Vlissingen is the only seaside resort in Zeeland with a city beach that directly borders the town centre.
Lively promenade: From the city centre, you can stroll straight onto the wide Badstrand via the charming promenade. It's a pleasant place year-round, with a vibrant summer atmosphere thanks to numerous events, performances and festivals.
City & beach: Combine sun and sea with shopping, outdoor cafés and culture – all within easy reach.
Room for everyone: With a length of about 4 kilometres and an average width of 70 metres, there’s plenty of space for sunbathers, families and active beachgoers.
Sunny location: The beaches face south, offering many hours of sunshine and panoramic views over the Western Scheldt.
Ships up close: Large sea vessels pass just tens of metres from the coast – an impressive sight that is unique in the Netherlands.
Diverse coastline: From the peaceful Vebenabos in the northwest to the bustling Boulevard Bankert in the east.
The beaches of Vlissingen have received multiple awards for their quality, cleanliness, and excellent facilities. Year after year, Vlissingen meets the strict international criteria for safe and clean beaches.
Blue Flag: In 2025, the beach of Vlissingen was awarded the 24thBlue Flag – an international distinction for clean bathing water, safety, and environmentally friendly beach management.
Vlissingen is also located in the province of Zeeland, which records the highest average number of sunshine hours in the Netherlands during summer – the perfect setting for a great beach holiday along the Western Scheldt.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Facilities & Safety on the Beach
The beaches of Vlissingen are clean, well-maintained and equipped with all the conveniences for a relaxing day by the sea.
Daily cleaning: Every summer day, the beaches are cleaned so you can enjoy a fresh and tidy spot on the sand.
Showers: Showers are located throughout the beach to rinse off sand and seawater – ideal after swimming or playing.
Supervision & First Aid: During the summer season, lifeguards and beach patrols look after your safety. First aid stations are available at the busier entrances.
Comfort for Everyone
Whether you come to sunbathe, walk, play or enjoy watersports – the wide beaches of Vlissingen offer peace, space and comfort for all ages.
Accessibility: Many beach entrances are suitable for prams and wheelchairs. Nearby parking areas make your beach visit even easier.
Food & drink nearby: Along the beach you'll find cosy pavilions and terraces for an ice cream, lunch, drink or dinner with a sea view.
Beach Supervision in Vlissingen
At the main beaches of Vlissingen, lifeguards ensure a safe day by the sea. This way, you can enjoy the sun, sea, and sand without worry.
When: Daily from 10:00 to 18:00 in July and August, and also on weekends between 15 May and 15 September if the weather is good.
Qualified lifeguards: Trained in first aid and equipped with communication tools and rescue gear.
Lifeguard stations: Spread along the beach, clearly marked with flags and lookout points. These manned stations provide constant supervision.
Danger warnings: In case of strong currents or bad weather, you will be warned in time via flags.
In Vlissingen, three lifeguard posts are active. These posts are strategically spread across the different beach zones, allowing lifeguards to respond quickly when needed.
Nolledijk Post: The main lifeguard station, located on the Nolledijk above the pavilion Panta Rhei.
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 on the Beach
For many dogs, the beach is the ultimate place to run, play, and swim. Whether it’s a seaside walk in the fresh sea breeze or a cheerful game with a frisbee or ball – dogs clearly enjoy a day by the sea. But please note: on many beaches, seasonal rules apply regarding dogs.
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).
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.
Dogs are prohibited on the 
Leashed dogs are allowed all year from 
