Noetzie

It is the year 1762. After months at sea, a notorious smuggler has arrived in the Cape, laden with priceless loot taken along the way. He invests his money on building a palace on the pristine sands of Noetzie Beach in South Africa, appropriate for a king.

At least, that's the tale locals of Noetzie Beach enjoy telling visitors. The strange castles built along the shore are actually just well-designed vacation homes that have been owned by families for many years. Despite its somewhat unromantic past, Noetzie Beach is nevertheless one of the nation's most charming coastal communities.

The African fish eagle and its eponymous cry frequently emerge, while visitors to the remote shoreline can look for bushbuck, otters, and a variety of seabirds. It is also highly recommended to visit the beach because it is close to the Sinclair Nature Reserve, an indigenous woodland with Garden Route-specific flora and wildlife. And what if you do, like so many others, fall in love with Noetzie? Well, there are a couple of castles up for sale.

Location: Western Cape