Paternoster

This is one of the most attractive fishing villages along these shores.

This is one of the most attractive fishing villages along these shores. Paternoster means ‘Our Father’ and the town received it’s name, according to local legend, from the heartfelt prayers of shipwrecked sailors. Paternoster is well known as a processing and exporting centre for crayfish, while perlemoen and other seafood are also found in large quantities. Paternoster, with it’s whitewashed fisherman’s cottages, presents a perfect example of genuine, rustic West Coast village life.

GENERAL INFORMATION

How to get there

Vredenburg 16 km

Average Temperatures

Summer 20°c; winter 11°c

NATURE

Columbine Nature Reserve

This 263 ha reserve is home to a wide variety of sandveld, fynbos and wild flowers. A camping and caravan site with 65 stands and basic ablution facilities is situated at Tietiesbaai. Fishing and diving for crayfish (lobster) and perlemoen (abalone) are allowed. The best time to visit is during September when the wild flowers are in full bloom. A true haven for nature lovers and photographers. The reserve is open throughout the year.

ATTRACTIONS

Cape Columbine

Site of the last manned lighthouse in the country

ACTIVITIES

Hiking

Stompneusbaai to Paternoster

30 km one way, route along the beach, can be combined with the Tietiesbaai to Swartriet Trail.

Tietiesbaai to Swartriet

17 km one way, along the beach, can combine with Stompneus to Paternoster Trail.

Diving and Spearfishing

Various diving spots along the coast.