Words: Robyn Anthony | Images: St Francis Tourism, Tania Thompson Poole, Timothy George, & Google Maps
Cape St Francis, St Francis Bay and Port St Francis are quaint, adjoining seaside villages in the Kouga Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape. These popular holiday and residential villages are situated about an hour’s drive from Port Elizabeth. The area is a sporting mecca renowned for its magnificent beaches, watersport offerings and mountain biking and running trails.
Many people flock here for the excellent surfing and fishing conditions. Merle Peens, who has lived in St Francis Bay for 28 years, says, “The surfing and unique lifestyle brought us here as a family.” She adds that St Francis Bay has become particularly popular as a destination for family holidays and a permanent home for many.
Holiday homes and accommodation
The land on which St Francis Bay was built once belonged to Leighton Hulett, who had a vision of establishing a fishing village with charming thatched-homes. This idea caught on and soon canals were built. The area now has properties valued at up to R25m overlooking the canals, with rentals between R2,000 and R25,000 per night.
“Originally, only thatched homes were built, but you may build with tile now, though the homes must still be black and white, which makes our hometown so unique. We also have another portion of St Francs Bay, which offers different home styles, namely Sardinian and Tuscan,” says Merle.
According to resident Richard Ardene, building along the canals in Cape St Francis and on the Links has really taken off, with a focus on luxury homes that are smarter and bigger than ever.
Port St Francis is a charming privately-owned working harbour which is home to a fleet of hake, squid and pilchard vessels. The port’s moorings are filled with charter boats, deep-sea fishing boats and yachts from all over the world. The harbour is also surrounded by residential penthouses and apartments in a Mediterranean building style. Port St Francis also has a business centre with offices, restaurants and other retail outlets.
There are plenty of accommodation options available throughout St Francis Bay, Cape St Francis and Port St Francis, from guesthouses to self-catering cottages and Airbnbs.
Explore:
There are many activities to enjoy in and around St Francis Bay, Cape St Francis and Port St Francis, such as surfing at world-famous spots like Bruce’s Beauties, fishing on the Kromme River and the sea, rowing, kayaking, pleasant walks, fun runs, tennis, squash, bowls and golf on the Jack Nicklaus-designed St Francis Links course.
For those who enjoy the outdoors, Cape St Francis Nature Reserve, Seal Point Nature Reserve, Seal Bay Nature Reserve, St Francis Field nature reserve and the Irma Booysen Flora Reserve offer a wide variety of walks, suitable for people of all fitness and experience levels, through natural coastal areas with indigenous plants and wildlife.
Visitors can also take a canal sunset cruise, which Merle says is one of the best things to do in the area.
“We have some great regular music evenings, with well-known artists, as well as many shows which are presented, especially in the holidays. Our main event is our New Year’s Eve party, which attracts families from all over South Africa.”
While there aren’t many chain stores or the usual shops found in bigger towns and cities, this area has a Spar; Bruce’s Surf and Toffee Clothing, for surfing and general clothing needs, as well as an Identity clothing store. Many people in the area also enjoy visiting Silverlake Marine: a full service, family-owned boating business which fulfils all boating needs.
Sleep:
- Thatchwood Country Lodge, St Francis Bay
- Cape St Francis Resort
- Cape St Francis Backpackers
- Home and Away, Port St Francis
- The Sands at St Francis
Eat:
- Lighthouse Restaurant at St Francis Links: an elegant family restaurant
- Pommes Frites Pizzeria and Bistro, St Francis Bay: a small, vibrant European-style eatery
- Big Time Taverna, St Francis Bay: for delicious Greek food overlooking the canals
- Joe Fish Restaurant at Cape St Francis Resort: known for its award-winning calamari
- Chokka Block Restaurant, Port St Francis: though specialising in seafood, there’s something to suit every taste
- St Francis Ski Boat and Yacht Club, Port St Francis: for the club’s a full bar, indoor braai and kitchen
Do:
- Play at the 18-hole Jack Nicklaus-designed St Francis Links.
- Visit the South African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds, which rehabilitates birds.
- Enjoy the surf at either St Francis Bay or Cape St Francis.
- Try craft beers at St Francis Brewing Co and Grill House.
- Get active by taking part in the St Francis parkrun at St Francis Links.
- Support local entrepreneurs at the St Francis Market.
- Enjoy river and canal cruises as well as paddling and stand-up paddle boarding.
- Sign up for the four day/three night Chokka Trail.
