Paternoster

#Paternoster Paternoster is a small fishing village, situated on the Cape West Coast. It is a popular weekend destination for Capetonians and other locals. The name Paternoster refers to the “our Father” prayer of Portuguese sailors who were shipwrecked in the area.

The town is famous for it's abundance of crayfish, it's traditional fisherman's architecture and endless pristine sandy beaches. Whale and dolphin watching is a favourite pastime for 10 months of the year. After the spring rains the landscape is transformed by the abundance of wild flowers that appear all over the landscape. Activities include long walks on the beaches, fishing, cray fishing, diving and spear fishing excursions, sea kayaking, mountain biking and hiking.

Close to Paternoster is the West Coast Fossil Park. It tells the story of millions of years ago when the region was covered with riverine forests and animals that roamed the forests but that have since become extinct. Fossils of more than 200 species of animals have been found here - one of the richest fossil finds in the world.

The Cape Columbine lighthouse is situated 5 km from Paternoster. It is the last manned lighthouse and was built in 1936. It's spiral staircase is high enough to provide incredible views over the Britannia reef and the Atlantic.