The subsequent time you find yourself in Belgium, ensure you pay a visit to the beaches in Belgium as well. The notorious Belgian coast is recognized for having some of the most picturesque beaches, with fresh seafood, artwork, and enjoyable activities to partake in during your stay. The shoreline of Belgium stretches out for 42 miles (68 km) and boasts a pristine sandy coastline, encircled by the seaside.
If you plan on spending more time at the beaches of Belgium, there are numerous resorts that offer views of the expansive Belgian shoreline and top-notch amenities. Travel Triangle has compiled a list of some of these finest beaches that you can certainly explore during your tour of Belgium.
The Optimal Method To Reach the Shoreline of Belgium
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One of the most effective approaches to reach the Belgian coast is by taking the Coastal Tram from De Panne, situated near the French border, to Knokke-Heist. The Coastal Tram is recognized as one of the lengthiest trams globally, which transports you directly to the most picturesque beaches in Belgium.
In total, the tram encompasses 68 stops along the Coast from De Panne to Knokke-Heist. Therefore, we recommend taking the Coastal Tram only if you have some spare time. The tram makes stops every 10 minutes during the summer and every 20 minutes during the winter season.
The Coastal Tram: 2 hours 27 minutes (68 km)Tram fees: INR 511
The Most Suitable Time To Explore the Beaches in Belgium
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The ideal time to visit Belgium is during spring and autumn when the weather is extremely pleasant. July-August is also an excellent time to visit the Belgian Coastline because the weather is quite warm, which is ideal for enjoying a beach trip in Belgium.
A Must-Read: 15 Festivals In Belgium That Will Infuse Your Life With Unparalleled Joy
The Top 10 Beaches In Belgium
Here are a handful of magnificent beaches in Belgium:
- Ostend
- De Panne
- Blankenberg
- De Haan
- Oostduinkerke
- Nieuwpoort
- Middelkerke
- Knokke-Heist
- Koksijde
- Zeebrugge
1. Ostend
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The Ostend seaside in Belgium is renowned for hosting the Sculpture Festival annually. Ostend is also one of the liveliest cities in Belgium, with a plethora of activities for you to partake in such as: attending one of the museum events, exploring the local shops, enjoying live music, or dining at one of the restaurants in the vicinity. You can bask in the morning sunshine on the beach and take a delightful stroll along the promenade in the evening. The best part is that trains depart from Brussels every half an hour, making it the perfect destination to soak up the sun and experience the beach and the city in a single day.
Location: Ostend, Belgium
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2. De Panne
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The beach of De Panne is a mere 16 miles away from Ostend and is known for its stunning beach and nature reserves like the Westhoek, which provide sanctuary to migratory birds and highland cattle. This Belgian town is situated on the North Sea, close to the French border in Europe.
De Panne is also where King Leopold I first set foot on Belgian territory in 1831, and there is a monument erected in his honor. You can also relish the local delicacies at some of the restaurants here, and if shopping is your thing, there are numerous local shops where you can purchase a few souvenirs for your loved ones.
Location: De Panne, Belgium
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3. Blankenberg
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Blankenberg is filled with beach resorts and plenty of apartment block facing the seaside. This is a fantastic place to visit with children due to its Sea Life Marine Park being one of the largest aquariums in Belgium. You can also spend time playing golf in the morning and enjoy the rest of your evening by taking a stroll along the renowned pier built in the 1930s. There are also numerous water sports available such as banana boats, jet skiing, kiteboarding, and windsurfing, which can be booked directly at the harbor. Every year, a Sand Festival is held near the Sea Life Marine Park, where sand artists create stunning sand sculptures based on a specific theme.
Location: Blankenberge, Belgium
Suggested Read: Belgium In June: Explore The Best Of This European Land With This Mini Guide
4. De Haan
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If you enjoy adventure, then you can also opt to cycle around the De Haan beach in Belgium, which is truly an incredible way to explore the Belgian Coast. Here, you can also find a clothing-optional beach which is on the way to De Haan beach. De Haan also showcases several cottages and villas in the Anglo-Norman style, which are one of the most captivating sights when visiting De Haan beach. It is also renowned as one of the most peaceful beachfronts, allowing you to enjoy your time by renting a sunbed and indulging in a good book. The resort in De Haan is also highly popular as it offers a panoramic view of the sea. And, the renowned Albert Einstein himself once stayed here.
