You’ve most likely already scoped out Spain, Italy, Greece, and possibly much more Mediterranean gems for an unforgettable seashore escape this summer season, however what if you happen to have been informed there is a lengthy stretch of secret shoreline nearly no Americans go to?
Better but, it is just one flight away from quite a few U.S. hubs, making for a straightforward journey throughout the skies and a fast prepare journey upon arrival.
As extra vacationers search the lesser-known instead of international icons with all of the unfavorable headlines spouting off overtourism considerations, locations like Oostende go by the wayside.
National Geographic just lately featured Belgium’s tight-lipped shores, shedding mild on this comparatively unknown hideaway, as most guests are fellow Belgians or neighbors from the Netherlands and France.
But as Brussels broke all-time guests data in 2024, Belgium is undoubtedly gaining popularity amongst Americans, too.
So, if you happen to’re waffling about your subsequent seashore trip, let’s discover Belgium’s lovely resort city to see what awaits.
“Belgium” And “Beach” In The Same Sentence?
Rarely will you hear of journey tales with “Belgium” and “beach” in the identical sentence, however you simply have not been hanging out with sufficient Belgians!
Most vacationers flock to Brussels and Bruges, however locals love their coast, particularly since they’re gatekeepers of one among Europe’s final remaining secrets and techniques, as Albania has soared to new heights.
Short however candy, Belgium’s coast is sandwich between France and The Netherlands with vibrant, spacious seashores, historic seaside cities, and shocking points of interest.
Most notable of the bunch is Oostende (often known as Ostend, relying on how deep into Rosetta Stone’s Flemish classes you are in).
All-encompassing, vacationers may have over a dozen resorts to select from. From the scenic shores of Du Panne, bordering France, to the tranquil coastal city of Knokke-Heist, bordering the Netherlands, the coast of Belgium is teeming with delights ready to be found. Today, we’ll largely deal with Oostende, arguably the favourite amongst locals and French and Dutch vacationers.
Thriving Arts & Less Crowds: Oostende Is A Year-Round Destination
Even if you happen to’ve already finalized summer season plans, you may put Oostende on the again burner because it’s nice to go to any time of 12 months.
While not overly crowded in summer season, individuals worldwide hunt down lovely shores this time of 12 months to unwind in their very own slice of paradise, so the coast does see a justifiable share of European guests.
Throughout the 12 months, it is protected to say Oostende is uncrowded in comparison with Europe’s iconic seashore cities, with Plage d’Ostende taking the cake as the favourite.
But it is not solely the openness and serenity of Oostende’s seashores which can be a draw, it is the close by surprising points of interest as nicely, similar to Kursaal, Europe’s largest on line casino, or Mu.ZEE, a waterfront museum showcasing centuries-old Belgian artwork to present-day masterpieces.
One factor Nat Geo did not contact on was the way to get round, and it is really distinctive! Belgium’s Coastal Tram covers 67 stops — you guessed it — alongside the coast, together with Oostende.
In truth, it is the longest tramline on this planet, imagine it or not. If Belgium’s gorgeous coast wasn’t surprising sufficient, Oostende itself is filled with surprises in its personal proper whether or not you are a lover of arts, a globetrotter trying to uncover hidden gems, or a historical past buff — and if the latter is the case, make sure that to pay a go to to Fort Napoleon, reachable by a free ferry.
Where To Stay In Oostende
As talked about, there’s a wide array of resorts to select from, however Nat Geo additionally gave a particular point out to Villa Ostinato for its interesting worth and Hotel du Parc, largely as a consequence of its sensational on-site restaurant Cafè du Parc.
TripAdvisors ranks these lodges as Oostende’s high 5 choices:
Ostend Hotel
C-Hotels Andromeda
Hotels Princess
Thermae Palace Hotel (my favourite!)
C-Hotels Burlington
How To Reach Oostende
How Oostende stays a secret is simply one more of life’s unanswered mysteries, nevertheless it’s definitely not as a result of it is laborious to succeed in.
According to Flight Connections, there are 6 direct routes from the U.S. to Brussels:
Boston
Newark (if you happen to dare! 😬)
New York City
Washington D.C.
Chicago
Atlanta
Once you land in Brussels and discover the sights and take pleasure in world-famous avenue eats, hop aboard a Belgian Railways prepare for a 90-minute journey to the coast.
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This article initially appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed listed below are the creator’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, resort, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, authorised or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included throughout the submit.