The 13 reasons why Kalk Bay is kiff

Kalk Bay Harbour throbs with energy, especially in the morning when traditional fishing boats offload their seasonal catch with resident seals awaiting titbits. The quayside market where you can buy Cape fish like snoek, yellowtail or Red Roman for your braai, allows for eavesdropping on vibrant conversation interspersed with colloquial sayings that could induce fits of laughter. A handful of restaurants in the hub of the harbour offer sea – and squawking seagull – views as well as a wide range of menu options including a myriad seafood dishes.

Tidal pool swimming has become quite the trend over the last few years. In Kalk Bay, you are spoilt for choice. Dalebrook is probably the most popular and well-visited, not to mention sizeable enough to allow for a few laps of swimming. Head across the road to Chardonnay Deli to refuel afterwards. Not too far away, St. James Tidal Pool offers a few strokes too, as does Brass Bell Tidal Pool.

[Check out our list of the best tidal pools in Cape Town]

Peer into every alley on the main drag; you’ll be surprised at what you find. It might be a studio with soul, jewelry and homeware design or a hidden coffee spot. To get to The Sweet Ol’ Jester, you walk past giant coin-automated toys and faux Roman statues before happening upon a collection that is wonderfully bizarre; it includes kitchen paraphernalia from yesteryear, vintage tins, enamelware and hatboxes, and old-fashioned sweets like Champion Cola toffees and pink Star sweets.

Trains chug into Kalk Bay Station but you can also shop, sit down or be inspired here. Inevitably you’ll swoon over the romantic dresses at Jane Valken; the fashion, jewelry, homeware and art at Saint Siena testify that local is lekker. The Brass Bell Restaurants and Pubs sit right on the ocean, next to one of the tidal pools; look out for their half-price sushi and cocktail specials.

In the mood for retail therapy? You’ve come to the right place. Soul Design specialises in chic keepsakes, handmade in Africa and ideal for nomadic spirits. Look out for cobalt blue lions on Kalk Bay Co-Op’s doorstep where the explosion of colour is not for shrinking violets. Gypsy caters for those who love all things gorgeous with a good dose of hippy spirit thrown in, Big Blue goes for quirky and unusual whether its clothing or gifts and at Global Beads you can run your fingers through beads and kraletjies from other parts of Africa and the rest of the world. At sister shops Papagayo and Mama Gaia, you’ll find cool ethnic stuff from Asia and the rest of Africa. Treat yourself with some local blooms from the flower seller on the high street.

Kalk Bay Village Square oozes tranquility and creativity with mostly white shop facades and awnings. As does Eclectique in the heart of the square with its sacred and mystical objet d'art, crystals and boho décor; look out for the hand-painted lotus mural on the side of the shop. At Peasant Clothing you will find quality pre-loved and vintage garments as well as some local artisanal brands at Mzuri Mamas gifts and décor, not only for mamas. Take a break for scones and a sea view at Ohana Beach Café.

It’s a case of so many places, so little time as far as coffee shops and restaurants go in this neck of the woods. Café Olympia and Deli never disappoints; no wonder they’ve been going strong since 1997. I swear by their seafood linguine and seared tuna. Tapas restaurant SALT has many things that count in its favour, not least their wasabi-dusted calamari salad, fast WiFi and dog-friendly attitude. Those in the know recommend Pizza Shed and JJ’s Indian Cuisine. As the name attests, its nothing but lekka at Lekker - the food delicious and the atmosphere welcoming.

Bookworms take note. The selection of reading matter at Kalk Bay Books is carefully curated, making this a special bookstore not aimed at the mass market. Quagga Books in a quaint old building offers off-the-beaten-track books and rare tomes, whether you are looking for Africana or want to read more about the Anglo-Boer War or other local history, food and wine, photography, religion or natural history. They also stock rare maps and special art prints.

Some believe the best things in life are old, loved and rescued. Even if you don’t fall into this category, there are gems to be found at various vintage shops in Kalk Bay. Kalk Bay Trading Post is a treasure trove of finds; there’s a plethora of memorabilia packed in every nook and cranny of this delightful store. Don’t neglect to explore Kalk Bay Vintage in the alleyway on Muizenberg’s side of the same building and The Sweet Ol’ Jester (previously mentioned) as well.

The “earth” without “art” is just “eh”. So, head to Artvark, a gallery, shop and restaurant in one, or Kalk Bay Modern. As its name attests, Artvark houses an eclectic mix of art that has had people streaming here for the past 26 years. Their range includes ceramics, textiles, steelworks, sculptures, paintings and drawings. Kalk Bay Modern is a contemporary art gallery and exclusive craft shop; expect to find fine art prints, oil paintings, photography, ceramics and their own range of textiles.

Indulge in a little make-believe in Cape to Cuba. This fairytale setting with copious chandeliers, curvy red, blue and green chairs, an intricately tiled floor and Cuban-styled décor has been doing trade and dispensing magic since 1999, which in itself says something. It’s easy, and good for the soul, to pretend you are in another hemisphere whilst sipping on a mojito or daiquiri or two, maybe three.

Join the Kalk Bay vibe and become part of the bohemian tribe. At Casa Boho, every item is a thing of beauty, provided you don’t have minimalistic tendencies. Handmade lights and lamps from Morocco sparkle with stained or sandblasted glass amid dainty filigreed metalwork, Moroccan ceramics boast exotic glazes and designs, and the recycled sari silk rugs are must-haves. At Oh So Boho the sterling silver and semi-precious gemstone jewelry, natural print clothing and blockprint fabrics are, well, oh so (delightfully) boho.

Escape the hustle and bustle and hike, walk or run the Trappies Kop circular hiking trail. Over a distance of 5km you’ll be awarded with spectacular views of Fish Hoek Beach and Kalk Bay Harbour. Alternatively, hop on to the train and explore Simon’s Town; or walk to Muizenberg and take the train back, or vice versa. There are stunning views no matter where you are in Kalk Bay and surrounds.