Paternoster, Cape West Coast
Once you've booked your Paternoster accommodation explore our pages for info on attractions and what to do in Paternoster.
Paternoster, meaning "Our Father" derives its name from the prayers of ship-wrecked Portuguese sailors. Paternoster is a small, quaint and picturesque fishing village about 145km (90 minutes drive) from Cape Town and 15km north west of Vredenburg.
A favourite weekend getaway destination for Capetonians, Paternoster is one of the oldest towns along the West Coast and is famous for its abundance of crayfish. Paternoster is an all year round destination famous for its traditional fisherman’s architecture and endless pristine sandy white beaches. Visitors to Paternoster delight in watching whales and dolphins frolicking in the ocean (ten months of the year) and after the first spring rains fall the landscape is transformed by the millions of indigenous flowers which open and densely carpet the earth in bright bursts of colour (usually between late July and September).

Activities and attractions include Beach Buggy trip along the coastline, long walks on the beaches, fishing, boat and land based cray-fishing, diving and spear fishing excursions, hiking trails, mountain biking, sea kayaking are all popular activities.
Visit the nearby West Coast Fossil Park and the Cape Columbine lighthouse (the last manned lighthouse built in in 1936).
Additional Reading
For first hand reviews see our articles:
• Paternoster, a quaint West Coast fishing village
• A review of Paternoster's Restaurants
• Paternoster, a palliate for the Soul
• A day in Paternoster
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Paternoster Reviews
"Paternoster is one of my favourite spots for fishing and chilling on the beach. I love it ..." - Michelle, Cape Town
Visitorials: We Love South Africa
Paternoster Visitorial
I Love Paternoster because ...
Featured in: Visitorials: We Love South Africa
We’ve asked those in the know to share their favourites things about Paternoster. Find out where locals go for the best cup of coffee, lunch suggestions and much more. We’re letting you in on all of their secrets ... I Love Paternoster because ...
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Featured Attractions in (or near) Paternoster

Bird Island Nature Reserve
The world’s most accessible Cape gannet colony can be found on an island, linked to Lambert’s Bay by a breakwater wall. Bird Island also gives shelter to thousands of cormorants and penguins, whilst Cape fur seals can still be found on the rocks on the sea side of the island. The three hectare Bird Island ... more information

Cape Columbine Nature Reserve
Although often referred to as lying in Paternoster, the Cape Columbine Nature Reserve, more often referred to by locals as Tietiesbaai, lies just south west of the popular weekend town, its manual lighthouse - the last of its kind - a draw card to many who then discover that the wildness and beauty ... more information

Cape West Coast Biosphere Reserve
Stretching all the way from Diep River in Milnerton, to the Berg River close to Velddrif on the West Coast, the Cape West Coast Biosphere Reserve (CWCBR) was designated as such by UNESCO in 2000. The beautiful area of the Cape Floristic Region is deemed worthy of protecting internationally, particularly as ... more information

Cape West Coast Biosphere Trails
Cape West Coast Biosphere Trails – slackpacker trails on the West Coast! The Cape West Coast Biosphere Reserve (CWCBR) is a recognised UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, one of only 6 in South Africa and just over 600 world-wide. It extends from Diep River in Milnerton in the south, to ... more information

Five Bay Trail
28 kilometres in 2 and a half days: One of five trails recently developed in the West Coast Biosphere Reserve, the Five Bay Trail explores the coast between the fishing villages of Paternoster and Jacobsbaai. The theme for this trail is tracing human harvesting of the sea, and tracks several shell middens as well as ... more information

Rocherpan Nature Reserve
Rocherpan enthusiasts who head off along the West Coast to visit this nature reserve near Velddrif will possibly mention to you that the bird life is incredible, but what they will not reveal is that it is also a wonderful setting in which to spot whales. The Rocherpan Nature Reserve is set a mere 25 kilometres ... more information

West Coast 3 Day Itinerary
Our suggestions for a self-drive, three day trip up the Cape West Coast with ideas on what to do and where to stay! Note that this is a Three-day itinerary for the West Coast – OUT of flower season! Leave Cape Town via the R27 – there is a lot to do en route and day one is jam-packed. Look out for the Darling Wind ... more information

West Coast 5 Day Itinerary
Anyone with any knowledge of the flowers will tell you that to see them at their best, you need to drive with the sun at your back. What this means is that you should drive all the way up to at least Vanrhynsdorp or Nieuwoudtville to start your route. The flowers are best viewed between 11h00 and 15h00 ... more information

West Coast National Park
Just inland from the secluded harbour of Saldanha Bay one finds the azure waters of the Langebaan Lagoon, focal point of the West Coast National Park. Thousands of seabirds roost on sheltered islands, pristine golden beaches stretch endlessly into the early morning mist and brooding salt ... more information
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Things To Do in Paternoster

Voorstrandt Restaurant
Where: Paternoster
How much (per person): On Request
The Voorstrandt Restaurant is situated in a 114 year old quaint red and green tin house, right on the white sandy beach with panoramic views ... more information

Oep ve Eet
Where: Paternoster
How much (per person): On Request
Kobus van der Merwe, the owner of Oep ve Eet, and previous editor of Eat Out online, brings his passion for food to this unassuming rustic r ... more information
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Restaurants in Paternoster

Dine at ah! Guest House
Where: Paternoster
Not only do we offer a comfortable bed for the weary traveler, but also fine dining by appointment. Food is an integral part of the ah! guest house experience. Our open plan kitchen/dining room with i ... more information

Dine at Saffron
Where: Paternoster
Saffron is located inside Abalone House, and is as sumptuous and graceful as the guesthouse itself. Executive chef, Darren Stewart, likes to keep things simple yet elegant and believes in finding his ... more information
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Events and/or Festivals in Paternoster
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On Holiday in Paternoster
Visitorial - I ♥ Paternoster because...
Paternoster - A Visitors Perspective
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Things to Do in Paternoster
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