👋 Hello Hermanus - welcome to your final Hermanus Scoop for 2025!

As we wrap up the year, we just want to say a huge thank you to every one of our subscribers.

Your support, messages, tips and encouragement are what keep The Hermanus Scoop going - and we’re incredibly grateful for this growing community. Looking ahead to 2026, we’ve got some exciting new ideas, features and local stories in the works, all aimed at celebrating the people, places and small details that make Hermanus such a special place to call home.

This guide is here to spark ideas, help you make the most of the season, and quietly do what we love most - show off our beautiful little town. Think of it as a bit of a cheat sheet, filled with local recommendations, easy outings and tried-and-tested favourites, whether you’re hosting visitors or just playing tourist in your own backyard.

Here’s to slow mornings, salty air, good food and a town we all love so much.

As always, if you have any family or friends visiting, or know anyone in Hermanus who is not yet in the know - send them over to www.hermanusscoop.co.za to subscribe.

The Hermanus Scoop Team 🐋

ps. Regular Hermanus Scoop service will resume on 8 January but in the meantime we will be sending you a regular update on our Holiday Cheat Sheet to keep you in the know.

🐋 Outdoor Activities & Adventures

Hermanus has one of the most beautiful coastlines and natural landscapes in South Africa. There’s so much to do so here are a few ideas:

🌊 Beach Days, Cliff Path & Outdoor Adventures

Hermanus is made for Summer - plenty of beaches to choose from, legendary coastal walks, and great hiking and mountain biking options nearby.

☀️ Pick Your Beach Day

There are so many beautiful beach options around Hermanus - from sheltered coves to big open sands:

• Kammabaai → Lovers Cove → Langbaai – stunning bays to explore and chill

• Sandbaai → Onrus Beach → Onrus Lagoon – great for family days and paddle/lagoon fun

• Voëlklip Beach & Grotto Beach – blue-flag and white sands - perfect for swimming and picnics

Whether you want a big beach to stretch out on or a quiet cove to escape the crowds, this stretch of coastline has options for every vibe.

🎣 Fishing & Crayfish Catching (Very Much Not Europe)

If your idea of a holiday involves salty hands, early mornings and the smell of the ocean, Hermanus delivers in full. Rock & surf fishing is a firm local favourite - whether you’re casting from the rocks along the coastline, trying your luck at the harbour, or teaching the kids the art of patience (and disappointment). Just remember: know your species, sizes and bag limits - the ocean gives, but only if we respect it.

And then there’s crayfish season - the great equaliser. Nothing brings people together like wetsuits in December and an alarm set for way too early.

🦞 West Coast Rock Lobster – Key Dates (2025/2026)

December 2025
• 20 & 21
• 27 & 28

January 2026
• 3 & 4
• 24 & 25
• 31

Permits are required (yes, even for “just one”) and can be done online here:
👉 https://www.fishing.dffe.gov.za/ords/r/epermit/permitwebapp/login

Cold water, sore fingers, big smiles - very Hermanus, very festive, and definitely not Europe.

🥾 Cliff Path — The Classic Hermanus Walk

The Hermanus Cliff Path is a must-do outdoor activity - whether you’re after whale views, ocean panoramas or just a relaxing wander.

• Runs roughly 11-12 km along the rugged coastline from the New Harbour to Grotto Beach, with numerous access points and shorter options if you don’t want to do the full route.

• Spectacular ocean views on every step - this is one of the best free coastal walks in the Western Cape.

• Some sections are paved and accessible for wheelchairs and strollers — perfect for families.

🥾 More Hiking

• Fernkloof Nature Reserve – classic fynbos trails with views over the mountains and valleys surrounding Hermanus

• Kleinmond Mountains – scenic routes and ocean views (great half-day option)

• Betty’s Bay + Harold Porter Botanical Gardens – beautiful botanical paths and shaded forest walks

🚴 Mountain Biking & Day Passes

• Hemel-en-Aarde Valley has scenic mountain-bike routes and trails for all levels.

• Day passes available at Village Cycles in Hemel-en-Aarde - your hub for bikes, advice and gear for exploring the valley on wheels.

