Ever so often man is confronted with the choice to reveal or keep a secret. Paternoster on the West Coast of South Africa is such a secret but keeping it has become difficult. This once tiny fishing village is booming into a huge development area.

Where development is not in itself a bad thing it always comes at a price. Not too long ago little fishing cottages, a hotel and local dealer were what Paternoster consisted off. Hopefully, the creators of the new developments would keep the character of Paternoster intact and protect it against overdevelopment and exploitation of the local people.

WHAT TO DO IN PATERNOSTER

Even though there are many activities to choose from, you might just want to stare over the ocean, feeling the spray of waves on your face, take long walks on the beach and admire the unique shells that are still to be found here.

During the months of July to October the indigenous flowers arise from its sleep to a palette of colours as far as the eye can see.

A trip out to the deep sea can be arranged on a traditional fishing boat as well as diving trips and kayaking.

The artist Gerhard van den Heever has his pottery studio in Paternoster and visitors are welcome.

Visit the old fashioned general dealer with the interesting name “Oep ve Koep”. Translated it means open for buying. Here you will literally find something of everything. The shop is extremely cluttered but a pleasure to browse.

Buy a Bokkom from the Paternoster Padstal. It is a very salty dried fish with a distinct fish smell but an interesting taste experience if you like fish.

WHERE TO STAY IN PATERNOSTER

Not too long ago the only option would have been the hotel or pitching your tent at Tietiesbaai. This beautiful unspoiled bay made people stay for months. For the famous South African writer Pieter Pieterse it was home for a long time.

Today the choice is extended to a range of newly build guesthouses lining the beach area.

Self catering options from Pandok to Malgassie can be booked for ultimate peace and privacy.

Backpackers that don’t want to carry their own tents around can stay at The Beach Camp in 2, 3 or 4 man A-frame tents.

WHERE TO EAT IN PATERNOSTER

The Paternoster Hotel has been around forever and prides itself in its delicious seafood meals accompanied by local South African wines. It is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner that can be taken in the dining room or outside on the veranda for a lovely view.

Traditional West Coast dishes and seafood is available from the Paternoster Lodge Restaurant. Guests at the Lodge get a complimentary breakfast.

Other options would be the Noisy Oyster or Voorstrandt Restaurant trading in a tin Fisherman’s cottage with incredible views of the beach and ocean.

To preserve Paternoster’s beauty it is necessary that the unique character of a fishing village is sustained.