Clifton

Clifton actually consists of four beaches, each with its own crowd and personality. They’re separated by groups of boulders and embraced by a mountainside of once ramshackle beach bungalows - now regarded as among the best real estate in town. On the Camps Bay side the fourth beach beckons families whose kids brave the icy shallows for hours on end. Third is the predominantly gay beach, with suitably well-preened fellows eyeing each other up while second is a 'see and be seen' scene – models topping up their tans and glamazons strutting their stuff. Pop down the stairs to first beach for uninterrupted down time under the brolly with your book and, though the water is generally icy as anything, infrequent warm water surges can make for prolonged swimming days too.