Vlissingen has the only real city beach in all of Zeeland. You can walk from the city center to the Badstrand via the boulevard. It' s a pleasant place all year round and in summer there are numerous events. The beach of Vlissingen is about 4 kilometers long and on average 70 meters wide. Located south of Zoutelande, from the Vabenabos nature reserve in the northwest to Boulevard Bankert in the east. The beaches are southward facing, on the Westerschelde. It offers a view of the seaside resorts of Nieuwvliet, Cadzand and the Belgian town of Knokke-Heist. In addition, large seagoing vessels hug the coast quite closely, truly a sight to behold.
The beaches of Vlissingen have won several awards. In 2022 the beach received the international 'Blue Flag' environmental award for the 21th time. It guarantees excellent quality bathing water and a well kept beach. Furthermore, the province of Zeeland has the most hours of sunshine during the summer months in the Netherlands. An excellent starting point for a wonderful beach holiday.
Three areas
Vlissingen has several beaches where you may enjoy the sun, sea and sand. The beach can be divided into three areas: Badstrand (Bathing beach), Nollestrand (Nolle beach) and Westduin. The most popular beaches are Badstrand and Nollestrand. In summer, these beaches are relatively crowded, but even on sunny days there is more than enough space for everyone.
Badstrand (Bathing beach)
The Badstrand sits directly in front of the Evertsen Boulevard. This 600-metre long beach is mostly visited by tourists in the summer, but locals also like to visit from time to time. It can be very busy, particularly on sunny summer days. You will find the Nollehoofd on the north side of the Badstrand. This 180 meter long pier offers a beautiful view over the beach.
Nollestrand (Nolle beach)
On the north side of Nollehoofd you will find Nollestrand. This is a beach which can also get crowded during the summer. This is where the so-called sleeping beach houses can be found. A unique way to spend the night on Zeeland's beach. Wake up and have breakfast from a private terrace with a magnificent view over the beach and the Westerschelde. Truly, a unique experience! It is also possible to walk over the dunes and the beach to Dishoek and Zoutelande from Nollestrand.
Westduin
To the north of Nollestrand lies the Westduin beach. An ideal place to enjoy some peace and quiet all year round. There are no beach cabins or beach pavilions to be found on this large, sandy beach. The beach is best known, just like the rest of Walcheren, for its characteristic breakwaters.
The beaches, with showers to rinse of the salt seawater, will be cleaned everyday. Besides the rescue brigade will guard the beaches and warns when there is a dangerous current or wind; a pleasant and safe feeling.
Facilities
A sunbath or a walk along the beach, playing fun or water sports. The very well maintained, white beaches of will offer you peace and quietness. Optimum facilities will tribute to the comfort and with that the holiday pleasure of the guests. It starts with accessible beach crossings and parking places. Then there are the lifeguards and the rescue brigade whom watch over the well being of the guests, with a First aid post nearby. Furthermore the many cafes, terraces and restaurants near the beach will take care of the needs for serving drinks and snacks or lunch and diner.
Flags
On the beaches you will find flags and signs with instructions for swimming. It is wise to take account of these signals. They are there for you!
Guarded beach zone
Child found
Dangerous sea
Watersports allowed
Swimming prohibited
Floating Bodies prohibited
Dogs at the beach
The beach is the ideal destination for many dogs to enjoy. A Frisbee, a stick or a ball can fetch give great pleasure. And what is more fun than making a beach walk with your dog? However, on various beaches are dogs, loose or on a leash, not allowed all year.
Dogs are prohibited on the beaches of Vlissingen during the period 1 May till 15 September.
Outside of the above mentioned period are dogs allowed (both loose and leased) on the beaches of Vlissingen.
Further, we also recommend reading the information board, with the local beach rules, which is often placed near every beach (entrance).
Nearest beach for dogs at Vlissingen
Leashed dogs are allowed all year from beach 90. Duinstrand in the direction Dishoek.
Beach cabins
An overview of local beach cabins rentals in Vlissingen: /en/forum/
Beach tips
- At low tide there is a strong current towards the sea, than stay close to shore. In case you get pulled in by the current do not try to swim straight against it, but swim slanting to the shore with the current. Also be aware of floating devices like air-beds, boats or other swimming devices.
- Do not get to close to the poles, piers or other obstacles.
- Watch your children carefully, do not let them alone near the water. Are there recognition signs on the beach, tell it to your children.
- Help to keep the beaches clean.