The Five Bay Trail is a gentle trail that hugs the coastline between the bays of Paternoster and Jacobsbaai on the West Coast. It takes you on a timeless journey along the coast, tracing the history of the fishing culture on the West Coast.

You will find five scenic bays on this magnificent stretch of coastline, over a relaxed 2.5 day walking period. The trail is a gentle outdoor challenge by day, and offers delicious food and some memorable interactions with West Coast folk as the sun sets.

For more info read the Trail info

Noisy Oyster

Feast on seafood at Noisy Oyster. Probably the single best excuse to visit Paternoster, come and dine here and sleep it off over the rest of the weekend. Make sure to book well in advance. They have a Facebook page – www.facebook.com/The-Noisy-Oyster

They remain our favourite restaurant at Paternoster. Make sure you make a reservation first on +27 (0)22 752 2196

Gaaitjie
Run by Suzi Holtzhausen this little restaurant (‘Gaaitjie’ means ‘small hole’ in Afrikaans) focuses on local food with a creative twist. The décor is simple and comfortable, and this renovated fisherman’s cottage offers an unbeatable view of the sea. Phone well in advance to request a table, opt for one inside, next to the fire on cold nights or outside on the stoep during summer. The menu changes regularly with Suzi serving up innovative dishes showcasing some of the less well-known local fish and other delicacies.
Tel: +27 (0)22 752 2242 

Voorstrandt
Enjoy the best of West Coast hospitality right on the beach in a 114-year-old red and green tin house. The stoep is an ideal place to eat the fresh seafood, or steak for the meat lovers, while you watch the waves or catch a sunset. Book a table inside the cosy restaurant on cold nights. There’s also a small bar where you can enjoy pre- or post-dinner drinks.
Tel: +27 (0)22 7522 038

Blikkie Pizzeria
A 110-year-old fisherman’s cottage may not seem like the most obvious place for an authentic Italian meal but at Blikkie Pizzeria that’s exactly what you’ll get. Sit inside to take in the quirky, vintage décor or have a seat outside for the uninterrupted view of the sea. The pizzas are cooked in a traditional wood-fired oven and the bases are made using an old Sicilian family recipe. The toppings are inspired by local ingredients, resulting in some interesting creations, such as the braised oxtail pizza. Blikkie Pizzeria had two of these inventions go through to the South African finals of the Global Pizza Challenge.
Tel: +27 (0)22 752 2246  

Shop at ‘Oep ve Koep’

The ‘Oep ve Koep’ shop in Paternoster is a well known landmark in this area. You won’t miss it as it sits right on the corner as you enter the town. Here you can buy local delicacies such as fig preserve, snoek, bokkoms, koeksusters (a sweet pastry) and local brands.

Stop off for a while, buy the local newspaper “Die Paternoster Koster” and enjoy Tee or Coffee at Oep vir Koep’s coffee shop whilst you read the local news!

For Sea kayaking & other Water Sports.

Sea-kayak trips in the area are refreshing for novice and experienced paddlers, with the focus on a holiday experience and soaking in the natural beauty of the area – a unique west-coast town surrounded by crystal-clear water and wide variety of sea life. All trips are highly customizable to guests abilities and needs.

Visit www.geckoadventures.co.za

The fossil site of Langebaanweg is located in the West Coast Fossil Park, approximately 150 km north of Cape Town (a 1 1/2 hour drive), and is world-renowned for its exceptionally well-preserved fossil faunal remains, that date to the terminal Miocene/early Pliocene (circa 5.2 million years ago).

A national and international team of researchers are currently unraveling the fascinating and unique history of fossils from the West Coast Fossil Park and attempting to recreate the environment and climate of the west coast some 5 million years ago. At this time many animals that are now extinct, such as saber-toothed cats, short-necked giraffes, hunting hyenas and African bears roamed the west coast which then had a more subtropical climate with lush, riverine forests and open grasslands.

Visit www.fossilpark.org.za

Enjoy the beauty of the West Coast on horseback with Drikus Horse Trails. Here you have the option of using your own horse or choosing from one of the many beautiful horses offered by Drikus Horse Trails, which is only 90 minutes away from Cape Town.

Riders of all levels of experience are welcome to enjoy this trail. Beach rides available include daily beach rides and sunset rides at R300 per person, just over an hour. Sundowners and picnic baskets can be arranged. Sunset rides are priced the same.

For more info go to www.drikus.co.za.

Visit the pottery studios and ceramic sculptures

Paternoster Pottery – Decorative and functional ceramics are handmade on site by the local potter Gerhard van den Heever. Specializing in traditional smoke-fired pots. Examples such as hand basins, large bowls, tea/coffee sets can be viewed in his rustic studio. Items can also be made to order.
Tel: +27 (0)725 291 332

Stone Fish Studio – The studio is situated in “die ou stoor” built in 1863. It is a working ceramic sculpture studio presenting original works by well known Western Cape Artists. Guided sea kayaking tours operate from here as well. You can also rent a bicycle to explore the area. www:dianneheesomgreen.co.za
Tel: +27 (0)82 824 8917