After the long and massive European lockdown, everybody wants to breathe fresh air, maybe even go to the beach and lie in the sun. But if you want to travel in Belgium, bear in mind that some safety rules must be respected.
Belgium is certainly a nice country to visit with many picturesque towns along the coast. The Belgium shoreline is 68 km long, with sandy beaches. If you wish to visit the coast you can use the Coast Tram. This is a public transport service connecting the cities and towns along the entire Belgian coast, between De Panne, near the French border, and Knokke-Heist, near the Dutch border.
If you want to stay more than one day, you can find a lot of resorts with beautiful views. If you are looking to try the local delicacies, Belgian Chocolate, fries, and of course the famous Belgian beer, here are 10 Belgium Beaches you must visit this summer.
1. Ostend
Ostend is a famous beach in Belgium. Every year during the summer a lot of visitors come from different parts of Belgium and neighbouring countries. Ostend is also known to host the Sand Sculpture Festival every year. Besides the beach, Ostend has also many things to offer such as museums, shopping, cafés, bars and restaurants with a local menu.
2. De Panne
De Panne is just 20 km away from Ostend. You can explore and enjoy this beautiful beach but there is something more: don’t forget to explore the nature reserve area call “the Westhoek” which is the home of migratory birds and highland cattle. You can also see local flora and fauna.
3. Blankenberge
Blankenberge is another favourite beach and city in Belgium. With nice sands and seaside this beach always is always crowded during the summer and sunny days. There’s a structure which is unique along the Belgian coast: a 350-m long art deco pier, the Belgium Pier, constructed in 1933. You can also do some water sports activities such as: banana boats, jet skiing, kiteboarding, and also windsurfing.
Blankenberge is also home to several famous festivals every year with different themes like “Belle époque park”. You can also see a phenomenal view of the port with the 40-meter-high Ferris wheel.
4. De Haan
De Haan has a very lovely sandy beach about a 2-minute walk from the tram stop and road. There is parking very nearby just over the road. De Haan’s beach is the longest on the Flemish coast! It is rather quiet, with about twelve kilometres in length. A really nice place to read books. Not far from De Haan, you can find the only official naturist beach of Belgium 😊. It is located at an unspoiled spot without constructions
Did you know that Albert Einstein lived in De Haan for six months in 1933?
5. Nieuwpoort
Nieuwpoort is known as a fishing village and also for its beautiful beach. Nieuwpoort itself consists of two parts, Nieuwpoort-Stad and Nieuwpoort-Bad. If you like some water sport activities this beach is perfect for you. Exploring the city is also something you must do. Trying fresh seafood in some restaurants is certainly a must.
6. Oostduinkerke
This beach stretches from 250 to 700 m at ebb-tide and extends over 30 km, via De Panne to the beach of Dunkirk (France). Oostduinkerke is known for its shrimpers on horseback, and this tradition was added to the UNESCO list of “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity” in 2013.
7. Knokke-Heist
Knokke-Heist has a beach of about 12 kilometres and an average of 70 meters wide. Knokke and, particularly its neighbourhood “Le Zoute”, is the beach resort for the rich and (semi-) famous. You can also find a casino.
8. Middelkerke
The beach in Middelkerke is the longest in Belgium and has also the most sun hours on the entire Belgian coast. The white sands and blue sky are perfect to visit during the summertime. Visitors can also can swim during July and August under the supervision of safeguards.
9. Koksijde
Koksijde is a beautiful beach with white sands. It is well maintained and you can do a lot of activities. You can visit the “Beach Village”, the museum, swim in the pool, do Resto Bowling, and visit the 3D World Magic and Fun attraction. During the summertime, the beach is always crowded with but you can still enjoy it if you find a place!
10. Zeebrugge
Zeebrugge has a beautifully clean and quiet beach located just south of the seaport. Zeebrugge is also an artificial harbour. During the hot summer day, this beach has plenty of life with young visitors that love to spend their summer day in this place. You can also visit the seaport and do sailing with a guide.
