Why Paternoster?
Paternoster is the oldest fishing village along this pristine coastline, embodies the heart and soul of the West Coast. It is a wonderful & special place filled with contrasts and seasonal colours.
The stark beauty of the place – the pristine white sandy beaches that beautifully contrasts with the deep blue ocean makes it a great place for children to collect mussel shells on the beach.
Festooned with dancing daisies in Spring, surrounded by waving green wheat carpets in Winter, and often dusted in heat in Summer, Paternoster is an enchanting blend of old and new worlds.
Shops & Galleries
- DISCOVER salvaged treasures and all sort of interesting gadgets and toys at A LOAD OF BOLLOX, a store just for the boys (& men who are still boys) in the Art Shed at the Paternoster Crayfish Wharf.
- ADVENTURE down the rabbit hole and discover the quirky eclectic THE HOBNOBBERY a co-operative. Browse for beautiful gifts, jewelry and clothing at TUMBLEWEED while enjoying a gin or glass of wine with delicious cheeses, deli items or a yummy open sandwich from The Drunken Pecorino. *Pet-friendly & open during load-shedding*
- DAWDLE through the SHELL SHOP at the Paternoster Hotel for perfect sea-side souvenirs and gifts.
- Antiques, fishing gear and flip flops at the general dealer THE PATERNOSTER TRADING POST.
- SPOIL yourself with beautiful, bespoke hand-made sea glass & venetian glass jewelry and other hand-picked pieces.
- POP-IN at OEP VE KOEP – Die Winkel op Paternoster for West Coast produce, wine and more. The Bistro is also the sister restaurant to Wolfgat, the chef Adel Hughes serves up a tasty and unique strandveld menu daily. *Allow cat friendly dogs on leash & open during load-shedding*
- PICK UP some traditional ‘staatmaker’ jams or unusual finds like Black Fig & Black Pepper jam, Funky Ouma salty tins, cotton carpet slippers and indulging essential oils/diffusers to fill up your senses. This and much more at JEM & PANTOFFELS.
- BROWSE through the quirky and contemporary treasures of jewellery, décor, scarves and even enjoy a yummy koeksister with tea at MANEKI at the Art Shed.
- BROWSE and admire art and pottery by talented ceramicist Dianne Heesom-Green and other local artists at STONEFISH STUDIO & GALLERY.
Activities & Siteseeing
• LET your inner artist create and express itself with AJ’s Paternoster Art Retreats.
• GET INKED at FIREHOUSE TATTOO & ART STUDIO by Lizbie Lourens located at The Art Shed, Crayfish Wharf.
• DANCE it out with Line Dancing at the Paternoster Hotel. All are Welcome.
• ASSIST the local fishermen to drag their HARVEST of HARDERS to shore and make sure you also have a few to braai later.
• WATCH in total awe at Full Moon as the moon rises over the bay and be reminded of how beautifully the universe was created and how blessed we all are.
• VISIT and get adventurous with so many fantastic experiences and things to do in and around Paternoster. VISIT PATERNOSTER makes it super easy to book and arrange a holiday full of fun and activities for the whole family.
• GET ENERGISED and hike in and around Paternoster, spot tortoises and birds with tour guide
• VISIT the Cape Columbine LIGHTHOUSE. Built only in 1936, it was the last manned lighthouse constructed, and it rests on a windswept coastline within the Columbine Nature Reserve, just six kilometres outside of the fishing village.
• EXPLORE the surrounding area with an informative, scenic and thrilling BEACH BUGGY ride with local aficionado.
• RIDE a horse along the beautiful Langstrand Beach.
• PACK a backpack and head up Langstrand for an early morning sunrise beach walk towards the Groot Paternoster Nature Reserve, approximately 7kms. You might even spot some dolphins!
• ENJOY a fun evening of Karaoke and the beach bar vibe at SEEKOMBUIS.
• TAKE a seat at the legendary PATERNOSTER HOTEL, centrally located for great stoep-sitting while watching the village and its people go by.
• SPOT a WHALE or three. The calm and protective St. Martins Bay is the perfect nursery for females to have their calves and often huge pods can be seen from Bek Bay and the main Paternoster Beach.
