De Haan Beach

Located just south of the longest Beach District in Belgium, De Haan Beach stretches for more than 12 kilometers of coastline, with sections up to 80 kilometers wide at high tide. The eastern half of the beach has resorts and vendors catering to every need, from umbrellas and cold drinks to kitesurfing and windsurfing. Some larger resorts also offer excursions, including cruises and even water slides.

While the main of the beach has a patterned brick promenade that leads directly onto the sand, the western half of the beach is obscured by dunes and has fewer people. Access points are more limited, but the peace on this part of the beach is beautiful. Those exploring this part should remember that swimming is not allowed without a lifeguard, so this is a better area for walking and sunbathing.

The area around the beach is also great for exploring, and cycling is a popular activity along the beautiful dunes. There is also a very nice natural park, Duinbossen, which is close to the beach and offers horseback riding as a way to explore its paths. Westhoek Nature Reserve is a beautiful wetland area that includes kilometers of trails through dunes and grasslands. Visitors will see a variety of migratory birds, as well as upland cattle.

Location: Belgian sea coast in West Flanders