Beaches
Westende is partly situated in the dunes and polders. The beaches are wide, nine kilometres long and are connected by a boulevard. At some places the beach is 500 meter wide, which is one of the things which makes Westende the perfect holiday destination for ones that are looking for nature, sea, architecture and local gastronomy.
Furthermore there are plenty of activities in July and August, which are under organised by enthusiastic sport instructors. The ones that don’t want to lay on the beach all day long can play beach volleyball, fitness, beach football and many other games. Most of these activities are for free!
A sunbath or a walk along the beach, playing fun or water sports. The very well maintained, white beaches of Westende will offer you peace and quietness. 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.
On the beaches and in the surf you can practice a variety of spectacular recreation forms. Other surf disciplines are mobile short boards, and the calmer long boards, body boards, bodysurf with a small board in the hand, kneeboards on your knees and the skim boards on the thin water film that stays behind after every wave. On the wide beaches of the North seacoast you can drive a sail wagon or do some beach surfing.
Facilities
During July and August you can swim under supervision of safeguards and first-aid professionals. The beach is also provided with showers. If you are interested in a beach holiday in Belgium, Westende definitely is a good destination!
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, the availability of public showers and restrooms, beach cabins, and dustbins. Then there are the lifeguards and the rescue brigade whom watch over the well being of the guests, with a First aid post nearby. The possibility to rent beach-chairs, windshields and parasols is an extra comfort for our 'spoiled' bathing guests.
At the end the many beach pavilions will take care of the needs for serving drinks and snacks or lunch and diner.
Are dogs allowed on the beach?
Yes, but only under certain conditions. In some municipalities the beach is not accessible in certain areas or periods. Sometimes conditions apply. But generally there are exceptions for guide dogs.
The local regulations in Westende:
- Dogs are allowed in the strip between breakwaters number 5 and 6 and number 23 and 24.
- Prohibition of dogs on a leash or not to run on the beach from 1 June to 15 September.
It is forbidden to let dogs roam unaccompanied on public roads and places of the whole territory of the municipality.
Dogs must be kept on a leash at the beach.
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.
