Plettenberg Bay is known as a summer mecca for both international and South African travellers. Holiday-makers flock to our little coastal town on the Garden Route each summer in droves to soak up the sun, play on our beaches and recharge after a long year – this is their reward. In our frantic modern lives, there seems precious little time to stop and savour: sounds, smells, tastes and sights, but Plett offers exactly those things: sun-kissed days of hiking, sipping bubbly in the Plett Winelands, swimming in our warm waters, reading a book and, finally, unwinding.
Here are five of our favourite Plett summer moments that you’ll have to experience to have a truly rejuvenating Plettenberg bay holiday experience:
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TAKE IN THE VIEWS ON ROBBERG:
This is an easy one, whether you’re super fit or a couch potato, you can enjoy the breath-taking views from our iconic Robberg Peninsula. Robberg is a nature reserve, managed by Cape Nature, a national monument and a World Heritage Site. There are three circular hikes: 2km, 5km and 9km with varying degrees of difficulty. On a clear day, the wreck of the Athena is clearly visible from Robberg and you’ll thrill at the sight of the seals playing in the water below, you may even spot a Great White cruising! If you’re not up for a hike, then pack a picnic basket and a bottle of Plett wine and enjoy the beautiful sunset from the picnic area. You won’t be sorry! The park is open from sunrise to sunset and the entrance fee is R40 for adults and R20 for children. If you’re planning to hike, remember to reapply sunscreen as the sun can merciless, wear closed shoes (those ants!) and pack water as there is none available on the trail. Then…enjoy the best views in Plett! Find out more
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DAWN PATROL
Yes, we know that you must get up really early at this time of year to enjoy the sunrise but (a) it’s totally worth and (b) the beaches are blissfully quiet in the early morning (until about 8am). If you’re an early bird, check the tides and head to Robberg Beach or Lookout Beach to hunt for our special pansy shell or wade through the shallow waters of Central Beach and, if you’re lucky, you may spot the dolphins on their morning migration. Plettenberg Bay has six International Blue Flag beaches: Robberg Five, Lookout Beach, Keurboomstrand, The Dunes, Singing Kettle and Nature’s Valley, meaning that you’re spoiled for choice but, due to rip currents in the area, it’s inadvisable to swim when there are no lifeguards on duty, so save your swimming for later in the day.
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SIP YOUR WAY THROUGH THE PLETT WINELANDS
Plettenberg Bay is South Africa’s youngest Wine of Origin region and is getting a bit of a reputation as a “Bubbly Route” due to the award-winning MCC bubblies that are being produced in the area. There are various ways for you to explore the Plett Winelands: self-drive (but who wants to do that?), take a wine tour with the knowledgeable team from Plett Wine Tours, a rustic carriage ride with Hog Hollow Horse Trails, cycle the winelands or take a horse-ride through the region. The Plett Winelands have two main regions: Harkerville (home to Plettenvale, Packwood and Luka Wines) and The Crags (home to Lodestone, Kay & Monty, Redford Lane, Newstead & Bramon), may of whom have tasting rooms and restaurants perfect for a lazy afternoon sitting among the vines and sipping their delicious wines & bubblies.
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PICNIC ON THE BEACH
A holiday in Plettenberg Bay wouldn’t be complete without visiting more than one of Plett’s popular beaches. Nature’s Valley, the Dunes and Keurboomstrand are all perfect for a romantic picnic for two, while Robberg, Lookout and Central Beach are fun for the whole family. Remember to load up on the sunscreen, take an umbrella or shelter and pack your picnic basket with local produce. This is a picture perfect Plett moment.
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FLOAT IN A ROCK POOL
This may not be for everyone, but it’s worth a mention as Plettenberg Bay has some gorgeous rock pools and nothing says summer more than sinking back into a crystal clear pool, sinking below the surface and floating while the sun dances on the water. We dare you not to feel relaxed after that! Nature’s Valley, Robberg Peninsula, Keurbooms and the rocks in front of the Beacon Isle all have fabulous rock pools but please do watch out for the high tide.
Do you have something to add to this list of perfect Plett moments? Comment on our Facebook page or tag us on Twitter or Instagram: @PlettPAA.