The Belgian Coast

On a sunny day the ideal excursion is a visit to the Belgian coast. All along the sandy beaches a boardwalk is alive with outdoor cafes, shops, bikers, rollerbladers and strange vehicles known as cuistax (ask the locals what it means!).

Hop on the beach tram to visit different resorts each with its own character and style. There are museums to visit as well as gambling casinos.

Cities and towns of the Belgian Coast

Knokke-Heist

Stroll on the new promenade, sunbathe on the broad sandy beach, wander through the exclusive shopping boulevards, discover the polders along peaceful cycle tracks and pedestrian paths, enjoy a gastronomic treat overlooking the sea, be surprised by an unusual exhibition, allow yourself to be swept along by the stimulating atmosphere. You will see, Knokke-Heist has everything you want!

Ostend

A real city by the sea, once the famous summer resort of the King. Ostend is without any doubt the only city by the sea where there is always a lot to do, whatever the weather.

Ostend is a cosmopolitan city with many advantages and a rich historical past. There is the harbour, the yacht-basin, the airport and 54 hotels. The wide range of affordable hotels includes four-star hotels (379 beds), middle-class hotels (2 600 beds) as well as simple hotels with basic amenities. In addition to this, Oostende also has extensive accommodation for meetings and seminars.

Zeebrugge

Linked with Bruges by a 7.5 mile canal, Zeebrugge is a seaside resort looking to the future. The international port, jutting far out into the sea, doesn ’t prevent holidaymakers from frolicking on the fine little sandy beach.

On the sea front,hotels and cafés give tourists their warmest welcome.

Zeebrugge is the most important Belgian fishing port.The Zeebrugge wholesale fish market, installed in a modern complex in the inner port,is one of the largest and most sophisticated of its kind in Europe. Zeebrugge also has an attractive marina which can accommodate some 100 vessels.

Zeebrugge also enjoys a very convenient geographical location,just a few miles away from beautiful Bruges,the fashionable sea resort of Knokke,and the picturesque village of Lissewege.

Blankenberge

Blankenberge isn't only sea, beach and seafront. There is also the 'ancient town centre' with its small streets and numerous shops that remembers the historical past. Explore and discover the ancient and recent Blankenberge: buildings in the ancient fishermen's village, the ancient town hall, bel-etage residences with charming tile scenes, the casino, the windbreak (paravang), the harbour, ...

Accommodation

The 13 coastal resorts of Flanders are dotted with hotels, apartments, villas, cottages, holiday villages, campgrounds, and other accommodations. Renting one of the coast’s 40,000 vacation houses and apartments through a real-estate agency is worth considering if you’re staying for a week or longer. During July and August, self-catering rentals are usually for two weeks or a month, and cottages or flats may be booked months in advance. If you want to book a hotel, go to www.medestino.com.