Seaside resorts in Belgium and The Netherlands: another way to explore the Low Countries

Belgium and Holland have extensive coastlines. Whether it's summer or fall, you will always enjoy exploring them.

Quaint, beautiful, and historic seaside resorts in the Netherlands and Belgium make for a great route to travel north or south. So start packing your bag and hit the road!

Photo: Frank Mckenna / Unsplash

In this gallery, we go from north to south, so from The Netherlands to Belgium.

Photo: Camille Minouflet / Unsplash

Scheveningen is a beautiful seaside resort with a wide beach, cozy pavilions, and a lively boulevard full of shops, restaurants, and cafes. The famous Kurhaus Hotel, the Sea Life aquarium, and the AFAS Circus Theater are also popular attractions. At just a 15-minute tram ride from the center of The Hague, Scheveningen has been a popular destination for a weekend getaway for many years.

Photo: Nick & Djalila / Unsplash

Bergen aan Zee is famous for its beautiful beach with a panoramic view of the North Sea. The beach offers miles of space for sunbathing and beach fun. There are plenty of options for activities such as swimming, sailing, and kite surfing. In addition, Bergen aan Zee is surrounded by beautiful nature, with dunes, forests, and nature reserves where you can walk and cycle.

Photo: Perry Agerbeek / Unsplash

Zandvoort, about 30 kilometers from Amsterdam, offers an endless beach with something for everyone. Enjoy autumn walks, water sports, and cozy beach pavilions. The charming village has picturesque streets with old fishermen's houses and beautiful villas, pedestrian shopping in summer, and historical sights such as Circus Zandvoort and the Zandvoort Museum.

Photo: Karsten Würth / Unsplash

There is more than enough to do in Egmond. For example, the oldest abbey in the Netherlands is located in Egmond-Binnen, while Egmond aan Zee offers plenty of fishing history and beach fun. In Egmond aan den Hoef you can visit a historic castle and picturesque bell-shaped farms.

Photo: Jean Carlo Emer / Unsplash

Discover the enchanting Wadden Island of Terschelling with its unique nature and fascinating sights. The picturesque harbor of West Terschelling has the only natural bay in the Netherlands, and the Brandaris lighthouse has symbolized the island for centuries. Terschelling not only has a beach but also many varied nature reserves, monumental buildings, and statues.

Photo: Wim van 't Einde / Unsplash

Vlieland, the smallest inhabited Wadden Island in the Netherlands, enchants visitors with its beautiful nature and peaceful atmosphere. With only 36 square kilometers, the island offers clean sandy beaches, extensive dunes, and unique landscapes. Cyclists can enjoy the car-free roads, while nature lovers can spot birds and walk in the unspoiled nature.

Photo: Henriette Valkema / Unsplash

And now it's time to discover the most beautiful seaside resorts in Belgium!

Photo: Sven Huls / Unsplash

Knokke-Heist is the pearl of the Belgian coast. Here you will find beautiful sandy beaches where you can sunbathe and relax. There are also two beautiful nature reserves, Het Zwin and the Bay of Heist. In addition, Knokke-Heist offers a wide selection of hotels, studios, and apartments for an unforgettable weekend away.

Photo: Maxime Renard / Unsplash

Welcome to the versatile Nieuwpoort, an enchanting seaside resort that consists of two parts: Nieuwpoort-City and Nieuwpoort-Bad. Sights, besides the beach, are the beautiful town hall, a masterpiece in Flemish Renaissance style, and the Church of Our Lady with its imposing tower.

Photo: Benoit Debaix / Unsplash

De Panne, a Belgian seaside resort near the French border, is popular for its extensive beach, the enchanting Plopsaland theme park, and the coastal tram that takes travelers to other seaside resorts.

Blankenberge, a popular Belgian seaside resort, is ideal for a weekend getaway. Since it is only 15 km from Bruges, you can combine both cities. In summer, we should admit that Blankenberge can get quite crowded.

Photo: Bartosz Honc / Unsplash

De Haan will enchant you with its long beach and nostalgic charm. The town is home to quaint Belle Epoque-style villas and opulent Anglo-Norman hotels. Even Albert Einstein was seduced by this village.

Photo: Thibaut Santy / Unsplash

Ostend is much more than just the beach and sea. Start your discovery tour in the historic center and admire the impressive St. Peter and Paul Church. Then continue to the lively Visserskaai, where you can enjoy delicious seafood and explore the bustling fishing port.

Photo: Michel Stockman / Unsplash