Frequently asked questions about the beach in Middelkerke

[Answer in Dutch]

Barbecueën op het strand van Middelkerke is door de lokale gemeente verboden. Dit is bepaald in de Algemene Politieverordening van de gemeente Middelkerke.

With regard to the public security fire (including a campfire, fire pit, grill or barbecue) is prohibited at all times on the beach of Middelkerke.

[Answer in Dutch]

Bazar Studio, Westzijde Casino
Onderwijsstraat 10, Middelkerke
tel. +32 478 72 53 66

't Kabientje, Westzijde Casino
Onderwijsstraat 10, Middelkerke
tel. +32 478 72 53 66

Albert, Oostzijde Casino
Vaartdijk Zuid 61, Slijpe
tel. +32 495 21 23 20

Cabines Albert
tel. +32 489 83 10 36

Beachhut Westende
tel. +32 473 30 38 44

Most shops, beach clubs, bars, terraces and restaurants remain open during the weekends in the low season. Many are also open throughout the week.

Each year the low season in Middelkerke begins after the autumn holidays till the beginning of the spring holidays. Several shops, beach clubs and restaurants use this period to rebuild, renew or for vacation. As a result, during this low season period, not all stores are opened every day.

Furthermore there is no general period when all the restaurants, bars and shops are closed. All entrepreneurs determine the temporary closure individually. Therefore is there are, also in the low season, enough shops and restaurants opened for you to enjoy.

Yes, at beach bars and beach equipment rental points in Middelkerke you can rent sunbeds, beach chairs, parasols and windbreaks by the day.

• Booking: usually you rent on the spot; on busy summer days it helps to arrive early or book ahead.

Current information on bathing water quality on the coast near Middelkerke is available from the Flemish Environment Agency (VMM) (in Dutch).

• Bathing season: in summer the VMM and the Departement Zorg regularly test the water in the bathing zones along the coast.
• Swimming: preferably swim in a supervised zone and follow the flags and instructions of the lifeguards.

All information about horse riding on the beach or in the environment (including local riding schools) can be found on the riding page: https://middelkerke.org/en/horseback-riding.php

No, Middelkerke has no naturist beach; the only official naturist beach in Belgium is in Bredene.

• Where: on the beach of Bredene, on the border with De Haan.

Display Nudistenstrand Bredene
on the map

The Blue Flag is an international environmental award, granted annually to beaches and marinas that participate in the campaign and have proven to be clean and safe.

The goal of the Blue Flag programme is to continuously involve governments, entrepreneurs, and recreational users in the care for clean and safe water, beautiful nature, and a healthy environment. Holding a Blue Flag is a recognition of the efforts made by the beach municipality or marina operator in this area. For tourists, the Blue Flag is internationally the recognition and quality symbol for good beaches and marinas.

What are the criteria for the beaches?

• The bathing water is of excellent quality.
• The beach is kept clean.
• There are enough toilets and waste bins on the beach.
• Rescue materials and a first aid post are available on the beach.
• Information activities are organized to protect the natural environment of the sea, beach, and dunes.

More information: https://www.blauwevlag.nl/

Yes, the municipality of Middelkerke lends beach wheelchairs for free at two places.

• De Kwinte: Koning Ridderdijk 100, Westende.
• Hotel Middelpunt: Westendelaan 37, Middelkerke.
• Season: from the Easter holidays to 15 September; groups can request extra chairs via welzijnshuis@middelkerke.be.
• Use: you need someone to push, except with electric chairs.
• More information: overview of accessible beach facilities on the coast (Inter, in Dutch).

Middelkerke does not take part in Zon, Zee… Zorgeloos, but you can borrow a beach wheelchair there for free.

• De Kwinte: Koning Ridderdijk 100, Westende.
• Hotel Middelpunt: Westendelaan 37, Middelkerke.
• Season: from the Easter holidays to 15 September; groups can request extra chairs via welzijnshuis@middelkerke.be.
• More information: overview of accessible beach facilities on the coast (Inter, in Dutch).

Display Middelkerke aan het Casino
on the map

Yes, several beaches in Middelkerke have free outdoor showers in season.

• Including: Casino Oost, Casino West.
• Season: the beach showers are in place from early May to late September.

In Middelkerke is hengelen van op het strand of van op een kunstwerk is verboden in de zones:
- Ten Westen van en in de onmiddellijke nabijheid van de strandhoofden op de Franselaan.
- Een strook van 100 meter ten oosten van de Louis Logierlaan, meer bepaald ten oosten van het gebouwde strandhoofd, aan de voet van de afrit naar het strand.
- Een strook van 100 meter ten oosten van de Oceaanlaan.

Hengelen van op het strand of van op de strandhoofden is verboden van 15 June tot en met 15 September, telkens van 10 uur tot 19 uur, in de zones die door de gemeente als badzone worden aangeduid. Dit verbod geldt over de volledige lengte van het strand en de zee tussen de strandhoofden van bedoelde zone.

De andere strandgebruikers mogen niet gehinderd worden door de activiteit van de hengelaar of diens lijnen of haken.

• Dogs are prohibited on the beaches of Middelkerke during the period 15 June till 15 September.
• Outside of the above mentioned period are only leased dogs allowed on the beaches of Middelkerke.

Further, we also recommend reading the information board, with the local beach rules, which is often placed near every beach (entrance).

Nearest beach for dogs at Middelkerke

Leashed dogs are allowed all year:

• from beach Carlton in the direction Oostende;
• from beach Louis Logierlaan in the direction Westende.

No, as in all Belgian coastal municipalities, lighting a fire on the beach in Middelkerke is forbidden unless the municipality gives permission in advance.

• Barbecue: barbecues on the beach are not allowed without permission either.
• Permission: apply in good time to the municipality of Middelkerke.

Yes, the beach in Middelkerke is free to access.

• Costs: for example parking and renting a sunbed, windbreak or beach cabin.