10 best coastal towns in Belgium
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What are in Belgium the best coastal towns to visit?
The Belgian coast is the perfect place for lots of holiday fun, ideal for a weekend break or a longer summer holiday. With vast beaches, cosy boulevards, cool attractions, beautiful sights and culinary delights, there is something for everyone. Below are our top 10 best Belgian coastal towns. Which seaside place in Belgium would you like to visit?
1. De Panne
De Panne is Belgium's westernmost seaside town and is known for its wide beach. Here you can get a breath of fresh air, sail on the beach or enjoy a quiet day in the sun. It is also home to the De Westhoek nature reserve, ideal for hiking and cycling enthusiasts. Admire the beautiful dunes here and go in search of a Scottish highland cattle or a wild konik horse. This place is also known for the amusement park Plopsaland De Panne, an absolute must if you are traveling with children. Meet their Studio 100 heroes such as Maya the Bee. Also, don't forget to taste the local seafood in one of the many atmospheric restaurants.
2. Koksijde
Koksijde offers beach, dunes and cultural heritage. Visit the Ten Duinen Abbey Museum to learn more about the history of the Cistercian monks, or walk through the Hoge Blekker, the highest dune ridge (33 metres) on the Flemish coast. Together with the Doornpanne and the Schipgatduinen, the Hoge Blekker forms a contiguous dune massif of 240 hectares around Koksijde. For art lovers, the Paul Delvaux Museum is a must-see. A day in Koksijde is not complete without a relaxing walk on the beach and a refreshing drink on one of the beach terraces.
3. Nieuwpoort
Nieuwpoort is a historic fishing town, but also offers many modern leisure facilities. The marina is the largest in Northern Europe and ideal for a romantic stroll along the boats. In the historic centre, you will find cosy cafés and boutiques. Nieuwpoort is also home to the beautiful Dune Hotel, an ideal place for a comfortable stay overlooking the dunes. Don't forget to visit the fish market for fresh shrimps and fish! Other sights in Nieuwpoort not to be missed include the King Albert I monument and the Ganzepoot sluice complex.
4. Middelkerke
Middelkerke is the perfect destination for families. Its wide beaches are ideal for building sandcastles and sunbathing. The town is also known for its cartoon strip route along the seafront promenade, where you can admire 18 bronze statues of well-known cartoon characters. On the dyke promenade, you can come across Jerom, Landbik, Suske and Wiske and Smurffin, among others. Also be sure to visit the casino for some entertainment and enjoy the numerous restaurants and cafés serving local dishes.
5. Oostende
Oostende, the ‘Queen of seaside towns’, is the cultural heart of the Belgian coast. Visit the James Ensor House to learn more about the famous Belgian artist, or enjoy a concert at the Kursaal. The Visserskaai is perfect for a stroll overlooking the harbour. Oostende also offers excellent shopping opportunities and a lively nightlife. The city is always buzzing, with events such as Theater aan Zee and the Paulusfeesten. Also be sure to visit the Atlantic Wall Raversyde in Oostende. This open-air museum is one of the best preserved parts of the Atlantic Wall. This was an extensive defence line built by the Germans during World War II. The museum features bunkers, trenches and other military structures.
6. Bredene
Bredene has beautiful dunes, making it the ideal place for those looking for peace and nature. It has no seawall, offering uninterrupted views of the sea and the dunes. You can enjoy beautiful cycling along the coast or spend a quiet day on the beach here. Here you will also find the only naturist beach on the Belgian coast. Bredene also has a cosy market and many local restaurants. Furthermore, here you can learn to wave surf on a shortboard or longboard, windsurf and sup.
7. De Haan
De Haan is a charming town with Belle Époque architecture that takes you back to the old days. Here you won't find tall apartment buildings, but picturesque villas and quiet avenues. Visit the Concessiewijk, for example, for a stroll past the most beautiful Anglo-Norman-style villas. Must-sees are Villa Savoyarde, Albert Einstein's 1933 residence (Shakespearelaan), the Vaerwyck villas (Rembrandtlaan) and the current town hall, once the first luxury hotel with running hot water (Leopoldlaan 24).De Haan's beach is less crowded than elsewhere, making it perfect for a relaxing day by the sea.
8. Blankenberge
Blankenberge is a lively seaside town. From a visit to Sea Life Blankenberge, where you'll learn all about marine life, to a ride on the Ferris wheel for breathtaking views of the coast. Blankenberge's pier is an iconic spot for a stroll and to grab something to eat. In summer, it often hosts markets and events, creating a cosy atmosphere. You will also find a marina and a casino in Blankenberge. During your visit to the coastal town, you can also admire many Belle Époque-era houses decorated with art nouveau wall tiles, ironwork or stained-glass windows.
9. Zeebrugge
Zeebrugge is the port of Brugge. It is a great place for fish lovers; the fish market offers the opportunity to buy the catch of the day or taste it in one of the local restaurants. Also be sure to visit the Seafront Maritiem Themapark to learn more about the history of Belgian seafaring. Zeebrugge also has a wide and quiet beach, perfect for a relaxing day. Another fun activity in Zeebrugge is seal spotting on a boat trip. Of course, there are also plenty of opportunities for water sports here such as kitesurfing, sailing and wingfoiling.
10. Knokke-Heist
Knokke-Heist is the chic destination on the Belgian coast, known for its exclusive shops, art galleries, and trendy restaurants. Lippenslaan is the place to shop, with boutiques of luxury brands. The Zwin nature reserve in Knokke-Heist is an attraction for nature lovers, strongly influenced by the tides. Here you can take extensive walks through the slufter: a beach plain behind the dunes that is open to the sea. This is also a perfect place for bird watching, sometimes taking off or landing in thousands! Birds come here during bird migration to refuel with food such as sea worms, lobsters, fish and shells. The salt marshes are important breeding areas for species such as redshanks, avocets and oystercatchers. In the land area, songbirds such as the linnet, fitis, blackhead and nightingale live. You can see little egrets here all year round, and hundreds of waders can be spotted during migration time.
Stay close to the best Belgian coastal towns
Where you stay doesn't matter on the Belgian coast; in fact, you can easily get from one place to another on the Coastal Tram. This tram runs along the entire coastline, from De Panne to Knokke-Heist, and has 70 stops. Get on, get off, and enjoy all that the Belgian coast has to offer!
Looking for a lovely place to stay at the Belgian coast? Then Dune Hotel in Nieuwpoort is perfect. Enjoy our comfortable rooms overlooking the city or the dunes and make use of all our facilities. Moreover, our hotel is situated at a perfect location, just a few minutes from the beach. So, grab your sunglasses, put on your flip-flops, and get ready for an unforgettable holiday at the Belgian coast. Book your stay at Dune Hotel soon.
