Beach of Vlissingen

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 2024 the beach received the international 'Blue Flag' environmental award for the 23th 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.

Multiple Beaches

Vlissingen has several beaches where one can thoroughly enjoy sun, sea, and sand. The most popular beaches are Badstrand and Nollestrand. In the summer, these beaches are relatively the most crowded, but even on sunny days, there is still more than enough room for everyone.

1. Badstrand

   The Badstrand of Vlissingen is probably the most famous and popular beach in the city. This 600-meter long beach is primarily visited by tourists in the summer, but locals also enjoy coming here. Especially on sunny summer days, it can be pleasantly busy. It is located directly in front of Boulevard Evertsen, giving it a unique urban yet maritime atmosphere. The proximity of various restaurants and cafes along the promenade also makes this beach attractive for people who would like to eat or drink something after a day at the beach.

   The beach offers a magnificent view of the busy shipping route through the Westerschelde. In the summer, you can see numerous ships passing by, making the Badstrand a favourite spot for ship spotters. On the north side of the Badstrand you will find the Nollehoofd. This almost 180-meter long pier offers a magnificent view over the beach.



2. Nollestrand

   The Nollestrand is located directly to the north of the Badstrand, on the north side of the Nollehoofd. This beach can also be busy in the summer. It's a wide and clean sandy beach, ideal for families with children. In the summer there are lifeguards present and beach cabins are also available for rent. Like the Badstrand, the Nollestrand offers a spectacular view of the Westerschelde and the passing ships.

   Here you can find the so-called sleep-beach houses. In these accommodations, you can spend the night on the Zeeland beach in a special way. Waking up and having breakfast from a private terrace with a brilliant view over the beach and Westerschelde. Truly a unique experience! Furthermore, from the Nollestrand it is possible to walk over the dunes and beach to Dishoek and Zoutelande.



3. Westduin

   The Westduin beach, located north of the Nollestrand, is a quieter and more natural beach. It's surrounded by dunes and nature reserves, making it an ideal place for peace and relaxation. This beach is perfect for long walks and nature observation. A place of peace and space all year round. On this large sandy beach, you won't find beach cabins or beach pavilions. The beach is known, like the rest of Walcheren, for its characteristic pile heads.

4. Ritthem beach

   This beach is located on the east side of Vlissingen, near the village of Ritthem. It is a quiet beach, surrounded by green areas and offers a view of the Westerschelde and the port of Vlissingen. This beach is a good choice for people who are looking for a less crowded, more secluded beach experience.

Each of these beaches has its own unique features and charms. Whether you are looking for a lively city beach, a family-friendly beach, a quiet nature beach or a secluded beach with a view of the harbour, Vlissingen has something for everyone.

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 and Their Meanings

On the beaches of Vlissingen, you will find various information signs and beach flags to inform and warn swimmers, water sports enthusiasts, and other beachgoers about the risks associated with swimming in the sea. Below you will find the meanings of these flags:

• Red-Yellow Flag

  Supervised beach zone. Lifeguards present
  Lifeguard station is open, and qualified lifeguards are monitoring the area within the lifeguard brigade's working area.

• Red Flag

  No swimming! Very dangerous sea
  Warns of serious danger and is raised when swimming conditions are very dangerous. Swimming, bathing, and other activities in or on the sea are strongly discouraged.

• Yellow Flag

  Be careful when swimming! Dangerous sea
  Warns of dangerous conditions in the sea. Extra caution and vigilance are required.

• Orange Windsock

  Be careful when swimming! Do not use floatation devices!
  Warns against the use of (inflatable) floatation devices due to offshore winds.

• White Flag with Blue Question Mark

  Child found!
  
  A child has been found who is missing their parents/guardians. Parents/guardians are asked to report to the lifeguard station.

• Green Flag with White Cross

  First Aid Post
  
  First aid personnel are present at the lifeguard station.

• Black and White Chequered Flag

  Water sports allowed
  
  In the zone between the two black and white chequered flags, water sports are allowed.

Pay attention to these flags and always follow the instructions of the lifeguards for your safety and the safety of others on the beach.

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 to 16 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.