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In view of the news of the last few months, you may think that dream vacations with bare feet in the white sand, under a shining sun are no longer relevant? Don't be so sure, Belgium is full of beaches on the North Sea which, as you will see, have (almost) nothing to envy to the most beautiful seaside resorts of the world!
Even if some stereotypes may still make you doubt it, the beauty of the Belgian coastline is worth the detour. That's why we have selected 5 seaside resorts where you can enjoy your vacation with your feet in the water! Between a walk on the beach, a bike ride or kitesurfing on the waves, the charm of the Belgian coast is sure to seduce you.
The most family-friendly: Ostend
In Flanders, 30 minutes by train from Brussels, lies one of the most famous seaside resorts in the country: Ostend. This resort is an ideal destination for a family weekend, thanks to the many activities that are offered. Enjoying the fresh air during a sea excursion, taking a long walk on the beach or visiting museums such as the Mercator, a three-masted ship transformed into an aquatic museum, are all activities that will allow you to fully enjoy your stay.
Discover Ostend and its urban art on board a rosalie. You will be able to admire the many facades decorated with gigantic frescos of the art festival The Crystal Ship, a colorful show!
More info on activities and visits to do in Ostend on : visitoostende.be
Where to stay in Ostend?
After a day full of adventure, find yourself at Villa Cecha, a guesthouse with a warm atmosphere. In one of the villa's four exclusive rooms, you can relax or enjoy the spa treatments offered by the house.
More information about Villa Checa right here : villacecha.be
The most festive : Blankenberge
This energetic seaside resort offers beautiful beaches, a busy marina and many activities for a complete stay.
The town has a large 350-meter pier that gives the impression of walking on water and allows you to enjoy a panoramic view of the sea. At the end of the pier, a tasting of local specialties with a breathtaking view of the water awaits you in the Blankenberge Pier restaurant.
The harbor area is also a must-see when visiting Blankenberge! After a look at the boats, take a walk along the pier for some fresh air.
A detour to the Sea Life aquarium is an opportunity to discover the underwater world and to admire many aquatic animals: sharks, turtles, jellyfish and many others!
More information on the activities available in Blankenberge on : visit-blankenberge.be
Where to stay in Blankenberge ?
To make your stay in Blankenberge even more special, stay in one of Over d'Eede's guest rooms. Located in the heart of the Uitkerkse Polders nature reserve, this old farmhouse offers all the comforts you need: jacuzzi, sauna and even a sitting area to relax in.
For more details about this guesthouse, please visit : overdeede.be
The sportiest one: Nieuwpoort
Nieuwpoort is the leading resort for water sports enthusiasts, as the beach allows for a wide range of water sports such as surfing, sailing and fishing.
The friendly market place with its imposing church gives a unique charm to the city, which you will have the opportunity to discover through a walk or a bike ride.
For nature lovers, Nieuwpoort also has a nature reserve, De IJzermonding, where a guided tour will give you the opportunity to discover a unique fauna and flora in Belgium. It is even possible to see seals!
For more details about the resort, please visit : lelittoral.be
Where to stay in Nieuwpoort ?
Enjoy the unusual experience of spending the night on the water in the Homeboat, a cabin floating on the canal. With its two rooms, the accommodation is ideal for a trip with friends or family!
To book this unusual accommodation, go to : airbnb.be
The most jet-set : Knokke-Heist
Knokke-Heist is the most luxurious resort on the Belgian coast and is only 20 minutes away from Bruges. On its five beautiful sandy beaches, you can try diving, go horseback riding or take a walk and enjoy the sunset. The city is also known for its culture and art galleries, its beautiful avenues and large villas that will immerse you in a very different vacation setting.
A bike ride on the bike paths is a good way to discover the most beautiful parts of the resort. During this walk, don't hesitate to make a stop at the Royal Zoute Golf Club to refresh yourself in the natural setting of this imposing and charming old residence.
And for bird lovers, the Zwin Nature Park is a must for observing hundreds of species such as the stork, the white-fronted goose or the oystercatcher.
All practical information about Knokke-Heist can be found here: myknokke-heist.be
Where to stay in Knokke-Heist ?
Located on the seaside, stay in one of the eight rooms of the Enso boutique-hotel which offers a calm and soothing setting. You will be seduced by the modern and minimalist decoration of the place, whose comfort will complete your stay on the Belgian coast.
More info on the Enso hotel right here : ensohotel.be
The calmiest one: De Panne
For nature lovers, De Panne is an ideal destination for a hike in a nature reserve full of dunes and beautiful landscapes. Indeed, the resort has many of them, such as Westhoek, Oosthoek or Cabour, which extend over several hundred hectares.
A trip to the city and especially the Dumont district, which is part of the architectural heritage, is a must during a visit to De Panne. In order to have a panoramic view of this district, known for its magnificent villas on the seafront and placed on top of a dune, you must go to the Kykhill Park, the real green lung of De Panne. If it's very hot, a walk in the Calmeynbos forest will be welcome, where you can cool off in the shade of the trees.
De Panne is also a place full of history, as evidenced by the Leopold I esplanade, a monument representing the first king of the Belgians and his arrival in Belgium. It is indeed here that the king stepped for the first time on the land of his future kingdom, which makes it a place not to be missed during your visit to De Panne.
All information on what to do in De Panne on the website : tourisme.depanne.be
Where to stay in De Panne ?
While in De Panne, stay in Dumont, the oldest part of the resort, known for its large villas. Book your suite at Villa Bon-Papa, the ideal place for a romantic moment just a few steps from the beach.
For more details about Villa Bon-Papa, visit their website : villabonpapa.be
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