Margate beach is the central attraction on the South Coast, each year attracting huge crowds from all over South Africa to the hot and humid climate of the KZN South Coast. Margate has been the center of all this attention, and created quite a brand for itself. Margate beach offers safe family bathing, lifeguards on duty, food and restaurants nearby, and great weather all year round.

Although many visitors prefer to stay (or can only find available accommodation) in one of the neighbouring towns, they still refer to "going down to Margate", which is technically not correct but it does illustrate the power of the brand. Margate beach is the chosen destination of many domestic holiday makers each year, particularly in the festive and school holiday seasons.

Margate Beach Virtual Tour by 360 South Africa

Margate is an internationally accredited blue flag beach

Margate has again been awarding the stamp of approval from the international standards authority. The top beaches have met criteria concerning environmental information and education, water quality, safety and services and environmental management. Margate beach has retained its status as a internationally recognized Blue Flag beach.

Other local blue flag beaches

For the 2008 / 2009 period, 4 beaches on the South Coast were re-awarded Blue Flag accreditation, namely Margate, Ramsgate, Marina Beach and Hibberdene. In addition, the Hibiscus Coast Municipality has 4 blue flag pilot beaches committed to having full status in time for the 2010 Soccer World Cup.  These include Trafalgar, Umzumbe, St Michael's and Lucien Beach.