Single entrance into the suburb, no street lights, zero shops, secure, and prime real estate overlooking pristine white beach and sapphire seas. This is how Llandudno could be described in a single sentence.
Llandudno’s 200m Blue Flag white sandy beach, Milkwood forest, massive granite boulders and unspoiled dunes are best admired from the coastal road. A great deal of creative architecture was employed to blend many of the exquisite homes into their natural surroundings, some properties practically cling to the slopes of Little Lion’s Head.
Llandudno’s sparkling beach is enjoyed by sun worshippers and surfers alike. Members of the Llandudno Surf Lifesaving club have their clubhouse under the Milkwood trees and a limited parking area gives visitors the opportunity to escape the crowds.
Llandudno is a short 5 minute drive to Camps Bay along a scenic coastal road mostly devoid of development and a 3 minute drive in the opposite direction will get you to the beautiful Hout Bay enclave. The suburb is protected from the strong southerly winds by surrounding mountains and the rocky outcrop north of the beach causes uniform wave barrels loved by surfers.
If you’re looking to escape the crowds and enjoy a private, relaxing seaside holiday, Llandudno offers the perfect getaway from all things commercial.
Things to do
Take along a beach activity to enjoy on Llandudno’s beach or swim the chilly waters supervised by lifeguards.
Looking for a complete, all round tan? South Africa’s first unofficial nudist beach Sandy Bay neighbours Llandudno, a 25 minute coastal walk from Llandudno beach.
Llandudno is a primo surfing spot for its clean barrel waves. Recommended for experienced surfers only.
Visit the Kramat (Muslim holy burial ground) along the coastal road to sample the waters from the eternal spring. The Kramat is believed to have survived many a forest fire without man’s intervention.
The Llandudno Sports Club has tennis and squash courts. Ask your host to arrange a game for you.
The Maori shipwreck off the coast of Llandudno is a popular dive site. Hire dive equipment from numerous shops in Hout Bay.
Hiking is a popular activity here, we recommend attempting the Sandy Bay Shipwreck Hiking Trail to view the Boss 400 wreck, looking like the Starship Enterprise rising from the sea and the Harvest Capella, wrecked on a small island accessible at low tide.
The privately-managed World of Birds in Hout Bay is Africa’s largest. Experience up close encounters with various bird species and the inquisitive squirrel monkey. Curio shop, children’s playground and snack bar on the premises.
Enjoy a luxurious pampering session at the nearby 5-star 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa.
To indulge in top quality shopping, a 20 minute drive will deliver you to the Victoria Wharf Centre at the V & A Waterfront or for something unusual, try the shopping experience at the Cape Quarter in Green Point.
For a fun and informative walk, take the family to Green Point’s Biodiversity Park. The park has an outdoor fitness precinct, a secure children’s playpark and labyrinth overlooking the golf course with magnificent views of Signal Hill, the Green Point soccer stadium and lighthouse.
Visit …and Banana (Ethno Bongo) in Hout Bay to purchase African goods made from recycled material and unique, ethnic clothing & jewellery.
Two popular events take place during a full moon: hike Lion’s Head or cycle along the Sea Point Promenade. Ask your host for details.
Llandudno is a short distance from one of the world’s greatest scenic routes, Chapman’s Peak Drive and the road to Cape Point.
Take a picnic basket down to the beach and revel in a sunset over the sea.
Where to Eat
For a fabulous fine dining experience, book a table at Azure Restaurant at the 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa. Try one of the [rather pricey] tasting menus for an excellent blend of dishes.
Dunes Beach Restaurant & Bar has an outstanding location; practically on Hout Bay beach! A family oriented outdoor venue with diverse, exciting meals and good selection of wines. Extensive kiddies menu.
Il Cappero in Camps Bay serves authentic Sicilian dishes in their low key family-friendly restaurant. Flavoursome fish, meat and pasta dishes cooked in the traditional Italian way. Make sure you include the oven-roasted peppers as a side dish to your main course.
The quaint Duchess of Wisbeach restaurant in Sea Point has a vibrant, cosy atmosphere offering up interesting organic dishes. One of the few restaurants in Cape Town where a great gnocchi dish is still served. Closed Sundays.
The internationally trained owner-chef at La Mouette Restaurant has compiled a menu of exciting dishes ranging from French-style starters to desserts with wickedly decadent toppings. Closed on Mondays.
Pure Restaurant in Hout Bay has a broad, enticing dinner menu with a good spread of commercial dishes. The restaurant offers meals at other times – including all day teas – or you could slide on over to the Manor Bar & Lounge and sample the tasty tapas dishes.
Purchase quality meat cuts from the closest butcher and head to the Ouderkraal Resort for a braai (barbeque) at one of their 40 braai sites. Take along your costume and snorkel for a plunge in the rock pools.
Giovanni’s Deliworld in Green Point is a regular hangout for locals wanting their coffee fix, good conversation and fresh, made-to-order dishes. Open 7 days a week.
Keep a lookout for the food trucks that occasionally setup shop on the coastal road. Some of their offerings are truly delightful.
Night Life
If you like the sweet sounds of jazz, the Manenberg Jazz Café at the Camissa Courtyard in the city is the venue for you. Let some of South Africa’s jazz legends keep you entertained late into the night.
The location of Cape Royale’s VIP Sky Bar is just Wow! A relaxing roof bar, with swimming pool, and great views of the city and ocean. Linger over a cocktail and watch the sun go down.
Jade Champagne Bar & Lounge is a super sophisticated venue with dual bar and dance floor. Dress up for the occasion.
Relax on one of the couches at Café Caprice in Camps Bay and listen to the chilled beats.
Billed as a revue bar, the owners of The Piano Bar in De Waterkant suburb give emerging musos the opportunity to play to the crowds. The venue has a rooftop area called The Loft, popular on hot summer nights.
Get on the dance floor or just listen to the sounds of the marimba from the cigar bar at Marimba Restaurant located at the Cape Town International Conference Centre. Large venue capable of hosting big parties.
Decodance is a lively dance club open until 2am on Wednesdays and 4am on weekends. Live DJs to keep the party going.
Where to Stay
Supreme luxury awaits you at the various villas, apartments and cottages in Llandudno. All conveniences offered with delightful sea views to make your stay memorable.
Transport
Air The nearest airport is Cape Town International, 33km from Llandudno.
Car Rental There are many car rental agencies spread throughout Cape Town, however, you could rent a vehicle online.
Taxis Various transport operators offer trips to the city, Hout Bay and the airport, otherwise order a ride using the Uber mobile app.
Bus The MyCiti bus passes Llandudno on the route between Hout Bay and the city. Buses operate every 40 minutes on weekdays and every hour on weekends until 22h00.
Did you know?
Prior to the development of Hout Bay, white sands would blow over the ridge, refreshing the sands on Llandudno beach. The flow of sand no longer occurs and Llandudno beach will eventually disappear, enjoy it while you can!
In 1930, Llandudno had two permanent residents and the single road into the suburb was only tarred in 1952. Today it’s one of the most sought after residential suburbs in the Cape.
Ex-hotel magnate and creator of the One & Only brand of hotels, Sol Kerzner, owns a property near to Llandudno.
South Africa’s greatest road builder Thomas Bain built the coastal road linking Camps Bay with Hout Bay. A plague stands to his memoriam above Llandudno, a fitting location for the tribute.
The lifesaving club boast a 100% fatality free Llandudno beach while on duty.
