Paternoster

Travel Guide
Paternoster
Paternoster
Paternoster
Paternoster
Cape Columbine Lighthouse
Stay in whitewashed cottages, try the lobster and visit the lighthouse that was built to prevent shipwrecks in this infamously dangerous area.

Paternoster is a quiet coastal town steeped in fishing tradition beside a picturesque nature reserve. Its jagged cliffs and boulders provide a rustic charm to this serene hamlet by the ocean. Appreciate the old-time setting in one of the West Coast’s earliest villages. The town relies heavily on its booming lobster and oyster industries. Note that its name is Latin for “Our Father.”

The highlight of the area is the iconic Cape Columbine LighthouseOpens in a new window, which is the last of South Africa’s lighthouses built as a manned site. It is named after one of the many shipwrecks that occurred here in the 19th and 20th centuries. Climb to the viewing tower for a panoramic vista of the village and the picturesque countryside.

Stroll along the quiet trails that lead through the scenic grounds of the Cape Columbine Nature Reserve, which includes Tietiesbaai. Stay at one of the whitewashed cottages near the lighthouse.

The town of Paternoster has a relaxed atmosphere with many spas and lodges. Dine on seafood specialties, such as dried mullet and lobster, at one of the restaurants. Enjoy the colorful wildflowers decorating the town.

Bring your kids to the scenic Paternoster BeachOpens in a new window, which is flanked by white boulders and rocky cliffs. The beach is usually lively, with working fishermen searching for the catch of the day from their colorful fishing boats. Lay down a blanket and sunbathe, before splashing around in the cool ocean water of the West Coast.

Find the town on the picturesque West Coast in southwestern South Africa. Drive north along the coast for 100 miles (160 kilometers) to get here from Cape Town. Nearby are the West Coast National Park, Jacobs Bay and St. Helena Bay. Anticipate hot, dry and windy summers that resemble a Southern Hemisphere version of the Mediterranean. Winters are fairly cool and rainy.

Paternoster is a sleepy haven on the sea, with stunning coastal walks and views of whales and dolphins.

Abalone Hotel & Villa’s
Abalone Hotel & Villa’s
5 out of 5
Kriedoring Street, Paternoster, Western Cape
The price is €166 per night from 22 Jan to 23 Jan
€166
includes taxes & fees
22 Jan - 23 Jan
Stay at this 5-star luxury guesthouse in Paternoster. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Cape Columbine Nature Reserve and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (78 reviews)
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Reviewed on 21 Feb 2024

Abalone Hotel & Villa’s
Paternoster Manor
Paternoster Manor
3.5 out of 5
7 Sonkwas Road, Bekbaai, Paternoster, Western Cape
The price is €104 per night from 1 Feb to 2 Feb
€104
includes taxes & fees
1 Feb - 2 Feb
Stay at this 3.5-star beach B&B in Paternoster. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Cape Columbine Nature Reserve and Paternoster ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (34 reviews)
Beautiful place well worth a visit
"Beautiful apartment. Very comfortable bed and living area was spot on. We were here as a couple but also a works trip and the location was perfect for both. Breakfast was excellent with wonderful service. Staff could not do enough to help us and make our stay perfect. This place is about 2 minutes ..."

Reviewed on 19 Nov 2024

Paternoster Manor
Strandloper Ocean Boutique Hotel
Strandloper Ocean Boutique Hotel
4.5 out of 5
Patterson Slot West Coast Paternoster, Paternoster, Western Cape
The price is €345 per night from 20 Feb to 21 Feb
€345
includes taxes & fees
20 Feb - 21 Feb
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Paternoster. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Paternoster Beach and Cape Columbine ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (16 reviews)
Fabulous
"We had a fabulous stay here, a beautiful hotel with an amazing restaurant & wonderfully helpful and friendly staff"

Reviewed on 15 Jan 2025

Strandloper Ocean Boutique Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Paternoster

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
2
" "5 - Excellent 67%
4 - Good
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" "4 - Good 0%
3 - Okay
1
" "3 - Okay 33%
2 - Disappointing
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1 - Terrible
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5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

reminiscent of a greek fishing village with low lying white washed houses colourful little fishing boats, wide almost empty beaches, lovely fish restaurants and small shops with work from local artists and crafts people.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Loved the beaches and look of paternoster