For a full route guide, check out:
👉 https://hermanusadventures.co.za/services/

🏄 Local Surf Highlight: Kamma Bay Surf School

One of Hermanus’ most iconic surf spots, Kamma Bay Surf School is the go-to for beginners, kids and anyone wanting to experience surfing in a safe, fun and scenic setting. With experienced local instructors and consistent conditions, it’s the perfect way to get out on the water this summer - whether it’s your first wave or a refresher session.

👉 Read our previous features on Kamma Bay Surf School here.

❄️ Cold Plunges & Tidal Pool Dips

If you’re looking for an easy adventure with maximum payoff, a cold plunge or tidal pool swim is a classic Hermanus move - and no wetsuit is required.

The Marine Tidal Pool, Ficks Pool, and Davies Pool (Onrus) are all great options. They’re safe, scenic, and perfect for a quick in-and-out that still makes you feel wildly accomplished.

Let’s clear something up though: this isn’t Europe. You’re not cutting holes in ice or emerging with a thousand-yard stare. Most days, the water is actually very doable.
That said… when the South Easter has been blowing for a few days, the ocean sharpens up. Suddenly it’s crisp. Bracing. The kind of cold that steals your breath for three seconds and then rewards you with instant joy and a slightly unhinged grin.

Why do it?

• Immediate wake-up (better than coffee)

• Mood boost guaranteed

• Peak “I did something today” energy before 9am

Pro tip: don’t hover on the steps overthinking it. Get in, breathe, laugh at yourself, get out - and walk away feeling superior for the rest of the morning.

See tide schedules here and choose your moment.

🚙 30-Minute Drives & Easy Day Trips

One of Hermanus’ biggest perks? You’re never far from a great day out. These nearby gems are perfect for a half-day adventure, lazy lunch mission or quick change of scenery.

Grabouw

Grabouw is all about country charm and comfort food.
Stop at Cheverells Farm Stall & Railway Market for an excellent breakfast, proper coffee, fresh farm produce and locally made treats. It’s the kind of place where “just popping in” turns into an hour-long browse.

For more details on Cheverells Farm Shed, check it out here:
👉 https://insideguide.co.za/cape-town/restaurants/cheverells-farm-shed/

Kleinmond

A laid-back coastal town that’s perfect for stretching the legs.
Enjoy mountain hikes in the Kogelberg Biosphere, followed by a relaxed harbour stroll. On warmer days, Palmiet Beach is ideal for a calm swim - sheltered, scenic and far less hectic than peak Hermanus spots.

Betty’s Bay

Nature lovers, this one’s for you.
The Harold Porter National Botanical Gardens offer beautiful, shaded walking trails, waterfalls and picnic spots — especially welcome on hot summer days.
Just down the road, Stony Point Penguin Colony is always a hit, with boardwalks, beach walks and the chance to spot African penguins doing their thing (usually looking mildly unimpressed with humans).

Easy drives, big rewards - all comfortably close enough to still be home for sunset.

Stanford

Stanford is a picturesque Overberg village set along the Klein River, offering a mix of historic character, nature-rich activities, award-winning eateries, and a relaxed countryside rhythm - perfect for day trips or lingering weekends.

🍴 Where to Eat & Drink in Hermanus

From wood-fired pizzas and legendary burgers to seafood with views for days, Hermanus punches well above its weight when it comes to food.

To be clear - there are many excellent restaurants, cafés and hidden gems around town, far more than we could ever fit into one guide. The spots below are simply a curated selection - a mix of long-time local favourites, consistently good options, and places we often recommend when friends and visitors ask, “Where should we eat?”

Consider this a helpful starting point, not a definitive list. Menus change, new places open, and everyone has their own favourites - which is exactly how it should be. Our aim is to give you a few solid ideas to kick off your holiday planning (and maybe help avoid that “where do we eat tonight?” debate).

Support local, explore freely, and don’t be afraid to try somewhere new - Hermanus is full of good food surprises. 🍽️

🍕 Pizza Spots Worth the Calories

Hermanus does pizza properly — wood-fired, casual and full of flavour.

• Embers - reliable, wood-fired classics done right

• Rossi’s - authentic Italian-style pizzas with proper bases

• Hopside Down - great pizzas paired with an excellent drinks offering

• The Station - casual, family-friendly and consistently good

• Fabio’s - a local favourite for very good reason

• Lizette’s Kitchen - don’t miss the flatbreads; look out for the “Seoul” on the menu for something different and seriously tasty

🍔 Burger Hits (Local Legends Included)

If burgers are on the agenda, Hermanus delivers.

