Vlissingen is one of many towns ideal for a day trip in the Dutch seaside province of Zeeland. It’s the perfect place for a relaxing day by the sea.
The beach promenade
Vlissingen’s beach promenade is the longest in The Netherlands. So if you want to indulge in views of rolling waves, this town truly is the place to be. While you walk along the seafront you’ll spot some impressive ships passing close to shore.
The boardwalk has two levels in most places. The highest one is filled with cafes and restaurants. The lower level is right next to the sea when it’s high tide. When it’s low tide it gives access to a strip of sand. If you walk away from the city centre, you’ll find a small beach at the end of the boardwalk that’s accessible during high tide too.
Nollestrand
My favourite beach in Vlissingen was the Nollestrand. This beach is a bit hidden and can be found behind the Vlissingen Beach that’s at the end of the promenade.
The Nollestrand is lined with picturesque beach cabins. In some of them you can even spend the night.
The Nollestrand is surrounded by beautiful dunes. Make sure to check them out too. Behind the dunes you can find some bicycle and walking paths. There’s also a small but cute park to be found here.
The harbour
If you walk the boardwalk in the direction of the city centre, you’ll eventually come across the harbour’s entrance, a good spot for some pictures.
You can then leave the seafront by passing through the Kazematten. This is a military building that now serves as a museum. They are part of the Keizersbolwerk, on top of which you can further enjoy the views on the Westerschelde. If you continue onward, you’ll spot Vlissingen’s small but nice harbour.
Windmill Oranjemolen
Continue walking on the boardwalk parallel to the harbour for a quintessential Dutch view. Here you’ll see the Oranjemolen, a beautiful windmill. Nearby on the Green Boulevard you can also spot some cannons and the statue of the fisherwoman, looking out over the sea.
Bellamypark
While the name suggests otherwise, the Bellamypark is not a park but a cosy square. The surrounding buildings are easy on the eye and there are many lively cafes to be found here. The perfect place to rest your legs!