Be surprised by the Flemish Riviera and rent a holiday home on the Belgian coast!

The Belgian coastline may be short, but the number of seaside resorts and attractions is anything but! One thing’s for sure: anyone vacationing on the Belgian coast will be pleasantly surprised. Hop on the coastal tram to charming resorts like De Haan, Ostend, or Nieuwpoort and discover it for yourself! If you appreciate modern and expressive art, the Flemish coast is the place to be—it’s full of sculptures and street art! Planning a seaside holiday with a unique twist? Get inspired by the following highlights along the Flemish Riviera and rent a holiday home on the Belgian coast!

Explore Flanders by tram from your holiday home on the Belgian coast

Did you know the Belgian Riviera is easily accessible via public transport? Leave your car at the parking lot and hop on the coastal tram! It runs multiple times per hour and stops at every seaside town. You might not expect many historical sights along the Flemish coast—but towns like Nieuwpoort and Veurne will prove you wrong! Veurne is near De Panne, the last tram stop, and is best reached by bike or train. The town square is surrounded by gabled houses and impressive churches. Be sure to stroll through the quiet park behind Saint Walburga’s Church, where you’ll find a charming tea house and a red church roof. Tip: enjoy the best view over the square from restaurant Mozaïek!

Experience French flair in the seaside town of De Haan

Feel the Belle Époque charm in a coastal resort with no high-rises on the horizon! The stately homes with red roofs, balconies, and turrets give the promenade a refined atmosphere. Don’t worry if rain taps against your window in your holiday home on the Belgian coast—you and the kids will still have fun in De Haan with activities like a tropical swimming pool and mini golf!

What to do in Ostend from your holiday home on the Belgian coast?

Ostend is one of the larger, more popular coastal towns—and there’s plenty to do! If you’re into modern and expressive art, the James Ensor House is a must-visit. You’ll also find art all around the city! Take a stroll through the concrete streets, adorned with whimsical and impressive artworks. Other city highlights include the gothic cathedral with its two magnificent towers.

Green Ribbon cycling route

Ostend is surrounded by a beautiful cycling route through dunes, viewpoints, creeks, and forest. The city’s green edge is surprisingly lush, and to boost nature accessibility, all green areas have been connected through the “Groene Lint” (Green Ribbon) bike network.

Rent a beach pedal kart

A unique activity in Ostend is riding pedal karts along the beach! Kids love it, of course, but adults can join in too, thanks to multi-seat models. Some karts are even big enough for families!

Zwin Nature Reserve

Want to hike through sea-salted air in a stunning nature reserve? Head to the Zwin near Knokke-Heist from your holiday home on the Belgian coast! Start at the Zwin visitor centre and walk through a landscape of dunes and polders. At high tide, the sea floods the salt marshes, nurturing unique vegetation. Wooden walkways lead you past ponds, while Scottish Highland cattle graze the dry areas. A trail along the dike offers sea views and dune vistas. For a panoramic overview of the entire area, climb the watchtower!

Beaufort Sculpture Park: artistic treasures along the coast

One of the most iconic sights along the Flemish coast is the Beaufort Sculpture Park. Don’t expect a single park though—this is an open-air collection of artistic sculptures stretched over 60 kilometers! Standouts include the golden turtle in Nieuwpoort and the wooden elephants on the beach in De Panne. Even if modern art isn’t your thing, the creativity and variety of the works make it worthwhile!

Race across the beach with a land yacht!

Try something completely new: land yachting in De Panne! It’s best suited for adrenaline lovers, as speeds can reach 100 km/h with the right wind! You can rent land yachts at the Royal Sand Yacht Club, just a 15-minute tram ride from De Panne station. Before you race off, you’ll get a quick lesson from an instructor—then you’re free to fly across the beach and feel the rush!

Pancakes and waffles on the Belgian coast!

Of course, the Flemish coast is famous for mussels and seafood, but don’t forget to try the waffles and pancakes! Order them in the inner garden of the Coach House in Blankenberge, or try the topped waffle at Chagall in Nieuwpoort—while gazing out over the sea!

Rent a holiday home on the Belgian coast

Belgium offers a wealth of unique coastal highlights—from Belle Époque villas and churches to open-air street art. Travel affordably with the coastal tram and experience a mix of history and modern creativity! Want to discover nature from your holiday home on the Belgian coast? Pack your hiking shoes and visit the Zwin or cycle the Green Ribbon trail near Ostend!