5. De Panne Beach
Belgium’s westernmost beach, De Panne Beach sits between the towns of Saint-Idesbald and De Panne, close to the border with France and just a short drive from Dunkirk. Offering a varied landscape, some sections of the beach are backed by tall grassy dunes, while others run straight from the water to the doors of resort hotels. Several areas of the beach host regular organized kids’ activities, making this a top choice for families. At the eastern end of the beach, a yacht club provides boat and watercraft rentals.
This town’s history is much like its famous neighbor’s, both involved in the World War II «Operation Dynamo.» In town, visitors will find an excellent museum dedicated to the war and its impact on the area. At the southern end of the beach, there is a monument dedicated to King Leopold I, who first set foot in Belgium on these shores in 1831.
Just south of this is the Nature Reserve of Westhoek, a stunning wetland area that includes kilometers of trails through dunes and grasslands. Visitors will see a great variety of migratory birds, as well as highland cattle.
6. De Haan Beach
The longest beach in Belgium, De Haan Beach stretches along more than 12 kilometers of shoreline, boasting sections up to 80 kilometers wide at high tide. The eastern half of the beach is lined with resorts and vendors that cater to every need, from umbrellas and cold drinks to kiteboards and windsurfing gear. Several of the larger resorts offer excursions as well, including sightseeing cruises and even water skiing.
While the main section of the beach has a patterned brick promenade that gives way directly to the sand, the western half of the beach is hidden from view by grassy dunes and has far fewer people. Access points are more limited, but the peace and quiet on this part of the beach is unparalleled. Those exploring this section should remember that swimming is not permitted without lifeguards present, so this is a better area for walking and sunbathing.
The area around the beach is also lovely for exploring, and cycling is a popular activity along the scenic dunes. There is also a very nice nature park, Duinbossen, which is near the beach and offers horseback riding as a way to explore its paths.
