Best in the world for whale watching, and now recognized by the United Nations as Africa’s first Gastronomy Creative City, the Whale Coast is racking up the accolades as it cements its reputation as one of the world’s top tourist destinations.
The Overstrand municipality–that includes Hermanus and towns from Rooiels to Buffelsjagsbaai – has been recognised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) for its varied range of farm-to-table activities; from local food production to the wide selection of restaurants throughout the region. It is one of three areas, with Cape Town and Durban, to be awarded “Creative City” status.
Nicola Lloyd, Pam Golding Properties area manager for the Whale Coast, says: “This area is known for its excellent restaurants, spectacular wine farms and other gastronomic gems such as sea front restaurants like Bietang’s Cave, where you can enjoy fresh seafood while watching the whales frolic in Walker Bay, to the many outstanding restaurants of the Hemel -en-Aarde Valley and Grabouw, including The Restaurant at Newton Johnson and The Pool Room at Oak Valley where an al fresco meal includes panoramic views of the vineyards, orchards and mountains.”
Closer to Cape Town there are other smaller speciality venues in towns such as Harbour Road in Kleinmond, The Tides in Bettys Bay, and a number of popular restaurants in Pringle Bay and Rooi Els. Artisan and organic food markets in Hermanus and Elgin have become popular Saturday outings for locals and visitors alike.
“There is something to suit everybody’s taste. It’s no wonder that so many visitors end up living in one of the character-filled towns along the Whale Coast.”
The Overstrand now stands proudly alongside other international cities of Gastronomy, including Parma in Italy, San Antonio in the USA and Phuket in Thailand.
To find out more about living in along the Whale Coast, contact Pam Golding Properties: 028 271 3423
