Page 23 - Off The Tourist Trail - 1000 Unexpected Travel Alternatives (Part 2 of 2)

191

BEACHES

Hang-glider’s-eye-view of the idyllic setting and tranquil waters of
Cheltenham Beach, Auckland, New Zealand
Lifeguard’s station on the stretch of sands at Gordon–Frishman
Beaches, Tel Aviv, Israel
Cheltenham Quirky beach huts adding a splash of color to Cape Town’s lovely
Muizenberg Beach, South Africa Gordon-Frishman
Beach, Auckland
Muizenberg Beaches, Tel Aviv

Beach, Cape Town
NEED TO KNOW
LOCATION Cheltenham Beach NEED TO KNOW
is situated to the east of Devonport, LOCATION The Gordon- )BJGB
a suburb of Auckland on the north "6$,-"/% NEED TO KNOW Frishman Beaches are in the
island of New Zealand
5BTNBO 4FB heart of Tel Aviv, the second- 5&- "7*7
CITY POPULATION /BQJFS LOCATION Muizenberg a largest city in Israel .FEJUFSSBOFBO
Around 1.3 million 8FMMJOHUPO beach-side suburb on False #0548"/" CITY POPULATION 4FB +FSVTBMFN
Bay, 15 miles (25 km) south
DAYTIME /&8 ;&"- "/% Around 1.1 million *43"&-
TEMPERATURES: of Cape Town /".*#*" 1SFUPSJB DAYTIME
Jan: 73°F (23°C); Apr: 66ºF $ISJTUDIVSDI 1BDJmD 0DFBO CITY POPULATION TEMPERATURES: +03%"/
(19°C); Jul: 55°F (13°C); Around 3.5 million 4065) "'3*$" Jan: 64°F (18°C); Apr: 73°F &(:15
Oct: 63°F (17°C) DAYTIME #MPFNGPOUFJO (23°C); Jul: 84°F (29°C);
TEMPERATURES %VSCBO Oct: 82°F (28°C) &JMBU
Jan: 79°F (26°C); Apr: 72°F
(22°C); Jul: 63°F (17°C); $"1& 508/
A series of beaches extends north on the eastern Oct: 70°F (21°C) 1PSU &MJ[BCFUI
side of Devonport, each with its own merits, but The whole of Tel Aviv’s west side is one long
Cheltenham Beach is the closest. Popular with beach, facing west over the Mediterranean Sea.
families on a day out from Auckland, it is a safe, This once-popular and prestigious destination for At its northern end is the Tel Aviv Marina and
tidal beach with picnic grounds. It is worth a Capetonians is experiencing a renaissance. The what was, at one stage, the Gordon Swimming
walk to North Head, a headland that actually beach lies on the Indian Ocean side of the Cape Pool, which was famous as a meeting place for
lies at the southern end of the beach. From here, Peninsula, so the waters are much warmer here Tel Aviv celebrities and other notable figures.
the spectacular panoramic views extend through than at the beaches on the Atlantic Ocean side. At the southern end is Frishman Beach, where
360 degrees across the sweeping length of The wide sweep of white sand and gentle surf is you can rent lounging chairs and umbrellas. At
Cheltenham Beach, the harbor, Rangitoto Island, ideal for families as well as surfers. Watch for the weekends the beach is a gathering place for the
and back across to Auckland. As lovely as the dolphins that sometimes come in quite close to city’s young, hip crowd. Slim, suntanned bodies
beach is, be sure you leave enough time to enjoy the shore, and the whales that pass during their pack the bars, sands, and volleyball courts, and
the trendy town of Devonport, with its beautiful migration season. At lunchtime, stroll up to the can overwhelm tourists, older locals, and families.
architecture and great cafés. popular picnic area at the northern end of the During the week things are much more peaceful.
beach, in the Zandvlei Nature Reserve. After a day of sun and sand, take a stroll along the
boardwalk, choosing a café or restaurant from
Practical Information which to enjoy a spectacular sunset view.
Getting There and Around Auckland’s international airport is 45 mins by Practical Information
road from the city. Ferry is the easiest way to get to Devonport from central Getting There and Around The international airport is 14 miles (22 km)
Auckland, then the beach is a short walk. Boats leave approximately every southeast of central Cape Town. Metro trains run from the Main Station Practical Information
30 mins from early morning until late each day, from Ferry Building to to Muizenberg. Getting There and Around Ben Gurion International Airport is 9 miles
Devonport Wharf. When to Go Summer (Nov–Mar) has the lowest rainfall and the warmest (15 km) from Tel Aviv. The beaches are steps away from most hotels.
When to Go Summer and early fall (Dec–Mar) are the best times for a weather. But the best time for whale-watching is from mid-August to When to Go Tel Aviv is at its best during summer (May–Sep), when the
visit to New Zealand. mid-October. days are usually dry and hot, but not unbearable.
Website www.tourismnorthshore.org.nz Website www.tourismcapetown.co.za Website www.telavivvisitorguide.com

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