Santareme, St Francis Bay

Located on the coast of St Francis Bay, Santareme is a unique community that has been inhabited for over 400 years. The area is reminiscent of the Mediterranean, with its terracotta-coloured tile rooftops and pastel-coloured walls standing against the blue of the canals and the green of St Francis Links golf course. Because of Santareme's accessible locations, both residents and visitors can easily enjoy a wide range of exhilarating and relaxing outdoor activities.

A brief history of the area

Santareme is named after Santarém, Portugal, the home town of Manuel de Perestrelo. This intrepid Portuguese explorer was one of the first visitors to St Francis Bay in 1575. The settlement flourished as a beachside residential district in the 1970s when the land was open for sale, and more people were able to move there.

Distance from key points (Airport/CBD)

Santareme is close to the harbour, with restaurants, canals, the village, and beautiful golf courses all within walking distance. However, if you're more interested in access to trails for walking, jogging, riding a bike, or even just taking dogs for a stroll, you've found the right place. It takes approximately 1 hour and 23 minutes to get to Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport, a hub for both local and international flights.

Climate

Since Santareme is considered part of St Francis Bay, the average temperature in January is 25°C, making it the warmest month of the year. The coldest month is July, with an average temperature of 19°C. It rains a lot in August, with 64mm of rain.

Schools in the area

Santareme is home to several educational institutions that are geared toward younger kids. St Francis College Nursery School is a good local option for preschool education. The nearest primary school in the vicinity is Sea Vista Primary School. There is also St Francis College, which is a multi-cultural, English-medium pre-primary and primary school. The school is located near St Francis Bay on Boschkloof Farm. Transportation is provided regularly to nearby schools, including Stulting Primary School and Nico Malan, a dual medium high school in Humansdorp. This school offers boarding options for learners from out of town.

Healthcare in the area

Santareme residents have access to the St Francis Bay Clinic and excellent general practitioner offices in the area to attend to your needs. Additionally, you can lead a healthy lifestyle by visiting The STUDIO yoga studio and St Francis Squash Courts. If you need access to other health services, the St Francis Pharmacy and the Dentist Health St Francis Bay are nearby.

Shopping centres

If you're looking for a one-stop shop for your shopping needs in Santareme, look no further than The Village Square Shopping Centre. Fountains Mall, located in Humansdorp, is only a 32-minute drive from Santareme and offers another shopping option. The Fountains Mall is a popular place for locals and tourists because it has many places to have fun and buy household goods.

Restaurants

Santareme is a popular tourist destination, so naturally, there are many outstanding dining options to choose from. Bella's Harbour Kitchen, like many other fast food establishments, is ideal for grabbing a bite to eat or a quick lunch. You can eat comfortably while watching the harbour's personnel go about their day. It's also worth mentioning that Mauro's Italian Restaurant, Clive's Chokka Block Restaurant, and Rambling Rose Tea Garden and Coffee Shop are also located nearby and are wonderful for dining.

Special attractions

The magnificent beaches and the historic Seal Point Lighthouse make Santareme a great destination to live or visit. Here are the attractions you should visit:

1. Seal Point Lighthouse: This Eastern Cape iconic landmark was first lit on July 4, 1878. Since then, it has withstood the ferocious storms of the Eastern Cape to provide vital navigation to ships entering the deadly seas of Algoa Bay.

2. Two Harbours Walk: The Two Harbours Walk, which links Granny's Pool and Port St. Francis, has stunning cliffs, beaches, and a sandbar. Take a stroll along the rocky beach and keep your eyes peeled for whales, dolphins, and other marine wildlife.

3. St Francis Links: The renowned estate and highly rated golf course blend tradition with modern facilities. The area is near some of the world's best beaches, where visitors may enjoy surfing, fishing, and other aquatic activities.

4. Cape St Francis Nature Reserve: Rich in botanical and animal life, the reserve offers unobstructed views of the ocean. Both the fynbos and the coastal dune forest that are at risk of extinction are protected in this area. There are additional species like bushbucks, grysboks, duikers, and otters living in the reserve.

5. St Francis Community Garden: This is tucked away in the middle of Santareme and St Francis Bay hamlets. It is highly recommended that you visit St Francis Bay's community garden as it is one of the city's real gems. The community garden has breathtaking scenery. You can stroll along the walkways or have a picnic and take in the sights.

Make Santareme your home. Let it be your story.

If you're searching for a tranquil area to live an active lifestyle, look no further than Santareme, a town with lovely scenic beaches excellent for surfing and other outdoor pursuits. Check out properties for sale or properties to let and contact our team today.

Image credit 2: View of Cape St. Francis from the Seal Point Lighthouse by NJR ZA | Wikipedia | CC BY-SA 3.0 | https://bit.ly/3DbaeWP

Image credit 4: View of Cape St. Francis from the Seal Point Lighthouse by Felani | Wikipedia | CC BY-SA 3.0 | https://bit.ly/3N8dQh2