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What to do in De Panne

Plopsaland, dunes, beach. Almost everything on foot.

De Panne means the widest beach on the Belgian coast, the Plopsaland theme park and the Westhoek Dunes. Here is what to do with the family, as a couple, or while working remotely by the sea.

The essentials

If you only remember three things.

5 min by car

Plopsaland De Panne

Belgium's flagship theme park, 5 minutes from the apartment. Roller coasters, shows, water zone in summer. The essential family outing on the coast.

Buy tickets online to skip the queue. An easy full-day trip.

70 steps, 0 roads

De Panne beach

One of the widest beaches on the Belgian coast. Fine sand, huge open space, lifeguarded area in season. A dream for kids to run onto the sand without any stress.

Direct access from the street, no road to cross.

15 min on foot

Westhoek Dunes

A 340-hectare nature reserve. The highest dunes in Belgium, marked trails, a complete change of scenery just minutes from the apartment. Ideal for a family walk.

Perfect in cloudy weather: fewer visitors, beautiful light.

02. Sport & nature

Get moving, a stone's throw from the beach.

  • Sand yachting

    On the beach

    De Panne is the Belgian capital of sand yachting. Several schools offer taster sessions directly on the beach, from age 8.

  • Koksijde Yachting Club

    10 min on foot

    Sailing, kitesurfing, paddleboarding. The go-to spot for water sports on the Belgian coast.

  • Cycling along the coast

    Rentals 3 min on foot

    The Belgian cycle network is outstanding. Several rental shops nearby. The path hugs the sea and connects De Panne to Knokke (67 km).

03. Culture & visits

For quieter days.

  • NAVIGO · National Fisheries Museum

    15 min by car

    An interactive museum on the history of North Sea fishing. Located in Koksijde. Ideal on a rainy day.

  • Abbey of the Dunes

    10 min by car

    Ruins of the Cistercian abbey in Koksijde. A historic site in green surroundings.

  • The Kusttram

    2 min on foot

    The longest tram line in the world (67 km). A whole day crossing the entire Belgian coast without your car.

Depending on the weather

Plan A. Plan B.

When the weather is fine

  • The beach and sand yachting
  • A full day at Plopsaland
  • Cycling along the coast towards Koksijde
  • Ice cream at Australian Ice Cream

When it rains

  • Plopsindoor (Plopsaland indoor area)
  • NAVIGO Museum in Koksijde
  • Kusttram to explore the coast in the dry
  • Le Provence tearoom: waffle, coffee, a book

All distances are measured from Charm 202 (Dr. A. Depagelaan 12). More good addresses in the complete De Panne local guide.

Official source

De Panne Tourist Office

For event calendars, seasonal exhibitions, current markets and any official information from the municipality, visit the town's website. The recommendations above are my own; the official site remains the reference for what changes day to day.

Visit depanne.be