• Stacked - dependable, indulgent and satisfying

• Char’d - a real winner; excellent flavour and execution

• Hopside Down - solid burgers paired with great beers

• Burgundy - surprisingly good burgers; if you’re lucky, ask about the kudu burger when it’s in stock

• Frances at Auberge - refined comfort food with a proper burger offering

• Bossa - offers a wide range of tasty burgers

…and plenty more dotted around town if you’re keen to explore.

🐟 Seafood & Sushi (Views for Days)

Being a coastal town, seafood is where Hermanus really shines.

• The Rock Restaurant (New Harbour) – fresh seafood right where the boats come in

• Dutchies - relaxed seaside dining and sunset vibes

• Lemonicious - our top pick for sushi in town; consistently fresh

• De Vette Mossel - a full seafood experience, West Coast style

• Fisherman’s Cottage - old-school favourite with big flavours

• Fusion - creative seafood dishes with a loyal local following

• Perlemoen - refined dining with ocean views

• Bientang’s Cave - iconic, rustic and unforgettable

• SkyBar - cocktails, small plates and views for days

🍳 Breakfast & Brunch Favourites

From recovery breakfasts to slow holiday mornings.

• Frances at Auberge - our all-time favourite

• Burgundy - breakfast with one of the best views in town

• Just Pure Bistro – relaxed and consistently good

• Lizette’s Kitchen - Sunday brunch buffet (a lifesaver after a heavy Saturday night)

• The Station - arguably the best flapjacks in town

• Onshore - unbeatable sourdough and scrambled eggs combo

• Oskar’s Bakery - and while you’re there, order the strawberry milkshake (trust us)

☕ For the Pure Coffee Snob

No frills. No fluff. Just places that actually care about coffee.

• Molo Coffee

• Mikro Coffee Company

• The Beanery

• Plato Coffee

• Dawn Coffee

• Black Medicine – winner, winner, chicken dinner for us at Scoop - try the marmite & cheese croissants, while you are at it.

• Onshore

• Mr Write – if you love matcha, we think this is hands-down the best one in town

🍺 Fancy a Beer?

Cold, local and well worth the stop.

• Hemel-en-Aarde Brewery

• Hermanus Brewery – home of the Old Harbour Lager

• Folk & Goode Brewing Company

• Hopside Down – where you’ll find Bezwill beers

  • Do yourself a favour and try the New England IPA — crisp, hazy and superb

• The Frosty Whale
  …and a few more great watering holes scattered around town.

🍷 Hemel-en-Aarde Valley – Wine Guide

One of South Africa’s most celebrated cool-climate wine regions, right on our doorstep.

Wine Farms in the Valley

• Hamilton Russell Vineyards

• Bouchard Finlayson

• Creation Wines

• Newton Johnson

• Ataraxia

• Sumaridge

• La Vierge

• Whalehaven Winery

• Spookfontein

• Bosman Upper Hemel-en-Aarde

• Storm Wines

• Catherine Marshall Wines

• Ashbourne Wines

A mix of established estates and boutique producers - perfect for tastings, lunches and long afternoons.

🍷 Wine Without the Driving

• Wine and Company – excellent curated wine selection and knowledgeable staff
  📸 Instagram: @wineandcohermanus 
  https://wineandco.co.za/

• Wine Village Hermanus – the go-to hub to sample multiple producers and discover SA wines
  📸 Instagram: @hemel.en.aarde.food.n.wine.village https://www.winevillage.co.za/ 

🏡 Property in Hermanus | Looking Ahead to 2026

Hermanus has had a wild ride in 2025, firmly cementing itself as one of South Africa’s standout property growth areas. From record-breaking sales in Voëlklip to sustained demand across Eastcliff, Onrus and Hemel-en-Aarde, the town has shown no signs of losing momentum. Semigration, lifestyle buyers and long-term investors continue to fuel demand - and the data backs it up.

What’s particularly notable is that growth isn’t limited to traditional residential hotspots. New industrial, commercial and mixed-use areas are being developed, pointing to a town that’s not only growing in popularity, but also in economic depth and long-term sustainability.

