The beach of Blankenberge is one of Belgium’s most popular seaside resorts, known for its lively atmosphere, wide stretch of sand and many beachfront amenities.
Vast sandy beach:The beach stretches about 6 kilometres in length and up to 350 metres in width – perfect for sunbathing, beach games, or long walks along the water’s edge.
The only pier on the Belgian coast:The iconic Blankenberge Pier extends 350 metres into the sea and features a panoramic pavilion with a café, exhibitions, and unique views of the coastline.
Beach bars and dining:Along the beach you'll find modern beach bars, cosy beach clubs and restaurants with sunny terraces – ideal for a seaside lunch or a summer cocktail at sunset.
Family-friendly:The sea is usually calm and shallow, and there are several supervised swimming zones. There's also an adventure playground on the beach and a mini fairground just behind the promenade.
Marina:On the eastern side lies the Blankenberge marina, where you can book boat trips or simply enjoy the view of the sailing yachts.
Nature and education:Just a short walk from the beach is Sea Life Blankenberge, where you can learn all about marine life in the North Sea – perfect for families.
Beach sections of Blankenberge
The beach of Blankenberge is about 6 kilometres long, wide and fine-sanded, with a shallow, usually calm sea; behind it runs a long seafront with villas from the era you can rediscover at the Belle Epoque Centrum.
The most visited beach, in front of the busy centre of the seafront, from the Kerkstraat and the Charlierhelling to the Pier.
Popular with: families, day visitors and young people; the town centre is right behind the seafront.
How busy: the busiest stretch of beach in Blankenberge on summer days.
The beach: the Blankenberge Pier, the only pier on the Belgian coast, juts 350 metres into the sea; in summer there are colourful beach cabins to rent by the day or the season.
Beach bars: from late March to October there are 13 beach bars on the beach of Blankenberge, including Baraq Beach, Nusa Dua Beach, Sun Beach, King Beach and Blue Beach; they close at 20:00, and at 21:00 on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.
Facilities: lifeguards are on duty at weekends and on public holidays from May to mid-June, and daily from mid-June to 15 September, from 10:30 to 18:30.
Accessibility: wheelchair users can reach the beach via the paved passage next to the Charlierhelling and at the Van Praethelling, where 4 Example lends two beach wheelchairs free of charge in July and August and at weekends in June and September.
Dogs: not allowed between the Oosterstaketsel and the Gadeynehelling from the Easter holidays to 15 September; the rest of the year on a lead.
Popular with: walkers, surfers and people looking for peace and quiet.
How busy: less busy than the centre, with dunes that give the beach a more natural feel.
Facilities: the lifeguard post east of the Pier is only manned in July and August, from 10:30 to 18:00; O'Neill Beachclub is here too.
Dogs: from the Gadeynehelling towards Zeebrugge, on a lead from 15 March to 15 October and free from 16 October to 14 March.
Nature: in the dunes towards Zeebrugge lies the De Fonteintjes nature reserve.
Facilities & Safety on the Beach
The beaches of Blankenberge 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 Blankenberge 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.
The beach at Blankenberge is nearly six kilometres in length and 350 metres wide and has many facilities like changing rooms, sun screens and beachchairs for rent. It also has many sports facilities, showers, toilets, several bars and restaurants and a sufficient parking space.
Flags and Their Meanings
On the beaches of Blankenberge, 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 Blankenberge during the period from Easter vacation till 15 September.
Outside of the above mentioned period are only leased dogs allowed on the beaches of Blankenberge.
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: