Welcome to Paternoster, a charming fishing village on South Africa’s spectacular West Coast. Whether you’re staying at the Abalone Hotel and Villas or exploring the area, this guide will help you discover everything this magical destination has to offer.

Paternoster is a picturesque coastal village located in the Western Cape, approximately 150km north of Cape Town, known for its pristine white beaches, traditional fishing boats, whitewashed cottages, and world-renowned seafood. This unspoiled gem offers visitors an authentic taste of West Coast life.

The village’s name derives from the Portuguese “Pai Nosso” (Our Father), reflecting its maritime heritage. Today, life still revolves around fishing and the sea, creating an atmosphere where time seems to slow down and visitors can truly disconnect from urban life.

From Cape Town:

• Drive north on the R27 coastal route (approximately 2 hours)
• Take the R399 to Paternoster
• The scenic coastal drive offers stunning ocean views and glimpses of the famous West Coast flowers (in season)

Best Time to Visit:

• Flower Season: August to September (wildflower blooms)
• Summer: December to February (warm weather, busy season)
• Shoulder Season: March to May, October to November (mild weather, fewer crowds)
• Winter: June to August (cooler, good for crayfish season)

Wolfgat 

• Cuisine: Contemporary South African, Indigenous ingredients
• Contact: 022 752 2202
• Opening: Wed-Sun, Lunch and Dinner (booking essential)
• Specialty: Award-winning restaurant ranked #6 of 23 in Paternoster
• Must Try: Tasting menu featuring local foraged ingredients

Leeto Restaurant 

• Contact: 060 927 0403
• Address: Patterson Slot, Paternoster
• Opening: Monday to Sunday 12pm-2pm and 6pm-9pm
• Website: leetorestaurant.com
• Specialty: Contemporary West Coast cuisine

Oep ve Koep Restaurant

• Cuisine: Traditional West Coast seafood
• Opening: Thursday-Monday: 12:30pm-2pm and 6:30pm-8:30pm
• Specialty: Angelfish bobotie springroll starter and crisp pork belly
• Notes: Menu changes regularly with innovative local fish dishes

The Blues Restaurant 

• Contact: 022 752 2044

• Cuisine: All 

• Opening: 7 days a week 7:30am-10pm

• Speciality: Cape cuisine 

The Noisy Oyster 

• Contact: 022 752 2196
• Cuisine: Traditional South African with seafood focus
• Opening: Daily 8am-9pm (seasonal variations)
• Specialty: Famous for their seafood platters and local atmosphere
• Booking: Advance booking recommended

Bokmakirie Restaurant

• Contact: 022 752 2825
• Cuisine: Seafood and traditional fare
• Opening: Daily lunch and dinner (closed Tuesdays in winter)
• Known for: Crayfish and linefish dishes

Gaaitjie Restaurant

• Contact: 083 375 2462
• Cuisine: Traditional West Coast seafood
• Opening: Wed-Mon 12pm-3pm and 6pm-9pm
• Specialty: Fresh daily catch and crayfish (in season)

Oyster Lounge

• Contact: 022 752 2-44

• Cuisine: Seafood 

• Speciality: Fresh oysters 

Paternoster se Padstal

• Contact: 022 752 2270
• Opening: Daily 8am-5pm
• Serves: Traditional farm fare, coffee, light meals
• Specialty: Local produce, preserves, and crafts

Salt Air Café

• Opening: Daily 7am-4pm
• Serves: Coffee, breakfast, light lunches
• Location: Beachfront with ocean views

Abalone Hotel and Villas ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

• Website: abalonehotel.co.za
• Style: Five star luxuries with serious seaside appeal
• Features: Ocean-facing suites, private terraces, luxury amenities

Paternoster Dunes Boutique Hotel

• Contact: 022 752 2703
• Features: Boutique accommodation with ocean views
• Style: Contemporary coastal design

Paternoster Manor

• Style: Sumptuously furnished rooms with delicious meals
• Contact: Via booking platforms or direct inquiry
• Features: Bed and breakfast with personal service

Strandloper Ocean Boutique Hotel

• Contact: 022 752 2113
• Features: Beachfront location, contemporary rooms
• Style: Modern coastal accommodation

Die Kus Guest House

• Contact: 082 900 7860
• Features: Traditional guesthouse with sea views
• Notes: Family-run with local knowledge

Paternoster Beach Cottages

• Contact: 022 125 0418
• Features: Fully equipped cottages, 15% direct booking discount
• Website: paternosterrentals.co.za

