When it comes to choosing a destination for the family to escape to, far from the madding crowds where you can escape the reality of every day life and relax in luxury and the majesty of mother nature, a beach holiday is usually very close to the top of the list!

Where beach holidays are concerned, you’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere better than the lovely little town of Kommetjie, steeped in history, sensational views and wonderful, welcoming hospitality.

Essentially a seaside village with beach houses that date back to the 1900s, Kommetjie is just 35km from Cape Town but a world away from the hubbub of urban existence.

In spite of being a trendy weekend escape for Capetonians and tourists from all over the world who come to the quaint town to experience its picturesque scenery and wonderful seaside community vibe, Kommetjie has managed to retain much of its rural appeal and residents here still regard themselves as living away from it all. 

Nestling between Slangkop Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean, in one of the most beautiful and unspoilt settings on the Cape Peninsula, Kommetjie’s Long Beach is over 5km of white sand with waves that’s an important surfing and kite surfing centre with a reputation for crayfishing, between November and April.

Indeed, this is where the crayfish is truly king – otherwise known as the Cape rock lobster, crayfish is delicious when freshly caught and braaied (barbecued).

If you’ve not indulged in crayfish, check out our blog about this and other amazing seafood options together with our favourite recipe for preparing a crayfish feast for the senses!

Long Beach also has a protected tidal pool that’s perfect for kids and because of its size, the beach never feels crowded, even during peak holiday season.

Kommetjie is home to the Slangkoppunt Lighthouse – the country’s tallest cast-iron lighthouse that was built in 1919. From here a walkway takes you to “die kom” (which literally translates as “the bowl”) – the circular, bowl-like sea basin after which the town is named.  

This natural basin forms a little harbour perfect for small boats, and is one of the best sites on land from which to view seabirds – Kommetjie features no less than three times in the Cape Bird Route and is an absolute delight for keen birders. 

Kommetjie is self-sufficient but there is a shopping centre at Long Beach Mall, not even five kilometres away, en route to Fish Hoek along Kommetjie Road, which passes Imhoff Farm along the way – with its converted farm buildings providing a bakery, tea garden, craft shops, art studios and cheese dairy.

There are also camel and horse rides for children. Head off along Kommetjie Road in the other direction and you’ll reach the seaside town of Scarborough.

All of this is literally on your doorstep when you stay at Fin Whale Beach House, located in the Slangkop Estate with views of forever and steps from the powder-white sand of Long Beach. So please get in touch and let’s arrange your next seaside getaway!