The Helderberg is made up of three towns that run into each other: Strand on the beach, Somerset West inland below the mountain, and Gordon's Bay on the coast to the east. They're only ten minutes apart, so wherever you stay, the whole area is within easy reach. Each one has a different feel, though, and the right choice depends on what you want from your trip.
Strand: for the beach
Strand has the longest beach, the warmest, calmest swimming, and a promenade lined with restaurants. It's flat and walkable near the sea, and it's usually the best-value of the three. It suits beach holidays, families, and anyone who wants to walk to dinner.
It's also central: Somerset West's wine estates are about 15 minutes away, Gordon's Bay ten, and Cape Town International Airport about 35.
Somerset West: for the winelands
Somerset West is the largest of the three towns, set back from the sea below the Helderberg. It's closest to Vergelegen, Lourensford and the other estates, and has the big shopping centres, golf estates and country hotels. It suits wine lovers, golfers and anyone heading on to Stellenbosch, but you'll need to drive to the beach.
Gordon's Bay: for the village and the mountains
Gordon's Bay is a small harbour village squeezed between the mountains and the sea. It has Blue Flag Bikini Beach, two harbours, and Clarence Drive on the doorstep, with steep streets and big views. It suits couples, divers and hikers, and anyone who wants somewhere quieter. It's also the furthest of the three from Cape Town and the winelands.
Which areas are close to Strand?
Somerset West and Gordon's Bay are both about ten minutes away by car. Stellenbosch is about 30 minutes, and central Cape Town about 40 to 45 minutes outside rush hour.
Staying at Green Gables
Green Gables is a restored 1918 heritage house in Strand, about 15 minutes' walk from the beach. We have two en-suite rooms and a self-catering Garden Apartment that sleeps two or four, set in a lush garden, with a resident artist studio. Bookings are made through Airbnb, where you can check live availability and prices.
