The wide sandy beach of Westerschouwen near Burgh-Haamstede is one of the most beautiful and natural beaches in Zeeland, perfect for those who enjoy peace, nature, and open landscapes.
Scenery & location: The beach stretches for about 11 kilometres – from the Oosterschelde storm surge barrier in the south to the Verklikkerplaat in the north – and offers stunning views from the dunes over the sea, sandbanks, and passing ships.
Nature areas directly behind the beach: Just behind the beach lie the Meeuwenduinen and the Westerschouwen Forest – the largest forest in Zeeland. Together they form the nature reserve Kop van Schouwen, with walking trails through dune valleys, deciduous forests and shifting sand landscapes.
Unique flora & fauna: Wild rabbits and fallow deer can be spotted in the dunes, and seals are regularly seen resting on the sandbanks just off the coast. A variety of bird species are also present, including terns and oystercatchers.
Space and tranquillity: Even on summer days, you can still find peaceful stretches of beach. Its natural width, the long coastline, and limited number of beach accesses create a relaxing atmosphere with plenty of privacy.
Facilities available: At the main beach entrances, such as Duinpad and Westenschouwen, you'll find parking areas, toilets, beach pavilions and lifeguard services. Yet the beach retains its unspoilt, natural feel.
All-season beach: Popular with sun-seekers and families in summer, but also loved by walkers and nature lovers in autumn and winter thanks to its wild dunes and refreshing sea air.
Plenty of sunshine: The province of Zeeland has the highest number of sunshine hours in the Netherlands, making a day at the beach here feel like a mini holiday abroad.
Beach sections of Burgh-Haamstede
The beach of Burgh-Haamstede runs for some 11 kilometres from the Oosterscheldekering to the Verklikkerplaat towards Renesse, behind the woods and dunes of the Kop van Schouwen; because there are only a few entrances, you can find a quiet spot here even on busy summer days.
Westenschouwen: the busiest and most family-friendly part, on the southern tip of Schouwen by the Oosterscheldekering.
Popular with: families with children and day visitors, as the car parks, beach pavilions and the woods with play areas are close together here.
How busy: the busiest stretch of beach in Burgh-Haamstede on summer days in the holidays, especially around the pavilions.
Facilities: at De Punt and Rotonde lifeguards are on duty in the season and there is a beach wheelchair; the beach pavilions are Sand & Pepper, De Schaar and De Buurman.
Children: in the woods behind the dunes you will find the Klimbos Westerschouwen climbing forest and the gnome trail.
Popular with: families and sporty visitors at the first two Domeinen entrances, and people looking for peace and quiet and naturists further north.
How busy: quieter than at Westenschouwen: you walk a little way through the dunes, and there are no pavilions at the last entrances.
The beach: a family and sports beach at the first entrances, a wide natural beach further on; the official naturist beach lies between poles 12.5 and 14.8.
Popular with: guests of the campsites and holiday homes in Nieuw-Haamstede and visitors to the lighthouse.
How busy: moderate: well visited around beach pavilion De Strandloper in summer, but with plenty of room on the wide beach.
The beach: the Haamstede lighthouse of 1840 is one of the tallest in the Netherlands at 53 metres; at the Vuurtorenpad you can reach the beach without stairs.
Verklikker: the wild natural beach north of the lighthouse, towards Renesse.
Popular with: walkers, birdwatchers and anyone looking for silence.
How busy: one of the quietest beaches on Schouwen, even in the summer holidays, as there are no pavilions.
The beach: seals often rest on the Verklikkerplaat at low tide.
Dogs: on a lead only from 1 April to 15 September, because of breeding birds.
Award-Winning Beaches
The beaches of Burgh-Haamstede have also been recognised multiple times for their quality, cleanliness, and environmentally friendly management.
Blue Flag: In 2026, the beach of Burgh-Haamstede received the 27thBlue Flag – an international certification for clean bathing water, good facilities, and beach safety.
Quality Coast Award: Once again awarded in 2017 for sustainable and nature-friendly tourism.
These recognitions confirm Burgh-Haamstede's reputation as one of the most well-maintained and eco-conscious beach destinations in Zeeland – ideal for those who love nature, peace, and a reliable beach holiday.