• ROMANCE the person in your life and order a picnic basket from Dee to take to BEKBAAI BEACH while you watch the Sunset over the rocks & ocean.
• TREAT yourself (and your partner) to a well-deserved massage or facial at DUNES BEAUTY at Paternoster Dunes Boutique Guest House.
• BRAAI at Tietiesbaai! Pack your cooler, braai grid and head to the beautiful rugged Tietiesbaai in the CAPE COLUMBINE NATURE RESERVE for a lekker braai. (Entry into nature reserve costs approximately R15 per person)
• FORGET about time as you build a carefully planned sandcastle with the kids, family or friends and watch it wash away as the tide comes in.
• BE WOWed by joining an e-bike tour and enjoy an unforgettable feeling of freedom while riding effortlessly through the beautiful Paternoster landscape.
• PADDLE out between the rocks to see visiting seabirds, penguins and see Paternoster from a different angle.
• TRAVEL back in time with STOFPAD TOERE and explore the village, by-ways and dirt roads surrounding Paternoster aboard a beautifully restored 1959 Austen.
• GET HITCHED! ELOPE! We have just the place, it’s oh-so Romantic and just all-round fabulous at GELUKKIE. ALSO, relaxing & tranquil GARDEN days every Sunday with al fresco dining serving shared delicious fire-food platters and a selection of wine, beers & more.
• IMMERSE yourself in art, beauty and culture as you wander through the ART SHED at The Paternoster Crayfish Wharf. Meet the creative artists at work and maybe take a little something of the magic of Paternoster home with you.
• CREATE a unique leather item for yourself or a gift, or buy or order a bespoke one-of-a-kind bag, backpack or other item at MATTAT LEATHER at The Paternoster Crayfish Wharf.
• FIND your bliss and breath through calmness and flexibility with Trudie at Yoga in Paternoster. Trudie is a Vinyasa yoga teacher and encourages all levels from beginner to truly bendy to join her.
• BUILD your core strength, focus, posture and alignment with PILATES Mat Classes to suit your fitness level.
• LISTEN out for the eerie and nostalgic FOGHORN on misty mornings floating across from the Cape Columbine Lighthouse.
• GET curious at THE ROB DUNN COLLECTION a Toy Restoration & Museum. Explore the world of yesteryear in this little gem located at The Paternoster Wharf.
• DESIGN and get creative stamping and designing your own platter with Pam from PB Ceramics. Located in the Art Shed at The Paternoster Wharf. Email: pbceramicspaternoster@gmail.com
• HAVE A DRINK at the infamous PANTY BAR, meet locals and gawk at the interesting, ahem, displays. Definitely a favourite ‘I was here’ Insta-worthy moment.
• GET the low down on fun stuff happening in Paternoster at ONE-STOP shop JISLAAIKIT located in central village next to the Paternoster Hotel. Here you can book and rent Electric Stand-up Bikes, other activities and even pick up some padkos (road trip snacks) for the road!
• SCHEDULE some well-deserved me-time & pampering in the comfort of your accommodation with a relaxing massage or a pretty *beach ready* pedicure from HEALING TOUCH MOBILE SPA.
• Go GLAM or go home with Nails by Bronx. Specialising in Gel nails, tips and nail art. (No acrylic).
Restaurants & Take Aways
- INDULGE in all your favourite Seafood treats from the Paternoster Fish Shop at the Crayfish Wharf. They stock fresh oysters, mussels, a catch of the day, crayfish, abalone
- EAT at WOLFGAT which was voted the ‘Best Restaurant of the Year 2019’ by the World Restaurant Awards and experience a taste adventure with seasonally foraged Strandveld (only found on this coastline) dishes prepared and styled with flair by internationally renowned chef
- PICK-UP a ciabatta straight from the oven, home-made chicken pies, a take-away Deluxe coffee, freshly prepared deli meals, organic veggies and so many other goodies from THE PATERNOSTER XPRESS. Also great for any necessities like toothpaste, ice and milk.
