Ten stunning SA beaches that aren't Clifton or North Beach

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1. Nahoon

Soft sand, warm Indian Ocean water, surfing, sand dunes and a boardwalk - what more could you want from a beach? If this sounds like your cup of tea, head to this East London hotspot.

2. Richards Bay

Almost two hours away from Durban, this tropical Kwazulu-Natal beach is popular with surfers and kite surfers. Boasting flat plains, consistent gentle winds and warm summer temperatures, Richards Bay makes for a great escape.

3. Hobie Beach

With flat beaches where the warm Indian Ocean hugs the shore, sunbathers get a healthy dose of Vitamin D, and bodysurfers fill the water, this Port Elizabeth gem is a must. It also happens to be the home of Shark Rock Pier - the only pier in the Nelson Mandela Bay area.

4. Mossel Bay

Set 400km east of Cape Town and 400km west of Port Elizabeth, Mossel Bay offers an idyllic rest stop for those looking to stretch their legs after a long drive. With views this gorgeous you should consider doing more than a quick stop.

5. Langebaan

With white sandy beaches and crystal-clear water, you'd be forgiven for thinking you were on a Greek isle. This beautiful beach just 120km from Cape Town and not far from the West Coast National Park and Saldanha Bay, offers a perfect getaway for those looking to escape the Cape Town crowds.

6. Buffel's Bay (Buffalo Bay)

Whether you're driving down to Cape Town via the Garden Route or your final destination is Knysna, you don't want to miss making a stop at this calm, little beach. Part of the Goukamma Nature reserve, it stretches just 5km. If nothing else, admire the views and dip your feet in as you pass.

7. Cape Vidal

Although slightly wilder than some of the other beaches on this list, adventure lovers will be right at home here. Renowned for sport fishing and snorkeling, this northern KZN beach is not your North Beach or Umhlanga - and in that lies its charm.

8. Strand

Strand just doesn't get enough love. But with its warm, calm water, surrounded by mountains (a surfers paradise) and some of the best ice-cream in the Cape at Nice Ice Cream parlour on Beach Road, Strand has enough charm to make you forgive the fact that Cape Town's wind is seemingly manufactured there.

9. Sodwana Bay

Near St Lucia, on the northern Kwazulu-Natal coast, this beach is equal parts lush vegetation, dunes and balmy blue ocean. It also happens to be one of the top dive sites in the world and a spot which boasts extensive marine biodiversity. If you find yourself in KZN this summer, don't miss this one.

10. Valley of the Waves, Sun City

We're being awfully sneaky putting this one on this list, but when you're in Gauteng, or the North West and can't make a long drive to the coast, the Valley of the Waves is really the best you can hope for in terms of sun and sand. You'll find the (fake) brown sand and waves, lifeguards, and people selling slushies all around. It will do.

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