The most beautiful trips on the Belgian coast

West Flanders, the Belgian coastal province: sun, peace, space, nature, and culture.

Rent a car from Europcar and tour the seaside resorts of De Haan, Knokke, Oostduinkerke, Nieuwpoort, and Ostend.

Car rental? Europcar, always nearby!

Many people know Europcar because you can rent a van for transporting large items, for example during a move. And you might rent a regular car during a trip abroad, but have you ever thought about renting a nice car from Europcar for tourist outings? Enjoyable trips in a luxurious, new car of your choice, carefree touring through the most beautiful cities and landscapes. And always guaranteed at the best price! Give it a try, you will be enthusiastic…

Knokke

We start our tour in the northernmost city, on the border with the Netherlands. There lies the chic seaside resort – Heist. This is one of the most famous seaside resorts in Belgium and it profiles itself as the greenest municipality, with the Zwin nature park. Enjoy walking or cycling not only on the beaches, dunes, and forests, but also on the mudflats, salt marshes, polders, pools, and reed marshes. But don’t forget the many festivals or the folklore market.

De Haan

Then we head down to the beaches of De Haan. These beautiful wide sandy beaches attract many people to this place. Tourism is therefore the main source of income for the residents. Besides the beach, there are countless possibilities for a great day: walking through the Concession with the beautiful white villas with red roofs, horseback riding, visiting the two mills or the old tram station, and enjoying a meal at one of the many restaurants or hotels.

Ostend

Our next stop is Ostend, which is about equally distant from the Dutch and French borders; about 30 km. It is also known as “The Queen of Beaches”. Ostend profiles itself as one of the most modern seaside resorts, with a sea and airport, an aquarium, a casino, and the Explorado, a family adventure science museum. But of course, you can also visit the old town center, Fort Napoleon, the open-air museum Atlantikwall, and the old sailing ship Mercator.

Nieuwpoort

A little further south lies Nieuwpoort. North of the Yser, which flows into the sea here, you will find the widest beaches of fine sand. Enjoy long days sunbathing, picnicking, and building sandcastles, but don’t forget to take a refreshing dip now and then! Or visit the belfry, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage list, or the monument for King Albert I.

Oostduinkerke

Next, we go to Oostduinkerke. Here you can enjoy the fresh air in the beautiful dunes. While walking, you will find the Hoge Blekker, the highest dune in Belgium. The beach is also ideal for sand yachting or parakarting. You will probably also see the shrimp fishermen with their horses. This is the only place in the world where they are caught in this way!

De Panne

Finally, we arrive in De Panne. Here you will find the amusement park Plopsaland, where you can have a whole day of fun with the children.