This year, we partnered with Greeff Christie’s International Real Estate, gaining valuable insight into market trends, buyer behaviour and where Hermanus is heading next. One of the developments generating significant local interest for 2026 is De Zandt - a thoughtfully planned estate designed around community, security and everyday convenience.

🌿 De Zandt – Planned Features Include:

• Indigenous fynbos landscapes, walking paths, pocket parks and private open spaces, encouraging safe, outdoor living
• 24-hour manned security, CCTV coverage and electrified fencing for peace of mind
• A diverse range of homes for young families, professionals and retirees, including first homes, forever homes and a proposed retirement precinct with assisted living, frail care and dementia care
• Lifestyle-focused recreation areas with dining options, padel and tennis courts, lawn bowls and children’s play spaces
• A convenience-led commercial hub featuring a supermarket, coffee shop, hairdresser, laundromat, pet store and a potential medical centre

As Hermanus continues to evolve, developments like De Zandt reflect a broader shift — toward well-designed, secure, mixed-use communities that support all stages of life while preserving the natural environment that makes the town so special.

Looking ahead to 2026, the outlook remains confident and positive. Hermanus is no longer just a holiday destination - it’s a fully-fledged lifestyle town with depth, demand and a clear long-term trajectory

For full details, layouts and the complete development overview, view the De Zandt digital booklet here:
👉 https://flip.brochure.dezandt.co.za/flip-book/1004134/2262516

🎉 WHAT’S ON IN HERMANUS & SURROUNDS

16 December | Public Holiday

Community Beach Volleyball Tournament
Summer is here and the beach is calling all volleyball enthusiasts! Join the Onrus Volleyball Club, Sealand and Seef Hermanus for a fun-filled mixed 4-a-side community tournament with prizes valued at R10,000.
📍 Onrus Beach
⏰ 08:00 – 13:00
📞 Rocco: 082 800 1600

Stanford Festive Market
A full week of late-night shopping and dining under Stanford’s magical festive lights. Expect local products, gifting, food and loads of holiday cheer.
📍 16 Queen Victoria Street, Stanford
⏰ 10:00 – 21:00 (daily until 21 December)
📞 Nicolene: 083 530 4968

Spoegwolf – Somertoer
Kick off the festive season with Spoegwolf at Stanford Hills. Picnic-style seating – bring blankets or camping chairs. No BYO food or drinks.
📍 Stanford Hills Wine Estate
⏰ 15:00 Gates open | 17:00 Deon Meiring | 18:00 Spoegwolf
🎟 Quicket (Kids U5 free)

Hermanus Carols
An evening of festive music under the stars hosted by the Rotary Club of Hermanus. Featuring a Nativity Play, live performances and carol singing for the whole family. Kids can meet Father Christmas – bring a gift, picnic basket and blanket.
📍 Attie Bishop Field (opposite Hermanus High)
⏰ 18:00 (gates open)
🎟 Webtickets | www.rotaryhermanus.co.za

17 December

Hermanus Country Night Market
A festive evening of fairy lights, chill music, food, drinks and gift shopping. Perfect for families and friends.
📍 Next to Hermanus Cricket Field
⏰ 17:00 – 21:00

18 December

Harcourts Hermanus Sand Castle Competition
Bring your buckets, shovels and creativity!
📍 Grotto Beach
⏰ 10:00 – 12:00

19 December

Watershed Live
World-class music, beautiful views and great vibes. Bring picnic blankets and chairs. No BYO food or drinks.
📍 Stanford Hills Estate
⏰ 18:00 (gates open 15:00)
🎟 From R100pp | Quicket

Stanford Sunset Market
The final Stanford Sunset Market of 2025. Live music, food trucks, local wines and festive fun on the Village Green.
📍 Stanford Market Square
⏰ 18:00 – 20:00

20 December

Sandbaai Christmas Festival
Don't miss out on a festive fun evening for the whole family. The Sandbaai Hall grounds will be decorated with holiday spirit. Kids should wear their swimming costumes for summer water activities, bring waterguns and towels. No limit on kids' rides. There will be food vendors, a gift market, a puppet show, Santa Claus, music, and a full bar. R20 entry fee.
📍 Sandbaai Hall
⏰ 16:00

