The west coast of South Africa is an alluring place that has a special magic that stays with you long after you’ve gone home. The contrasting landscapes contain legends, history and beauty of delicate daisies, forgotten shipwrecks, crashing waves, misty mountains and sand dunes.

An obvious time to visit the West Coast is spring, when the barren landscape is transformed into a magic carpet of color. Namaqualand’s daisies are renowned the world over for their beauty and splendor, and a drive from Cape Town to Springbok will make you feel like you’ve traveled on a magic carpet to a fairytale land with millions of daisies spread out. as far as the eye can see.

The coast is dotted with picturesque fishing villages, including Paternoster, Saldanha and Lambert Bay, where local fishermen make their living from the ocean. These villages are worth visiting and if you have the palate you can try the local delicacy, bokkoms, which is biltong fish or dried and salted fish. If you don’t mind the icy water, get dressed in your wetsuit and try to catch your own crayfish. Remember that you will need a permit and it is better to check with the locals which are the best and safest places.

The most popular town on the west coast is Langebaan, an idyllic little seaside town an hour’s drive from Cape Town. This town is popular for its lagoon, water sports, golf course, restaurants, and impressive accommodations. Die Strandloper on Langebaan is a unique restaurant on the beach and is renowned for its fresh and delicious seafood and on-site dining experience.

Inland you will find the charming little village of Darling tucked between vineyards and wheat fields. Victorian houses and old trees created an idyllic setting and it is traditionally known as the home of the well-known satirist Peter-Dirk Uys. Her theater, Evita se Perron, is a cabaret and restaurant and is named after her alter ego, Evita Bezuidenhout.

The Cederberg region includes Clanwilliam, Citrusdal and the spectacular Cederberg Ranges and is popular for its world class climbing and walking and is home to historic Bushman paintings. The solitude and stunning natural beauty of the area is captivating.

Further up the West Coast you will come across isolated places that escape the tourist brochures. One such place is Noup, about a 6-hour drive from Cape Town. The various cabins overlooking the Atlantic provide memorable sunsets and a magical stay. Crabbing, hidden surf spots, 4×4 tours, and shipwrecking are some of the activities you can do with the locals.

The west coast is a magical place and instills a sense of belonging. Once you’ve been there, you’ll always wonder around with the longing to return.