The Tree House ::: About Gordon's Bay :::

Self-catering Holiday Home Accommodation - Gordon's Bay - Western Cape - South Africa

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About Gordon's Bay

Gordon's Bay is a coastal resort that breathes a Mediterranean air, but has retained its Cape old-style charm. Indeed one of the most enchanting small havens of the South African coast with international appeal.
Surrounded by the majestic Hottentots Holland mountain range and the Helderberg, the warm waters of False Bay play host to numerous angling events, yachting regattas, pleasure cruises and water sports. During summer the beachfront and narrow streets of the Village come alive with the happy sounds of holidaymakers enjoying the wonderful beaches, sunshine, scenery, shops, restaurants and the products of the wine lands.

The area enjoys a mild Mediterranean type of climate. Summer is dry and hot, with cooling sea breezes. March to May is early autumn with mild balmy days and warm evenings, an ideal time for visitors wishing to explore the Western Cape region. Winter is our rainy season, but nonetheless has many mild sunny days.
Gordon's Bay specifically is protected by the surrounding mountains from the North-wester and Westerly winds in winter and has the mildest winter climate in the Western Cape.

Things to do
Whale-watching – From July to November whales can be seen along the coastline of False Bay. It is only 50 minutes along scenic routes to the famous village of Hermanus – where whales can almost be touched. Golf – Within 20 minutes drive are numerous world standard golf courses. Swimming – Apart from the sand beaches of Gordon’s Bay, Strand and Kogelbaai, there is an Olympic size indoor swimming pool in Strand (5km) Sailing – The Gordon’s Bay Yacht Club and Harbour are just 5 minutes walk away. Fishing – From the coastline or from chartered boats this is a fisherman’s haven. Tennis – Both in Gordon’s Bay and Somerset West. Bowling – The Gordon’s Bay Bowling Club has several greens to enjoy an afternoon bowling. Hiking – Along the mountains of Gordon’s Bay there are trails of 3 to 5 km. In Somerset West, in the Helderberg Nature Reserve are trails of 1hr to 5hr hikes. There are also several weekend trails if the challenge of two days walking is what interests you. (www.tourismcapetown.co.za) Cycling – Stunning scenic routes can be set our along the coastal roads from Gordon’s Bay. For the Mountain bikers there are beautiful, challenging tracks set out in the nearby Helderberg mountains. Wine Tasting – Gordon’s Bay is only 20mins drive away from the Helderberg wine estates, and 40 minutes drive from the heart of the winelands, Stellenbosch

Facilities
Shopping Centres – Gordon’s Bay has all the basic shopping facilities, and in Somerset West is the well-known Somerset Mall, which has about 200 shops, cinemas and restaurants; the mall is covered and is air-conditioned. Medical – There are several General Practitioners in Gordon’s Bay. If necessary the doctors have direct contact with the specialist clinics in Strand and Somerset West. Dentist – Dentists are generally available on short notice. Car Hire – There are numerous car-rental companies present at the airport for convenient collection and drop-off. In the peak season (Dec-Jan) it is wise to pre-book a vehicle. With local car rental companies cheaper rates can be negotiated.

...as a non-citizen of South Africa, entering SA with a European (EU) passport, a visa is not required. On arrival, one is given a tourist visa for a maximum period of three months depending on the departure date. It is possible to apply for an extended visa from within South Africa.