St Francis Bay

St Francis Bay is a holiday town located in the Sarah Baartman District Municipality within the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. St Francis Bay is famous for much more than just surfing, it boasts a beautiful canal system surrounded by picturesque homes in a setting of lush greenery and breathtaking views. Its natural harbours, towns and villages along the coastline have evolved to provide everything sailors need for a spectacular sailing experience. The area has various property types available to suit everyone's needs whether you are an investor, couple or family looking to set down roots.

A brief history of the area

Manuel de Perestrelo, a Portuguese explorer weighed anchor in a sheltered bay in 1575. He was struck with the natural beauty of what he saw and named it Bahia de Sao Francisca after the Patron Saint of Sailors, St Francis of Assissi. As legend has it, the landward side reminded him of the beautiful cloisters of the 14th Century Gothic monastery of St Francisca, in his hometown of Santareme.

In 1954 a new adventurer, Leighton Hulett, paid £1 750 for the farm Goedgeloof and moved here from KwaZulu-Natal with his young family. After he exchanged a house and plot in the village for a further 179 hectares of swampy land alongside the Kromme River, he dredged a canal system, making St Francis the first marina in Southern Africa.

Distance from key points

St Francis Bay residents looking to reach Port Elizabeth International Airport can do so in approximately one hour and 20 minutes (116,2 km) via the N2. Port Elizabeth Central is one hour and 13 minutes (113 km) away via the N2 as well while the beach at Cape St Francis is only a 10-minute drive (7,5 km) via the R330.

Climate

St Francis Bay's climate is classified as warm and temperate. The average temperature in St. Francis Bay is 17.9 °C with the area seeing approximately 601 mm of rainfall each year. August is the wettest month of the year with an average of 68 mm of rainfall while February is the hottest month of the year with an average temperature of 21.5 °C.

Schools in the area

Although St Francis Bay is classified as a holiday town, the area is home to, as well as close to some excellent schools for residents to enrol their kids into. Some of the top schools in the area include St Francis College, Sea Vista Primary School, Stulting Primary School and Nico Malan High School. 

Healthcare in the area

When it comes to medical emergencies, you'll be happy to know that St Francis Bay is home to Life Isivivana Private Hospital.

If you're just in need of a check-up you could visit St Francis Bay Medical Practice and if it's your furry loved one who needs medical assistance you could take them to Aloe Veterinary Clinic.

Shopping centres

For all your retail therapy needs whether it's jewellery, clothing, home decor, electronics or just groceries you're after, you could pop into The Village Square Shopping Centre or Rhapsody centre.

Restaurants

St Francis Bay has some great restaurants in and near the area that you should add to your list of places to visit such as Chokka Block, Big Time Taverna, Twenty-Two Eatery & Wine Bar, The Quays, Rambling Rose Tea Garden & Coffee Shop, Christy's Seafood & Grill and Bistro Vin de Boeuf.

Special attractions

There are various attractions within and around St Francis Bay for you to enjoy. Here are some of the best places to visit.

St Francis Bay Golf Club is a great place to spend the day playing golf in beautiful surroundings.

For the nature lovers, you could go for a walk or hike in the Cape Saint Francis Nature Reserve which includes a sandy beach, a rustic rocky point and beautiful sand dunes with a spectacular view over St Francis Bay.

You won't want to miss out on a canal cruise with St Francis Bay Adventures where you can sip on sundowners while taking in the magnificent views.

Make St Francis Bay your home. Let it be your story.

St Francis Bay is a family-oriented area that provides a clean and safe suburb close to pristine beaches and amazing attractions. Whether it's a townhouse, flat or free-standing home you're after, Seeff has a wide variety of properties for you to choose from, so contact one of our property practitioners today.