Camping on the beach in Zeeland

As one of the sunniest regions in the Netherlands, Zeeland is a dream destination for a varied beach holiday. While those seeking peace and quiet can watch the hustle and bustle of the North Sea from a cosy beach chair, active holidaymakers can take advantage of the diverse water sports programme. Those with a thirst for exercise can explore the popular holiday region on the well-developed network of hiking and cycling trails and discover cultural highlights and nature parks.

Top tips

• If you are travelling to Zeeland with your four-legged friend, you can look forward to around 120 dog beaches. It is important to know that from May to October, dogs can only run free on the beach before 10 am and after 7 pm. From November to April, dogs are not allowed to run free.
• If you want to go surfing while camping on the beach in Zeeland, De Grevelingen and Brouwersdam are just the place for you. The wind conditions here are perfect, and you can drive directly to the beach with your car and surf equipment.
• Those interested in culture can explore the fascinating city of Vlissingen in an environmentally friendly way with the solar-powered sun train. Thanks to the large panoramic windows, guests have a marvellous view of the boulevard, the sea and the Westerschelde.

Activities and excursions

Hiking and cycling in Zeeland takes you over wide dunes and through places worth seeing. Those seeking peace and quiet, active holidaymakers and families are drawn to the kilometres of sandy beaches.

Perfect beach and activity holidays by the sea

One dream beach follows the next along Zeeland's 600 kilometres of coastline. Many of them have been awarded the Blue Flag for their excellent water quality. The 3 km long Banjaard beach, where the water only gets deeper slowly, is particularly popular with families. The long storm surge barrier ensures that the waves here always remain shallow. The widest stretch of Zeeland's coastline, Breezand near Vrouwenpolder, also offers guests fantastic conditions for a multi-faceted beach holiday. The town, which borders the Oranjezon nature reserve, also attracts windsurfers and kitesurfers. Zeeland's oldest seaside resort, Domburg, is still well worth a visit. From the charming town, guests can reach the North Sea through a natural dune landscape. It's not just families and active holidaymakers who enjoy Zeeland. Four-legged friends can also enjoy a carefree holiday here. There are designated dog beaches on Banjaard beach and in Brouwersdam-Zuid, for example.

Tips for hikers and cyclists

Those who prefer to explore the beautiful holiday region on foot from the campsite on the beach in Zeeland can make use of the extensive and well-signposted network of paths. Gourmets will love the 3.9 km tour around Yerseke, which has a long tradition of oyster farming. For nature lovers, the 12 km tour through the dunes of Renesse has a lot to offer: over the several hundred metre wide Verklikkerdune and past old hedgerows through the diverse landscape. The Netherlands is known as a true cycling nation. The route network is correspondingly well developed. The Zwin route, for example, is 39 kilometres long and runs through the picturesque Het Zwin nature reserve. The silted-up estuary is now home to rare birds such as white storks and cormorants.

Events

Visitors can immerse themselves in Dutch culture at the multifaceted festivals in Zeeland.

July

• Visserijdagen: Gourmets can savour numerous delicacies from the sea at the 3-day Visserijdagen fishing festival in Bruinisse. Highlights include the fleet show of fishing boats and the sensational giant fireworks display.

August

• Middelburg funfair: Numerous rides attract adventure-seekers to the Middelburg funfair at the beginning of August. Those with a sweet tooth can savour the typical Dutch boiled pastries Oliebollen or candy floss at the food stalls.

September

• Film by the Sea: Every year in September, the Film by the Sea festival in Vlissingen attracts cineastes. In addition to film screenings, the programme also includes awards for well-known actors from home and abroad.