Characterized by turquoise seas, brightly coloured fishing boats and quaint whitewashed cottages, Arniston is a picturesque village with a slow pace, relaxed atmosphere and traditional charm. 'Arniston' derives its name from one of the many shipwrecks that line the jagged coast. Among the 378 passengers aboard the Arniston who perished, only six survived the 1815 disaster, one of the worst in South African history. Highlights include a visit to neighbouring Kassiesbaai – a historical fishing village with lovely old houses and a good restaurant – and Waenhuiskrans, a large oceanfront cave accessible only by a small opening in the rocks. Walking and quad-biking are popular on the beaches and sand dunes, while the ocean allows for swimming, fishing and diving.