Westende is a charming seaside resort on the Belgian coast, located between Middelkerke and Lombardsijde.
Expansive sandy beach: The beach of Westende stretches for nine kilometres and is up to 500 metres wide in places – perfect for sun-seekers, families and those looking for peace and quiet.
Walking and cycling along the coast: A wide seawall connects the different beach zones, making it easy to walk or cycle with a view of the sea.
Family-friendly: The gentle seabed and soft sand make the beach safe and pleasant for young children. In summer, there are often play facilities and entertainment available.
Nature & landscape:Westende is located where dunes transition into polders, with several walking routes through surrounding nature reserves.
Charming architecture: In the town centre, you'll find stately Belle Époque villas and the iconic Grand Hotel Bellevue, reminders of a grand past.
Culinary delights: Along the promenade and in the village, you'll find numerous cosy eateries serving fresh fish, mussels, and Belgian classics.
Easy access & comfort: There are spacious car parks near the beach, the coastal tram stops within walking distance, and during high season facilities such as showers, toilets, and lifeguards are available.
Facilities & Safety on the Beach
The beaches of Westende are clean, well-maintained, and fully equipped for a relaxing day by the sea.
Daily cleaning: Every summer day, the beaches are cleaned to ensure you can enjoy a fresh and tidy spot on the sand.
Showers: Showers are located throughout the beach to rinse off sand and seawater – perfect after swimming or playing.
Lifeguards & First Aid: During the summer season, the lifeguard service and beach patrols ensure your safety. At the busier beach entrances, first aid stations are available to assist in case of accidents or injuries.
Swimming safety outside patrol hours: When lifeguard stations are closed, a general swimming ban applies. This is clearly indicated by 'no swimming' signs and/or wind socks. For up-to-date information on patrolled zones and safe swimming areas, visit www.ikwv.be.
Comfort for everyone
Whether you're here to sunbathe, walk, play or enjoy water sports – the wide beaches of Westende offer peace, space, and comfort for all ages.
Accessibility: Many beach entrances are suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. Nearby car parks make your beach visit even easier.
Food and drinks within reach: Along the beach you'll find inviting pavilions and terraces where you can enjoy an ice cream, lunch, drink or dinner with a sea view.
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!
Orientation Poles on the Beach
On the main beaches of Westende, eye-catching orientation poles are placed during the summer season. Each pole has a unique figure on top – like an animal or symbol – clearly visible from a distance. They are mainly intended as reference points for children.
For children: The recognisable figures help them remember where they are sitting or where their parents are.
For parents: Agree on a specific pole in advance as a meeting point to find each other again.
Flags and Their Meanings
On the beaches of Westende, 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:
Green Flag
Normal sea
Swimming is allowed.
Yellow Flag
Be cautious while swimming! Do not use flotation devices!
You may swim, but all floating and inflatable objects are not allowed in the sea due to offshore wind.
Red Flag
Do not swim! 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 prohibited.
Swimming allowed
Swimming is permitted
In this beach zone, you may swim in the sea between 10:30 AM and 6:30 PM.
Swimming prohibited
Do not swim!
In this beach zone, swimming in the sea is strictly prohibited!
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 Westende during the period 15 June till 15 September.
Outside of the above mentioned period are only leased dogs allowed on the beaches of Westende.
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: