Paternoster

Whitewashed West Coast fishing village beside Cape Columbine's rocky Atlantic shore.

Paternoster is a small fishing village turned holiday town on South Africa's West Coast. The best of it is simple: whitewashed cottages, cold Atlantic light, fishing boats on the beach, crayfish season, and the rocky Cape Columbine coast just beyond the last houses.

The village is no longer undiscovered, and weekends can be busy with Cape Town visitors. Even so, Paternoster has kept more character than many coastal resorts. The old part of town is still low, white, and walkable, with sea views down sandy lanes and restaurants tucked into former fishermen's cottages.

The reason to stay longer than lunch is Cape Columbine Nature Reserve. It protects a rough stretch of granite, fynbos, coves, and open sea, with the Cape Columbine Lighthouse standing above it. In late winter and spring, wildflowers brighten the surrounding veld.

Paternoster is best for slow travellers: walk the beach, eat seafood, drive the gravel road to the lighthouse, and watch the colour change over the Atlantic at sunset.

Guide

Beaches

The main beach is the village's public room: fishing boats, dog walkers, children, restaurant terraces, and a wide sweep of pale sand. The water is cold, as it is all along this part of the West Coast, but the beach is excellent for walking.

For rougher coves and a wilder coast, continue to Cape Columbine Nature Reserve and Tietiesbaai.

Guide

Getting There

Paternoster is about 150 km north of Cape Town. Most travellers come by car, following the R27 up the West Coast and turning inland toward Vredenburg before continuing to the village.

Public transport is limited. Buses can get you as far as Vredenburg, but you will need a transfer or taxi for the last stretch.

Guide

Things to Do

Paternoster's sights are more about coast and atmosphere than museums. Walk the old village and beach first, then spend your best light at Cape Columbine.