Blankenberge Beach

Blankenberge Beach runs along the Zeedijk at 8370 Blankenberge, a traditional family seaside town on the West Flanders coast about 105 km from Brussels. The beach is a long band of fine, pale North Sea sand, soft near the dike and firmer toward the waterline at low tide. The water is generally grey-green and cool rather than clear, and the shore is open and exposed to onshore wind and small waves, with groynes dividing it into sections. There is no cove or shelter, but the gentle slope of the sand makes paddling and swimming practical in the lifeguard-supervised zones during summer.

The character of Blankenberge is that of an old-fashioned, unpretentious holiday resort. Families make up most of the crowd, drawn by the pier, the amusement attractions and the long promenade lined with cafes, ice cream stands and snack bars. Beach bars operate in season, offering drinks and light meals, and showers and restrooms are available near the main access points. Lifeguards patrol in summer, and sun loungers and windbreaks are widely used on the central stretch. The atmosphere is lively but relaxed, and prices are generally more modest than at the more fashionable resorts further along the coast.

Access is one of the beach's strengths. A direct train from Brussels-Midi reaches Blankenberge in about 1 hour 10 minutes, with a return fare of around €18 (about $21). The station is only minutes from the sand, and the shops near the station are on the way to the seafront, so the whole outing can be done on foot without a car. The coastal tram (Kusttram) runs along the coast and connects Blankenberge with the other Belgian seaside towns for onward trips. Drivers will find paid car parks in town, but those close to the seafront fill quickly on sunny weekends and during school holidays. The flat promenade is easy to walk or cycle, and the pier provides views along the coast.