The Coast

An ideal combination of culture and nature, from pure relaxation to defying the waves. Let yourself be overwhelmed by the Coast's treasures.

It's not just the sea, sand and beach that may tempt you: there's also its rich architecture, its unspoilt nature, its gastronomic delights and its range of ways of relaxing ... making the region a destination for every season.

After all, nowhere is the air so pure, nowhere are the walks or bike rides so relaxed, nowhere are the sunsets so overwhelming, and nowhere else does the fish taste so good. Almost all restaurants on the coast serve fresh fish, whether you choose a gourmet menu or a quick bite. On the 1,001 terraces on the dike and in the cozy town centres you can enjoy the salty sea air, a cool beer, a crispy waffle ... Spoil your taste buds in one of the (starred) restaurants.

Get a breath of fresh air from De Panne to Knokke-Heist: discover 10 coastal settlements, each with its own distinct character:

• De Panne - Super-fast or deliciously slow on the widest beach on the coast, a green seaside resort near the Westhoek nature reserve.
• Koksijde-Oostduinkerke - A natural palette with the highest dune on the Flemish coast, jam-packed with culture, and an affection for the coast which keeps folklore alive.
• Nieuwpoort - Swinging beach town with fishermen and sailors in the largest marina in Europe.
• Middelkerke-Westende - The good side of the beach, where you can relax and play with the kids.
• Ostend - Seaside town with a rich cultural life.
• Bredene - Pure nature, a paradise far from the madding crowd and an ideal place to camp.
• De Haan-Wenduine - Get lost in the old days in a picturesque setting with vast polders.
• Blankenberge - Bustling resort with hidden belle époque splendour.
• Zeebrugge - The mecca of delicious fish cuisine with its legendary fish auction.
• Knokke-Heist - The art of enjoyment, sophisticated and contemporary, near the Het Zwin nature reserve.

And then nearby there's also Bruges, one of Belgium's most beautiful cities. Visiting this historic city is a must!

More tourist information at http://www.westtoer.be/nl and at http://www.belgiancoast.co.uk/en.

photos ©visitflanders ©milo-profi ©westtoer