and a lagoon that goes on forever with water so warm that you can actually swim in it! The town does get a bit busy during summer, but once you’re on one of their remarkable beaches, hours can go by in minutes. Isolated but still close enough to various essentials – Langebaan will either be where I get married, where I retire, or both.

Accommodation: This is my best kept accommodation secret, but sharing is caring. If you are looking for a self catering unit for two, the Speelhuis is it. These apartments look out onto your own semi private beach and the view is indescribable. Lounge in the hammock with a good book, listen to the waves and watch the local dogs enjoy their evening swim.

- Speelhuis website: http://www.speelhuis.co.za/

Tip: about 40 minutes into the West Coast Nature reserve is the best “beach” in South Africa. Technically it’s a lagoon, but Kraal Baai has soft sand, crystal clear warm water and non-threatening lapping waves. Perfect for swimming and stand up paddling, Kraal Baai needs at least one entire day of your time. And if you book about a year in advance, you can nab one of the house boats docked in the bay. 

*Credit to shttp://www.sleeping-out.co.za/ and www.placesonline.comfor the Arniston images.