Largest Town in the Area
Unquestionably, Hermanus is the holiday headquarters of the Overberg Coast. It is the largest town in the area and the local commercial hub. But, despite its relatively large size, Hermanus is a reasonably pretty agglomeration of houses, hotels and hills, focussed around the old harbour.
Hermanus is also the place where many Captonians flee to in December, to get away from all the In-landers. A highlight of Hermanus is the cliff walk; an outstanding promenade that runs along the rocks, looking out to sea. A casual stroll along this craggy parapet, with the waves dashing themselves on the splintered stone below, is good for the soul and the body. Besides, it’s much better to look at the Hermanus sea than it is to swim in its icy waters.
Famous for its Whales
The town’s centre is focussed around the old Market Square, across from the harbour. This area is lined with shops and restaurants (including all the big franchises). Estate agents, bookshops, surfware stores, curio emporiums and lots of other retail merchandise is freely available in this compact, pedestrian-friendly environment, and a regular flea-market is held across from the harbour entrance.
Two museums (De Wet’s Huis Photo Museum and Old Harbour Museum) can be found nearby. Hermanus is also famous for its whales. Every year, from July to November, these aircraft carriers of the mammal world swim along the cold waters of the Agulhas Coast as part of their breeding cycle.
The Whale Route, which stretches from Hermanus to Plettenberg Bay, offers good whale viewing opportunities both from the shore, and from chartered vessels that go out to sea. Hermanus, as self-appointed headquarters of the Whale Route, has even appointed an official Whale Crier who clangs up and down the main road if there is a significant whale sighting.
Outdoor Activities
Hermanus city centre is full of restaurants and café’s. You can also try dining in their unique cave restaurant. Hermanus has several excellent beaches, all highly rated for cleanliness and beauty. Unfortunately, only penguins and surfers can swim in the frigid waters, but the beaches are great for sun-tanning and building sand castles.
Nearby Onrus Lagoon and beach are also popular, with its paddle boats, a fast-food kiosk and a restaurant with lovely views. Hermanus has lots of outdoor activities for the non-slacker like horse riding, boating, diving, fishing and harbour cruises. The Rotary Club of Hermanus has also built an excellent scenic drive up to the top of a tall hill outside town, and the views from the top are outstanding. The road is tarred to the main viewpoint, and continues as gravel until reaching a dead end a few k’s further on.
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