Location: De Haan, Belgium
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5. Oostduinkerke
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Oostduinkerke is situated right between Koksijde and Nieuwpoort, Oostduinkerke’s 500-year-old tradition of grey shrimp fishing, which is performed on horseback. This local tradition was added to the UNESCO list of “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity” in 2013. If you happen to be in Oostduinkerke from April-September, you can witness the local fishermen in action. For seafood enthusiasts, trying the local cuisine in Oostduinkerke is a must. It is renowned for its grey shrimp, fresh seafood, and crab from the North Sea.
Location: Oostduinkerke, Belgium
6. Nieuwpoort
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Nieuwpoort is also famous for its fishing village that is well-known for its fresh seafood. It is located just 2 km from the beach. If you are a fan of water sports, Nieuwpoort is the ideal destination for you. You can engage in aquatic activities such as paddling, wave-carting, fishing, windsurfing, swimming, and even surfing. Furthermore, you can explore the city by strolling in the serene parks, admiring the magnificent monuments, and indulging in some retail therapy. If you are traveling with your family, Nieuwpoort in Belgium offers numerous options for quality family time and exploration.
Location: Nieuwpoort, Belgium
Recommended Read: 10 Hotels In Belgium That Provide a Homely Experience
7. Middelkerke
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Middelkerke is situated in the heart of the magnificent Flemish coast, which boasts a 6-mile-long strip of beach. It consists of five coastal villages, each offering a wide and sandy seafront. For families, Middelkerke is an ideal destination with its beachfront attractions including skate ramps, miniature golf, and playgrounds that ensure constant entertainment for children. Furthermore, you can relish the local cuisine with your family at a nearby restaurant and complement it with a glass of exquisite Belgian beer.
Place: Middelkerke, Belgium
8. Knokke-Heist
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Knokke-Heist is regarded as the elegant and refined area on the Belgian Coast. Knokke-Heist possesses 5 coastal villages: Heist, Albertstrand, Knokke, Duinbergen and Zoute that can also be explored during your time here.
Aside from visiting the beach, you can allocate your time to exploring some of the art galleries, gambling at the casino, and also paying a visit to Scharpoord Cultural Centre in Knokke-Heist. This is a location where the high society mingles with others and enjoy their time unwinding in their opulent properties overlooking the seafront.
Place: Knokke-Heist, Belgium
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9. Koksijde
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Koksijde is a petite town positioned on the Northern Sea coast in the southwest Flemish province belonging to West Flanders. You can engage your time here by embarking on the boats and exploring the Northern Sea coast, or appreciating the architecture in the small town. There are also a few art museums that you can visit such as Museum Paul Delvaux, which is housed in an old farmhouse. Lose yourself in time at the museum admiring one of Paul Delvaux’s oil paintings, or his early works displayed there. And, if you are a zealous reader, then the local gift shop is the ideal place to find some really captivating books to read on the beaches in Belgium.
Place: Koksijde, Belgium
10. Zeebrugge
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Zeebrugge is an man-made port which has ships carrying gasoline and boats that transport you to Felixstowe and Kingston-upon-Hull located in England. Therefore, it is also very convenient to take a day trip to London from Zeebrugge. You can visit the Port of Zeebrugge, or go on a rented boat and explore the ocean. If you wish to bring some lovely presents for your friends and family, then you can head down to P&J Chocolates – a Belgian chocolate factory. Spend your day here exploring the largest production shop on the Belgian coast, tasting the most notorious Belgian chocolates that we all adore. Zeebrugge beach in Belgium is the ideal spot to enjoy your beach holidays in Belgium.
Location: Zeebrugge, Belgium
More Information: 32 Places To Explore In Belgium That Make The Country Irresistible
Every town along the Belgian coast line is a treasure in its own right and is famous for its vibrant culture, local customs, and indisputable views of the coast. So, don’t hesitate any longer and simply book your beach vacation in Belgium to explore the stunning beaches in Belgium.
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Common Questions About Beaches In Belgium
Where can I go swimming in Belgium?
Knokke-Heist and De Haan are some of the beaches in Belgium which provide swimming facilities.
Does Belgium have a coastline?
Yes, Belgium possesses a coastline. The Belgian coast offers a wide range of sports and recreational facilities.
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