Stay in Paternoster

• Contact: +27 (0)22 752 2048
• Address: 87 St Augustine Road
• Website: stayinpaternoster.co.za
• Features: Various self-catering properties

• Rock Pool Exploration: Perfect at low tide near Cape Columbine
• Shell Collecting: Pristine beaches offer excellent opportunities
• Beach Games: Wide open beaches ideal for frisbee, beach cricket
• Sand Castle Building: Soft, clean sand perfect for construction

• Lighthouse Tours: Cape Columbine Lighthouse offers educational visits
• Fishing Boat Visits: Watch boats return with catches (morning)
• Marine Life Discovery: Guided rock pool tours available
• Flower Identification: Seasonal wildflower education walks

• Beach Buggy Tours: Family-friendly coastal exploration
• Horse Riding: Gentle beach rides suitable for children (8+)
• Easy Hiking Trails: Short coastal walks with spectacular views
• Whale Watching: Shore-based viewing (June-November)

• Art Gallery Visits: Interactive art experiences
• Local Museum: Small heritage displays in town
• Craft Workshops: Pottery and art classes available
• Cooking Classes: Learn traditional West Coast recipes

Hidden Beaches:

• Die Mond: Secluded cove 5km south (4×4 access recommended)
• Skulpiesbaai: Quiet bay perfect for photography (3km north)
• Bekbaai Beach: Pristine beach perfect for relaxation

Photography Locations:

• Golden Hour: Cape Columbine Lighthouse at sunrise/sunset
• Flower Season: Postberg flower fields (30km drive)
• Village Life: Harbor area early morning (6am-8am)
• Dramatic Coastline: Rocky outcrops north of main beach

Best Times for Activities:

• Fishing Boats Return: 6am-8am daily (authentic local life)
• Sunset Viewing: Cape Columbine point (west-facing)
• Rock Pool Exploration: 2 hours before/after low tide
• Bird Watching: Early morning (5am-8am) best activity
• Photography: Magic hour lighting is incredible on white cottages

Local Customs:

• Greet fishermen politely, but don’t interfere with work
• Ask permission before photographing local people
• Support local businesses – they’re the heart of the community
• Respect the slow pace of life

Seasonal Secrets:

• Winter: Dramatic storm watching from Cape Columbine
• Spring: Flower routes change yearly – ask locals for best spots
• Summer: Early morning beach walks to avoid crowds
• Autumn: Perfect light for photography all day

Money-Saving Tips

• Bring Cash: Limited ATMs, some places don’t accept cards
• Self-Catering: Local produce from padstal saves money
• Off-Season: Significant accommodation discounts May-August
• Local Markets: Better prices than tourist-oriented shops

January – February (Peak Summer)

• Best Activities: Beach days, swimming, surfing, crayfish season
• Festivals: Various summer music events
• Booking: Essential for accommodation and restaurants
• Weather: Hot and dry, perfect beach weather

March – May (Autumn)

• Best Activities: Hiking, cycling, photography, perfect outdoor weather
• Advantages: Fewer crowds, shoulder season pricing
• Weather: Ideal temperatures, minimal rain
• Special: Extended daylight, perfect for outdoor dining

June – August (Winter)

• Best Activities: Whale watching, storm watching, cozy indoor experiences
• Advantages: Lower accommodation rates, authentic local experience
• Weather: Cool and wet, dramatic coastal storms
• Special: Crayfish season continues, fewer tourists

September – November (Spring)

• Best Activities: Wildflower viewing, outdoor festivals, hiking
• Highlight: Blomme and Bubbles Festival (September)
• Weather: Mild with occasional rain, perfect for flowers
• Booking: High demand during flower season

Weekend Getaway (2-3 days)

Day 1: Arrive, settle in, sunset dinner, beach walk Day 2: Cape Columbine morning, lunch in village, afternoon beach time Day 3: Early morning fishing boat viewing, shopping, departure

Extended Stay (4-7 days)

Additional Activities:

• Day trip to West Coast National Park
• Darling wine route exploration
• Langebaan lagoon activities
• Multiple restaurant experiences
• Art gallery and studio visits

Experience the magic of Paternoster – where pristine beaches meet traditional fishing culture, world-class wines complement spectacular wildflowers, and every sunset paints the sky in unforgettable colors.

For reservations and more information about your luxury stay at Abalone Hotel, visit abalonehotel.co.za

This guide is updated regularly. For the most current information on events, opening hours, and seasonal activities, please check with Abalone Hotel reception or contact venues directly.