Verklikkerduinen
The Verklikkerduinen are located on the southwest side of the Kop van Schouwen, just behind the Verklikkerstrand. This expansive and rugged dune landscape is a favourite spot for those seeking peace and for nature lovers. - Colourful flora: In spring and summer, dune violets, orchids, wild thyme and countless other plants ...
The Verklikkerstrand lies on the edge of the Verklikkerduinen. This expansive, natural beach is known as one of the most beautiful and quietest in Zeeland. - Wide and natural: A clean, wide beach with no promenade, beach clubs or crowds, pure nature. - Plenty of space: Even on peak summer days it never feels crowded or ...
De stranden van Burgh Haamstede zijn schoon, verzorgd en voorzien van alle gemakken voor een ontspannen dag aan zee.
Dagelijkse schoonmaak: Elke zomerdag worden de stranden gereinigd, zodat je kunt genieten van een frisse en nette strandplek.
Douches: Verspreid over het strand staan douches om zand en zeewater eenvoudig af te spoelen – ideaal na het zwemmen of spelen.
Toezicht & EHBO: Tijdens het zomerseizoen waken de reddingsbrigade en strandwachten over je veiligheid. Bij de drukkere opgangen zijn hulpposten met eerste hulp aanwezig.
Comfort voor iedereen
Of je nu komt om te zonnebaden, wandelen, spelen of watersporten – de brede stranden van Burgh Haamstede bieden rust, ruimte en comfort voor jong en oud.
Toegankelijkheid: Veel strandopgangen zijn geschikt voor kinderwagens en rolstoelen. Dichtbij gelegen parkeerterreinen maken je strandbezoek extra makkelijk.
Horeca binnen handbereik: Langs het strand vind je gezellige paviljoens en terrassen voor een ijsje, lunch, borrel of diner met uitzicht op zee.
Strandbewaking in Burgh Haamstede
Op de hoofdstranden van Burgh Haamstede zorgen strandwachten voor een veilige stranddag. Zo kun je onbezorgd genieten van zon, zee en strand.
Wanneer: In juli en augustus dagelijks van 10:00 tot 18:00 uur, en bij goed weer ook in de weekenden tussen 15 mei en 15 september.
Gekwalificeerde strandwachten: Opgeleid in EHBO en uitgerust met communicatiemiddelen en reddingsuitrusting.
Reddingsposten: Verspreid over het strand, duidelijk herkenbaar aan vlaggen en uitkijkpunten. Vanuit deze bemande posten wordt voortdurend toezicht gehouden.
Waarschuwingen bij gevaar: Bij sterke stroming of slecht weer word je tijdig gewaarschuwd via vlaggen.
Along the beaches of Burgh-Haamstede, there are three active lifeguard posts. These manned stations monitor the busiest parts of the beach and are easily recognisable by flags and observation points.
On the beaches of Burgh Haamstede, 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:
Red-Yellow Flag
Supervised beach zone. Lifeguards present Lifeguard station is open, and qualified lifeguards are monitoring the area within the lifeguard brigade's working area.
Red Flag
No swimming! 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 strongly discouraged.
Yellow Flag
Be careful when swimming! Dangerous sea Warns of dangerous conditions in the sea. Extra caution and vigilance are required.
Orange Windsock
Be careful when swimming! Do not use floatation devices! Warns against the use of (inflatable) floatation devices due to offshore winds.
White Flag with Blue Question Mark
Child found! A child has been found who is missing their parents/guardians. Parents/guardians are asked to report to the lifeguard station.
Green Flag with White Cross
First Aid Post First aid personnel are present at the lifeguard station.
Black and White Chequered Flag
Water sports allowed In the zone between the two black and white chequered flags, water sports are allowed.
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.
Only leashed dogs are allowed on the beaches of Burgh Haamstede during the period 1 May till 1 October between 10:00 till 19:00.
Outside of the above mentioned period and time are dogs allowed (both loose and leased) on the beaches of Burgh Haamstede.
Further, we also recommend reading the information board, with the local beach rules, which is often placed near every beach (entrance).
Frequently Asked Questions about the Beach of Burgh Haamstede
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.
Only leashed dogs are allowed on the 