Clifton
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Just past Bantry Bay heading towards Camps Bay you will find yourself in Clifton. Luxurious apartments hugging the slopes of the mountain are soon replaced by private bungalows looking over the four Clifton beaches.
Clifton Beaches
These beaches are definitely some of the best and trendiest in Cape Town and they have something to suit everyone. They lie in protected rocky bays and are often sheltered when the predominant South Easter wind is howling elsewhere. They can be accessed from Victoria Road where paths wind down to the beach through the bungalows, or from 4th beach where there is a parking lot.
The beaches here are very popular spots for sundowners where they become littered with candles and lanterns once the sun sets. Just be warned that drinking in public is illegal and they do have patrols on the beaches confiscating alcoholic drinks.
Clifton Shops
There are no shops in Clifton itself; you’ll need to head to nearby Camps Bay for these. There is one restaurants both definitely worth a visit after a day at the beach or as a visit in their own right.
Clifton Restaurants
Just down the road is La Med, one of the most popular seaside summer venues with both locals and tourists. There is a large outdoor seating area with great views of the mountains and sea and very often paragliders descending from Lions Head and landing in the field in front of you. It offers a variety of food and great cocktails to be enjoyed as the sun goes down.
It has a distinctly casual dress code and it is no problem to arrive in short and bikinis from the beach. There is music and dancing every night although the busiest party night is definitely on Sundays, when the crowd becomes very young. On a warm Sunday La Med will host several thousand people, and run an hour long queue.
During winter, there are large fire places and big cosy couches where you can enjoy some red wine. Along with winter comes rugby season and La Med has a number of TVs and big screens which show all live events. It is a favourite for rugby matches.
Summer opening hours are Monday to Thursday 12h00 – 01h00, Friday to Sunday, 12h00 to 02h00. During winters weekend times remain the same, but Monday to Thursdays open from 16h00 – close. Tel (021) 438 5600