Arniston

Situated on the southern-most tip of the African continent, the Western Cape historic village of Arniston is fast becoming an increasingly popular holiday destination.

The white-washed walls and thatched roofs of the fishermen cottages; the pristine white sands and clear blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean; the plethora of seafood plucked from its waters; the unspoilt beauty of its natural environment; these are all integral to its attraction as a holiday destination.

It's no wonder, then, that Arniston is gaining an increasing amount of attention from the public as its diverse holiday activities become better known. This trend is aptly displayed by the demographic changes taking place in this historic town.

In the past, Arniston's handful of 1,267 inhabitants was mainly comprised of retirees. Today, however, an increasing number of younger South Africans are choosing this seaside destination as the place to set up home or to buy a holiday home.

Situated less than 20 minutes from the bustling town-centre of Bredasdorp, with its many shopping outlets and other essential services such as a hospital and schools, Arniston is ringing the changes and attracting younger people to its pristine shoreline.

The village comprises 492 freehold households and while 71 per cent of the population is aged 50 years upwards, in 2018 the trend saw a swing in the pendulum with far more younger people entering the property market in the area. In fact, 45 per cent of the people who bought property in Arniston last year were between the ages of 18 and 35 years. During the same period, only nine percent of the home buyers were pensioners aged 65 years and older.

In its entirety, Arniston only occupies 3.95 km² of land, yet packs a wide range of activities inside its confines.

For fun and sun seekers, the activities on offer are boundless.

Its beaches offer sparkling white sands, offset by the crystal clear blue waters of the ocean. Two popular beaches are known as the Roman and Arniston beaches where snorkeling, swimming and surfing are the main attractions. For landlubbers, hours can be spent investigating the many rock pools that dot the coastline.

But it's the promise of the rich sea-life in the area that spells the greatest attraction for keen anglers whose lines are cast from the beaches and cliffs overlooking the ocean. These waters offer a plethora of fish such as Steenbras and Black Bream and that elusive and sought-after South African national fish, the Galjoen.

This array of seafood can also be bought directly off the fishing boats when they return to harbour, or enjoyed at a local eatery. What better way to end a day of fun in the sun than to wash down freshly-caught oysters while sipping a glass of one of the many local wines on offer.