Belgium: The best beaches for your holidays!
In Belgium, you can not only enjoy delicious chocolate but also relax on dreamy beaches. The 15 seaside resorts along the North Sea coast invite you to do so. In total, the Belgian coast is 65 km long. The well-developed coastal hiking route along the Flemish coast is ideal for long walks.
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Belgium - 8 special beaches
Ostend Beach
Just a few steps separate the hustle and bustle of the city from the North Sea beach. The beach of Ostend is about 7 kilometers long, wonderfully wide, and offers the best view of the seaside resort's harbor entrance. Particularly beautiful panoramic views of the sea can be enjoyed during a walk along the western and eastern harbor piers. Swimming fun, sunbathing, or long beach walks: There's always something happening at the beach of Ostend. By the way, the coastal tram conveniently takes you directly to the beach. It connects the towns along the Belgian coast and is also ideal for returning to Ostend after a beach walk in the neighboring coastal towns.
Knokke-Heist Beach
Impressive villas, elegant restaurants, and many other amenities adorn the kilometer-long sandy beach. In the height of summer, the weather on sunny days is perfect for swimming, while the winds during the transitional seasons guarantee ideal conditions for wind and kite surfing. In every season, the promenade invites you to stroll. In the immediate vicinity of the bathing beach, also explore the cultural sights of Knokke-Heist. Particularly worth seeing are the old lighthouse and the charming fisherman's chapel, which was visited before a sea voyage centuries ago. At Casino Knokke, you can try your luck.
De Panne Beach
The wide and fine sandy beach stretches from De Panne to the French border. Numerous brasseries, beach bars, and restaurants line the promenade at the main beach. Those who prefer it quieter will find a natural beach at the edge of town, bordered by an extensive dune belt. Wonderful walking paths lead through the coastal protection area Nature Reserve of Westhoek. The North Sea beach of De Panne seamlessly connects to the neighboring coastal town of Koksijde. Extensive beach walks are particularly enjoyable on the Belgian coast, as the Kusttram runs along the entire coastline. This tram, with its terminus in De Panne, will bring you back to your starting point at any time.
Blankenberge Beach
During the summer months of June to August, the thermometer climbs above 20°C. On sunny days, the conditions are ideal for swimming. Pay attention to the tides and it's best to go into the North Sea only at high tide, as low tide brings currents. During the holiday season, a variety of water sports activities are offered directly on the beach, with windsurfing and kitesurfing being particularly popular. You will also find numerous restaurants and snack bars along the beach promenade to refresh yourself in between. During the transitional periods, walks in the fresh sea breeze are recommended.
Haan Beach
A kilometer-long and very wide sandy beach awaits sun-seekers and bathers in De Haan. A dune belt frames the natural beach. Make yourself comfortable on a sun lounger in the summer, fly kites with the whole family in the fall, or enjoy the magic of winter on the coast. The beach of De Haan seamlessly connects to the neighboring town of Bredene and really makes you want to take long walks by the sea. A coastal tram line connects Belgium's North Sea towns, allowing you to conveniently return to De Haan after excursions along the coast.
Bredene Beach
In Bredene, you will find the only nudist beach in all of Belgium. But of course, there are also other areas, so vacationers have the freedom to choose. The constant winds in the region also invite various water sports. Kitesurfing, in particular, is extremely popular. Take long walks along the dream beach to enjoy the fresh sea air, or walk into the charming town center of Bredene. Here, the blue and white water tower and the church St. Rikierskerk are considered cultural landmarks. In the northern part of the beach, there is a small golf course.
Zeebrugge Beach
In July and August, the climate with highs of more than 25°C and many hours of sunshine is ideal for a beach holiday. During the transitional periods and around the turn of the year, however, extended walks in the fresh sea air or longer bike tours along the coast are recommended. In Zeebrugge itself, you can expect some architectural attractions, with the neo-Gothic church Sint-Donaas and the lighthouse being considered landmarks. Public transport quickly connects the suburb with Bruges. Take a look at the medieval town center there and visit the oldest city brewery, De Halve Maan.
Middelkerke Beach
Numerous beach bars line the coast of Middelkerke's lively main beach. There is always something happening here during the summer season. Those who prefer it quieter can find a peaceful spot in the sand at the edge of town with its natural sandy beach and wide dune landscapes, even in the high season, for a completely relaxing break from everyday life. Whether directly along the beach or on the hiking trails through the expansive dunes: long walks are enjoyable in every season and lead you to the neighboring towns of Ostend and Westende. The coastal tram "Kusttram" runs along the entire Belgian coast, making it ideal for the return journey or varied excursions.