- INDULGE in a hearty breakfast & cappuccino or delectable cake at MONDVOL COFFEE SHOP with friendly service and good food in a country setting.
- EAT tasty & super fresh take-away ‘Vis & Tjips’ at ON THE ROCKS at the Fish Market complex on the main beach.
- TRY out the yummy Burgers or Seafood at the iconic Red-Roofed VOORSTRANDT RESTAURANT while watching your kids play right on the Paternoster Beachfront. *Pet-friendly & open during load-shedding*
- EXPERIENCE a full-on sensory meal with a view at LEETO. Try the Risotto & some bubbly – you won’t be sorry.
- POP IN to LILY’S for a delicious take-away Truth Coffee, yummy Pasteis de Nata and savoury tarts or find a unique gift for someone special.
- TOAST the all-new PATERNOSTER WINE & TASTING LOUNGE. Try some of their locally sourced and carefully curated wines. Can you taste the gooseberries and freshly cut grass my Dear?
- TUCK into fresh, delicious, West Coast style Seafood at the authentic The Fryer’s Delight. Located at the Fish Market complex centrally located at the main Paternoster Beach front.
- GET your cake and eat it too at the new coffee shop KOEKEMAKRANKA located at the Paternoster Crayfish Wharf. Situated in the hub of the art and theatre culture of the village this addition is the perfect place to refresh yourself after or during a browse. TRY the koeksisters.
- ENJOY a chilled glass of wine, a picture-perfect view and wonderfully tasty meals at GAAITJIE situated on the rocks. *Pet-friendly & open during load-shedding*
- SOAK UP the laid-back Mediterranean vibe at BENGUELA BLUE and order cocktails & a yummy tapas platter to share while you choose your next dish from the tempting menu. *Pet-friendly & open during load-shedding*
- CRACK open an ice-cold Paternoster Pilsner, our very own local artisanal brew, serving refreshing G&T’s on tap with trimmings, six Paternoster Beers (Pilsner, Weiss, IPA, Coffee Milk Stout, Honey Porter & Raspberry Weiss), an alcohol-free sparking Honey & Rooibos on-tap and delicious west-coast inspired comfort food! Email: info@paternosterbrew.co.za *Pet-friendly & open during load-shedding*
- RELAX at BLIKKIE PIZZERIA, enjoy a delicious wood-fired pizza and be sure to order your soft serve ice cream for dessert. Great view, kids play area and TV for the big game! *Pet-friendly & open during load-shedding*
- ORDER a home-style breakfast, lunch or dinner with a fantastic view smack in the middle of the village at the RESTAURANT at THE PATERNOSTER LODGE.
- SATISFY your craving for fresh & delicious sushi at DE SEE KAT at the Paternoster Wharf – the view is also a winner. *Pet-friendly & open during load-shedding*
- DIG IN to a decadent Waffle, Burger, Ribs and scrummy milkshake from WAFFLE WHARF & WHALES RIB located at the Paternoster Crayfish Wharf.
- SPOIL yourself with delicious fare in the stylish BLUES restaurant at Abalone Hotel overlooking beautiful Bek bay.
- BUY your Bokkom-fix at the Fish Market and take your time to carefully peel and taste the West Coast on your tongue.
- INDULGE in Italian comfort food at Trattoria Paternoster including yummy pizza & pasta with a West Coast twist.
- ENJOY the view, the vibe, the fab food and on weekends live Music at THE HUNGRY MONK & Rock Lobster Pub/Beach Bar located at the Paternoster Wharf.
- STAY COOL or GET WARMED UP with a delicious IL DOLCI Artisan Ice-Cream or soup from PICOLLO Italian Soup Deli at the Crayfish Wharf, Paternoster Waterfront.
- DROP in at CATHY’s KITCHEN an initiative of the Paternoster Project NPC for light meals & drinks while enjoying the friendly local vibe. Located just down the road from the Paternoster Hotel heading towards the beach. *Pet-friendly & open during load-shedding*
Entertainment & Events
IMMERSE yourself in some culture and entertainment at DIE KOELKAMERS our local theatre is hosting some amazing shows, artists & local talent.