Xmas Market with a Heart
A festive market supporting a good cause.
📍 Arabella
⏰ 15:00 – 19:00

Finglobal Onrus Fun Run
Choose between a 6km or 10km run with prizes and family fun.
📍 Milk on the Beach Restaurant, Onrus
⏰ Registration 05:30 – 06:45 | Run starts 07:00
🎟 entrytickets.co.za
📞 Mariska: 061 196 1770 | Arina: 082 745 6779 (WhatsApp only)

Francois van Coke Live
A rock legend live in Pringle Bay.
📍 Hangklip Hotel, Pringle Bay
⏰ 20:00
🎟 R400pp | Quicket

Boney M – 50th Anniversary Tour
Dance into the festive season with disco legends Boney M featuring original member Maizie Williams.
📍 Stanford Hills Estate
⏰ 18:00 (gates open 15:00)
🎟 Webtickets

21 December

Hidden Gems Wine Festival
15 wine producers, food stands, live music and kids’ entertainment on the farm. Limited to 200 tickets.
📍 Bartho Eksteen Wine Estate, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley
⏰ 11:00 – 17:00
🎟 R200pp | Quicket

Matthew Mole Live
A festive summer afternoon of sing-alongs and good vibes.
📍 Stanford Hills Estate
⏰ 18:00 (gates open 15:00)
🎟 R280pp | Webtickets

22 December

Nataniël Kerskonsert
A beautiful, inspiring Christmas concert with Nataniël and pianist Charl du Plessis.
📍 Sandbaai Hall
⏰ 19:00
🎟 seatme.co.za

High Street Soirée
An evening of festive charm and simple eleganc.
📍 High Street Hermanus
⏰ 16:00 - 21:00

23 December

Jeremy Loops Live
One of SA’s favourite summer shows set among the vineyards of Stanford.
📍 Stanford Hills Estate
⏰ 18:00 (gates open 15:00)
🎟 howler.co.za (Kids U5 free)

25 December | Christmas Day

Staying In? Here are a few cool at-home ideas:
• Long, lazy Christmas lunch with a build-your-own braai or seafood spread
• Backyard or beach picnic with games and music
• Pool day with ice lollies, watermelon and cold drinks
• Sunset drinks and board games
• Movie marathon (family classics or festive favourites)
• Early evening walk on the Cliff Path to catch golden hour

26 December

Hermanus Country Night Market
Another festive night of lights, food and gift shopping.
📍 Next to Hermanus Cricket Field
⏰ 17:00 – 21:00

Arno Carstens & Albert Frost – Double Header
Two iconic musicians back on stage together, joined by Droomsindroom.
📍 Stanford Hills Estate
⏰ 17:30 – 20:00 (doors open 15:00)
🎟 From R320pp | Quicket

27 December

Cat Stevens & Rodriguez Tribute
A soulful evening celebrating two legendary singer-songwriters, performed by Gareth James.
📍 Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate
⏰ 17:00 (doors open 16:00)
🎟 R220pp | Quicket

28 December

Jesse Clegg Summer Tour
Featuring Jesse Clegg and Will Linley. Family-friendly with food vendors and cash bar.
📍 Stanford Hills Estate
⏰ 17:00 (doors open 15:00)
🎟 From R180pp | Webtickets

31 December

Hermanus Country Night Market – New Year’s Edition
Ring in the New Year with fairy lights, festive food, drinks and live vibes.
📍 Next to Hermanus Cricket Field
⏰ 17:00 – 21:00

🎄 Celebrating 10 Years of the Gift Market - Curro Christmas Market

The Gift Market
Ring in the New Year with fairy lights, festive food, drinks and live vibes.
📍 Curro Hermanus
⏰ 12 - 28 December, 10:00 – 18:00

A Hermanus favourite returns for its 10th anniversary! Browse dozens of curated stalls featuring décor, gifts, handmade goods, Christmas treats, kids’ items, homeware and more. Perfect for holiday shopping without the mall chaos. Family-friendly, air-conditioned, and beautifully festive.

