6 scenic coastal walks in the Western Cape with unforgettable views

The Western Cape delivers dramatic scenery at every turn, with jagged cliffs, turquoise waves, and mountain backdrops creating some of South Africa’s most breathtaking coastal walks.

Stretching from Cape Town to Plettenberg Bay, these trails offer unforgettable views.

Whether you’re seeking solitude, salty sea air, or the ultimate Instagram shot, here are six must-do walks where the landscapes speak for themselves.

1. Chapman’s Peak Trail – Cape Town, Western Cape

Distance: 6.5km return
Duration: 2–3 hours

This isn’t the scenic drive; it’s the trail that winds above it. The Chapman’s Peak Trail, often overlooked, offers stunning scenery that far exceeds expectations.

The route climbs steadily through fynbos-covered slopes until it reaches a summit with sweeping views of Hout Bay, the Atlantic Ocean, and the curving road below. Catching the sunset here is simply unbeatable.. Sunset here? Unbeatable.

2. Robberg Nature Reserve – Plettenberg Bay, Western Cape

Distance: 2km (short loop) to 9.2km (point-to-point full loop)
Duration: 30 minutes to 4 hours

This rugged peninsula trail delivers a spectacular experience. It leads hikers past sheer cliffs, seal colonies, ancient caves, and turquoise coves in quick succession. Although the full loop demands effort, with steep climbs and rocky scrambles, the untamed scenery and pounding surf along the route make every step worthwhile.

3. Kogelberg coastal walk – Betty’s Bay

Distance: 8km return
Duration: 2.5–3 hours

Often overlooked, this walk through the Kogelberg Biosphere combines indigenous forest, waterfalls, and crashing surf. The trail skirts cliffs and tidal pools, and offers regular sightings of dassies, seabirds, and even whales during the season. It’s peaceful, raw, and unforgettable!

4. Cape Point lighthouse walk – Cape of Good Hope

Distance: 2km return
Duration: 30–45 minutes

Short, steep, and scenic, this coastal walk leads up to the old Cape Point lighthouse with uninterrupted views over two oceans. It’s a tourist hotspot, yes – but with good reason. For a quieter option, take the less-travelled Lighthouse Keeper’s Trail that hugs the cliffs below.

5. Sea Point Promenade – Cape Town

Distance: Around 5.5km return
Duration: 1–1.5 hours

Sea Point Promenade delivers an iconic urban stroll with uninterrupted views of the Atlantic Ocean, Signal Hill, and Lion’s Head. Walkers, runners, cyclists, and dogs all use the flat, easy path, while public art, coffee stops, and outdoor gyms add charm along the way. The sunsets? Absolutely next level.

6. De Hoop Whale Trail (Day 1 section) – De Hoop Nature Reserve

Distance: Around 5km (from Potberg to Cupidoskraal section)
Duration: 1.5–2 hours

The full Whale Trail is a five-day trek, but even the first section gives you a taste of its wild beauty. Walk through renosterveld and coastal cliffs with the sound of surf in your ears. From June to November, expect whale sightings galore. Booking is essential for the full trail, but day hikes are possible with a permit.