Westende Beach

Westende Beach is part of the municipality of Middelkerke on the West Flanders coast of Belgium, a quieter resort stretch between Nieuwpoort and Middelkerke town. The sand is fine and pale, with a wide shore at low tide, and the North Sea water is grey-green and cool, its clarity depending on wind and tide. The beach is open and exposed to onshore breezes, with gentle surf that suits paddling and swimming near the summer lifeguard posts rather than surfing. A long sea wall (Zeedijk) and promenade run along the back of the beach, lined with cafes, and the resort has a calmer, more residential feel than Middelkerke or Ostend. The atmosphere is relaxed and family oriented, enlivened in summer by a program of beach events and beach volleyball courts. Amenities include beach cafes, showers, toilets and lifeguards in summer, plus a flat promenade that works for walking and cycling. Access is simple by Kusttram (coastal tram, De Lijn), with a stop at Westende Bad close to the beach, and the coastal cycle route runs along the dunes behind the sea wall. Westende station on the railway is inland, so many visitors arrive by tram or car; parking is available near the seafront but fills on sunny weekends. Visitors seeking more space can walk along the waterline toward Nieuwpoort to the west or Middelkerke to the east, and the low tide exposes firm sand suitable for long walks and beachcombing. Sunset over the sea is a regular evening draw, and the wide horizon makes the beach popular for photography.