Grazia Cottages

Grazia Cottages offers warm, welcoming accommodation in a historic setting in Port Nolloth, perfect for travellers who appreciate a homely atmosphere with a touch of character. Located just across the road from the sea, it’s ideal for guests seeking coastal charm and unforgettable sunsets. Situated only 150 metres from the seafront, Grazia Cottages — comprising Palm Court, Blue House, and Matchbox — offers simple, no-frills self-catering accommodation: a relaxed atmosphere, fresh sea air, and a place to kick off your shoes. Enjoy Namaqualand hospitality and unique small-town character. Shops, the beach, and a handful of restaurants are all within walking distance. Guests staying at Grazia Cottages can enjoy daily housekeeping, excluding Sundays and public holidays. A laundry and ironing service is available on request at an additional cost — laundry must be handed in by 09h00 for same-day return by 17h00. Although Grazia Cottages does not have its own pool, guests are welcome to use the pool at Bedrock Lodge, just a two-minute walk across the road. Pool hours are from 9am to 6pm, and pool towels are available from the Bedrock Lodge office — please do not use bath towels at the pool. Children must be supervised at all times, and use of the pool is at guests’ own risk. Each cottage offers a private, self-contained stay with essential comforts for a laid-back coastal escape. Whether you're visiting for the unique ambience, the history, or just a break by the sea, Grazia Cottages is an ideal base for exploring this quiet stretch of the Northern Cape coast. The appeal of Port Nolloth lies in its stillness, its salty breeze, misty mornings, and its fading stories of diamond mining and passers-through. Welcome — we’re glad you found us! Grazia Cottages was renamed after Grazia de Beer (née Pugliese), the Milan-born wife of a former Port Nolloth resident, who arrived here in 1982. She was instrumental in establishing the local museum (now sadly closed) and promoting appreciation for the town’s heritage. It’s believed that the cottages were built circa 1950 in a style reminiscent of the 1880s or earlier, using corrugated sheet metal and wood panelling, echoing other historic buildings nearby. The Port Nolloth beachfront has also been renamed in Grazia’s honour.

Area Info

Port Nolloth, once known as Aukwatowa and later Robbe Baai, is a coastal town steeped in history and rich in biodiversity. Originally frequented by the Strandlopers and Khoekhoen—nomadic ancestors of the Nama people—its location was marked by Bartolomeu Dias in 1487. The area developed significantly after copper was discovered inland in 1852, prompting the creation of a harbour and railway. Later, the discovery of diamonds offshore revived the port and drew prospectors to the region. By the 1960s, Port Nolloth became the only coastline in the world known for ocean-floor diamond dredging.

Today, it’s a laid-back holiday destination known for its heritage, sea views, and mild climate. From Grazia de Beer Beachfront, a scenic boardwalk leads past 19th-century imported Danish houses and the 1904 Immaculate Heart of Mary Church to the lighthouse. The town lies in the Succulent Karoo, one of the world’s most unique biodiversity hotspots, home to over 5,000 plant species, including Lithops and Fenestraria, which bloom spectacularly in winter.

Port Nolloth is also a haven for birdwatchers, hosting more than 85 species, including endemic cormorants, sunbirds, and the rare Barlow’s Lark. The coastal rockpools are teeming with marine life, while desert-adapted reptiles like the Namaqua Dwarf Adder and the elusive Desert Rain Frog emerge under the right conditions. Middens along the dunes—ancient shell heaps—tell the story of early Khoisan coastal life.

Just 4 km south, McDougalls Bay offers safe swimming, watersports like windsurfing and kayaking, and space for relaxed beach activities. Though Atlantic waters are cool, wetsuits make the surf inviting. Well-maintained beaches, braai facilities, and endless natural wonders make this a memorable stop along the Northern Cape coast.