Easter time is a popular period for South Africans, mainly because there are several public holidays occurring close to each other. It's also our last chance to head to the beach to catch some UV rays before winter sets in.

Luckily, holidaymakers are spoiled for choice because South Africa has 46 Blue Flag beaches across the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, and Kwa-Zulu Natal.

Hippo.co.za picks three of their top choices for your Easter holiday this year.

What Is a Blue Flag Beach?

Started by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) in Europe in 1985, the Blue Flag programme encourages countries to sustainably develop their beaches and marinas. To be awarded a Blue Flag, a beach must adhere to strict criteria, such as by providing environmental education, safety services, maintaining good water quality, and continuing conservation efforts.

It's pretty impressive that South Africa has 46 Blue Flag beaches, right? Here are three we think you should definitely check out, but you won't go wrong if you visit any of the other 43 world-class beaches these holidays.

Western Cape

Lappiesbaai Beach, Stilbaai

Lappiesbaai Beach is about a four-hour drive from Cape Town. It is still relatively undisturbed, so you're not likely to have a sea of umbrellas blocking your view of the ocean.

When you visit, keep your eyes open for the sought-after Pansy Shell, which is actually a sea urchin. Pansy Shells are protected creatures – unless they're dried up and washed up, leave them alone.

Being on the Indian Ocean, the water will still be relatively warm at this time of year, so take your cozzie, paddle board, snorkel, and surfboard, and enjoy the final days of warm weather for this summer season.

Western Cape's Other Blue Flag Beaches

• Silwerstroomstrand
• Clifton 4th
• Camps Bay
• Llandudno
• Muizenberg
• Strandfontein
• Mnandi
• Bikini
• Melkbosstrand
• Fish Hoek
• Kleinmond
• Hawston
• Grotto
• Witsand
• Preekstoel
• Gouritzmond
• Santos
• De Bakke
• Hartenbos
• Klein Brak
• Buffalo Bay
• Brenton-on-Sea
• Robberg 5
• Keurboomstrand
• Nature's Valley
• Lookout
• The Dunes
• Singing Kettle
• Struisbaai

Eastern Cape

Humewood Beach, Port Elizabeth

According to Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism, Humewood Beach is South Africa's oldest Blue Flag beach, and it's easy to see why it retains this status. It's the ideal spot for families due to its calm waters, rock pools, and strict safety protocols. If bobbing in the water, building sandcastles with the kids, fishing, and snorkeling sound like your kind of Easter beach holiday, a visit to Humewood Beach is a must.

Eastern Cape's Other Blue Flag Beaches

• Dolphin
• Kings
• Hobie
• Hamburg
• Kariega
• Kelly's

Kwa-Zulu Natal

Umzumbe Beach, Umzumbe

Located just over an hour's drive from Durban, you'd think holidaymakers would flock to Umzumbe Beach, but it's a quiet little gem, perfect for a tranquil Easter break. You won't find busy restaurants or vibey bars here – just peace and quiet. Because the area is largely unspoilt, visitors are surrounded by large stretches of untouched coastal vegetation.

The beach is clean, with lifeguards all-year round, and the tidal pools will keep the little ones busy for hours.

Kwa-Zulu Natal's Other Blue Flag Beaches

• Marina
• Trafalgar
• Lucien
• Southport
• Ramsgate
• Hibberdene
• Westbrook
• uShaka

If you can already feel the warm sand between your toes and the baking sun on your back, book a domestic holiday with hippo.co.za today and you could save on your well-deserved Easter break!

Sources: WESSA; SA-Venues; Country Life

Prices quoted are correct at the time of publishing this article. The information in this article is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal, or medical advice.