Llandudno: Beach, Granite and Atlantic

Llandudno combines an Atlantic beach with striking granite landscapes and surf that changes with the weather. Llandudno Beach lies between Klein Leeukoppie and the Twelfth Apostle of Table Mountain; Judas Peak and Klein Leeukoppie lie on either side of the beach. Turquoise water, seasonally shifting sand and the open sea shape the coastal landscape. When planning your trip, it is worth considering the beach, surf conditions and the walking routes described as distinct aspects of the area.

The beach and seasonal changes

The fine white sand partly disappears during winter storms and reappears in summer. The water temperature also follows an unusual seasonal pattern: in summer, the sea here may be the coldest in Africa, while in winter it is often a few degrees warmer. Blue Flag awards for Llandudno Beach date back to the 2011 summer season; the period mentioned includes December and January.

In Logies Bay, a 44-metre-wide dolerite dyke lies beside the granite outcrop rocks. This geological feature adds to the picture of a place whose striking natural character is shaped by both the beach and Atlantic Ocean and its rock formations. The contrast between the fine sand by the water and the large granite boulders is particularly evident in stormy weather.

Surf, swimming and surfing

During storms, waves up to 6 or 7 metres high can break on Llandudno Beach and crash against the large granite boulders around it. Conditions matter for swimming, too: depending on the prevailing wind, swell and sandbar patterns, strong currents can develop. They can easily pull unwary swimmers out to sea. So take the conditions at the beach into account rather than basing your swimming plans solely on how the water looks.

The Llandudno surf spot is suitable for intermediate to advanced surfers. The hollow wave works in south to southeast winds, while surfing conditions vary with the weather. This makes for a practical distinction when planning your day: those coming to surf will pay particular attention to wind direction and conditions; those mainly looking to experience the beach will also find characteristic features in the sand, water colour and coastal landscape.

Walking routes and getting around

A route specification dated 20 September 2017 lists several walking routes. The route specification dated 20 September 2017 includes a coastal footpath from the Gully Beach path near the public toilets to Sunset Rocks. The route specification dated 20 September 2017 lists other routes: connections from Llandudno Road via Apostle Road and Logies Bay Road to Lower Llandudno Road, and a path from Llandudno Road through the Llandudno Club, past the school. The route specification dated 20 September 2017 lists both footpaths connecting Fisherman’s Bend with Leeukoppie Road and Steens Way, and a path from the end of Sunset Close through POS to Leeukoppie Road.

Another route listed in the route specification dated 20 September 2017 starts behind the mailbox in Fisherman’s, leads to Steensway, crosses a wooden bridge onto the Gully Path and continues to the beach. The route specification dated 20 September 2017 also records a path that runs from the hairpin bend and the small car park on Sunset Avenue along POS to the Sandy Bay car park and its surroundings. The names and waypoints provide detailed guidance for the routes described, which do not all follow the same direction or lead to the same destination.

Tailor your stay

When looking for a holiday apartment in Llandudno, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on during your stay: are you particularly interested in the seasonally changing beach, the geological feature in Logies Bay or the surf spot with its specific wind conditions? These questions bring the different aspects of the area into focus as you plan your trip. The beach is not just a place to swim: surf, currents and shifting sand are also part of its character.

Discover more destinations: Matroosfontein, Southern Suburbs, Fish Hoek, Hout Bay, Noordhoek, Scarborough, Melkbosstrand, Kraaifontein.

For the main travel overview: Cape Town.