Beach of Burgh-Haamstede

Around the Zeelandic coastal place Burgh Haamstede is one of the most quiet and beautiful beaches of the Netherlands. This is the sandy beach of Westerschouwen. The largest forest of Zeeland is also located in Westerschouwen. Together with the Gulls Dunes nature reserve, it is part of the Kop van Schouwen. A hilly dunes landscape. With sand-drifts, valleys and dune meadows. These beaches are ideal if you want to relax completely. There are excellent facilities, but you will be saved of the huge crowds, also in the summer season, that you find in other resorts. Furthermore, the province of Zeeland has the most sun hours in the Netherlands during the summer. An excellent start for a lovely beach holiday.

The beaches of have won already several major awards. In 2024 the beach received the international 'Blue Flag' environmental award for the 25th time. It guarantees high quality of bathing water and a well kept clean beach. In 2017 received again the ‘Quality Coast Award’ for its high quality of human and nature-friendly tourism.

The beaches, with showers to rinse of the salt seawater, will be cleaned everyday. Besides the rescue brigade will guard the beaches and warns when there is a dangerous current or wind; a pleasant and safe feeling.

Facilities

A sunbath or a walk along the beach, playing fun or water sports. The very well maintained, white beaches of will offer you peace and quietness. Optimum facilities will tribute to the comfort and with that the holiday pleasure of the guests. It starts with accessible beach crossings and parking places. Then there are the lifeguards and the rescue brigade whom watch over the well being of the guests, with a First aid post nearby. Furthermore the many cafes, terraces and restaurants near the beach will take care of the needs for serving drinks and snacks or lunch and diner.

Flags and Their Meanings

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 at the beach

The beach is the ideal destination for many dogs to enjoy. A Frisbee, a stick or a ball can fetch give great pleasure. And what is more fun than making a beach walk with your dog? However, on various beaches are dogs, loose or on a leash, not allowed all year.

• 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).

Beach tips

• 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.
• Help to keep the beaches clean.