🌿 The Usuals

Mikro Coffee 6am Run Friday Run Club
🗓 Every Friday · 06:00
📍 Mikro Coffee, Aberdeen Street
Join us every Friday at 6am for a relaxed 5KM fun run

Local Thrift Market 🛍️
🗓 Saturday, 09:00 - 13:00
📍 De Wet Saal / De Wet Hall

Browse a variety of stalls and discover unique pre-loved treasures at the Local Thrift Market. Bring your fur-friend along (on a leash) and enjoy a relaxed, community market day.

Saturday | Hermanus ParkRun 🏃
🗓 Every Saturday · 08:00
📍 Hermanus Forest, Camphill Road, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley
Start your weekend with a scenic 5km trail run (or walk). Free to join.

Saturday | Benguela Cove ParkRun 🏃 
🗓 Saturday · 08:00
📍 Benguela Cove, R43, Botriver Lagoon, Hermanus
Another beautiful 5km trail run (or walk) along the lagoon. Free to join - just register online at parkrun.co.za.

🧒 Kiddies: Summer Holiday Fun

School’s out, the sun is shining, and the familiar “I’m boooored” is never far behind. Luckily, Hermanus has plenty to keep kids active, curious and happily worn out this December - with a good mix of outdoor adventures, rainy-day backups and wholesome holiday fun.

Whether you’re a local parent or hosting holiday visitors, consider this your quick cheat sheet for keeping the kids busy (and the screens off) this summer.

A big thank you to our local friends and subscribers who shared ideas - we couldn’t fit everything in, but we’ll feature more over the holidays.

Highlights for the Holidays

🦈 The Shark Lab
A brilliant educational outing with face-to-face shark experiences, conservation talks and a guided walk through the working lab. Perfect for curious minds (and a great backup for cloudy days). Booking essential.

🥾 Lemoenkop Hike
An easy 4km loop with sweeping views, fynbos, birdlife and space for kids to explore. Walk at your own pace - no booking needed and ideal for a sunny morning.

🎨 Holiday Clubs & Activities
From arts & crafts to themed holiday clubs, there are loads of structured options around town to keep kids engaged while parents catch a breather.

🎠 Whale of a Time Playpark
Indoor and outdoor play areas plus a restaurant space for parents. A solid option for energetic kids and relaxed adults. Booking recommended during peak season.

🎬 Road House Cinema (Whale Coast Mall)
Treat the kids to a cool cinema outing at Road House Cinema in Whale Coast Mall, Sandbaai — a local favourite with two state-of-the-art auditoriums screening family favourites, animation and blockbusters alongside classics and seasonal specials. Popcorn, slushies, artisanal hot chocolate and all the classic movie treats are on offer in the Hollywood-style foyer too.Check showtimes and book: https://www.roadhousecinema.co.za/ 

🌿 Outdoor Adventure Days (Heartland Adventure)
From survival skills to pony camps, these half-day adventures are designed to get kids outdoors, learning and moving. Bookings required.

🐎 Horse Riding – Heaven & Earth Trails
Guided rides through fynbos, vineyards and mountain scenery. Suitable for beginners and experienced riders (ages 7+).

🐚 Abalone Farm Adventures
A fascinating one-hour walking tour of the local abalone farm (daily at 11am). Kids receive a souvenir shell to take home, while adults get a behind-the-scenes look at this unique Hermanus industry. Educational, hands-on and surprisingly fun. Booking advised.

🎨 Bisque It – Ceramic Café
A creative favourite for kids (and parents). Paint your own ceramic piece - from mugs to plates and fun keepsakes - and leave with something personal and handmade. Perfect for quieter mornings or a creative reset between beach days.

🏎️ Kids Club – SA Forest Adventures (Honingklip)
An action-packed kids club just outside Hermanus at Honingklip Farm. The indoor arena features remote-control car tracks and electric go-karts, giving kids a safe, high-energy space to burn off steam. A solid option for hot days or when you need a weather-proof adventure.

Festive Safety + Local Insights

Useful, practical and community-focused.

Here are some tips from Hermanus Public Protection (HPP) to keep you safe in public spaces and the Cliff Path this holiday season along with all the important emergency numbers:

That’s a wrap for this year’s Scoop!

Stay festive and curious and we’ll catch you next year!

- The Hermanus Scoop Team 🐋

P.S. Want to be featured in the Scoop? Drop us a mail at [email protected] - we’d love to hear from you.

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