PATERNOSTER

Paternoster means “Our Father”, this town’s name is derived from the ship-wrecked Portuguese sailors.

Paternoster is a small fishing village about 90 minutes drive from Cape Town.

Paternoster is one of the oldest towns on the West Coast and is known for its Crayfish and traditional fisherman’s architecture with never-ending white sandy beaches.

While there you might have the opportunity to see Whales and Dolphins entertaining you in the ocean.

 

After the first spring rains usually late July to September, a carpet of indigenous flowers adorns the landscape in their multi-coloured glory and for bird lovers; Paternoster is home to 250 species of birds with sea birds – Seagulls, Sacred Ibis, Oystercatcher and Cormorants.

On the pristine beaches one can take a beach buggy ride along the coastline or a peaceful long walk on the beach or catch crayfish in a boat or on land.

Paternoster also offers diving, spear fishing, hiking trails, mountain biking and sea kayaking.

Paternoster has a 60 year old charming red and green tin house restaurant which overlooks the sand, sea and sky, while enjoying your meal you can take in the amazing sunset and watch the whales frolicking in the sea.

The Paternoster coast is littered with a graveyard of ships where diving is offered to experience the history of each wreck.

A must see is the Gerhard van den Heever pottery studio and a fishing trip on a traditional boat.

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A place to stay is Die Opstal Self Catering Cottages which is a simple functional style house which can be seen all around Paternoster, reminding one of a Grecian village with rustic furniture synonymous of a fisherman’s village with an ambiance that is found in houses that are unique with country chairs, robust sofas, antique hats and framed plates, a four poster bed, ideal for couples or bigger families.

The Paternoster Hotel is rich in history, tradition and old age charm. The hotel has 10 en-suite hotel rooms each with a double and single bed with selected DSTV channels, for those who prefer more privacy there is a fully equipped self-catering house (Buona Sera) with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms for six people.

The Paternoster Hotel has a unique and famous pub that first served as the Paternoster jail. In 1974 Johan Carosini started the collection of “honeymoon panties”. The panty collection had to be taken down in June 1983 after a Dominee(Reverend) had tea at the hotel and reported this “unholy” practice to the police. Needless to say the policeman who was responsible for the confiscation of the panties, was thereafter called “Panty’ Basson by everyone who knew. 

The collection was once again started in the nineties by Johan's son and now co owner Giorello and is still flourishing today,which brings me to another thought not because of the panty collection but the scenery is absolutely picturesque for your big day.

This beautiful,picturesque old fisherman's village is must see on your journey around South Africa.