Knokke-Heist - Belgium

Knokke-Heist - You're sure to fall in love

Enjoy the sand dunes and salty air of the Flemish coast with a visit to the charming village that is Knokke.

The seaside boulevard is the place to see and be seen. Here, elegant beach bars provide a luxurious and relaxed atmosphere to enjoy a beverage on one of the many beach chairs or lounges. Alternatively, beach goers can find a spot to lay their towel amidst the picturesque white beach huts that stand sentry to this seaside haven.

From here you can take a stroll past wind-swept sand dunes to the Zwin nature reserve. The reserve is a bird lovers paradise with migratory sea birds, including the mythical white stork, frequenting throughout the year. All year round, visitors will discover a majestic bronze hare sculpture also known by locals as the ‘the king of the Zwin’ or ‘Bugs Bunny’.

Nearby is the enchanted forest that offers an opportunity to get lost on a romantic and whimsical path through lush greenery and fragrant white flowers. Further afield is a picturesque countryside  with an active agricultural community. This area can be easily explored by bicycle with well signed bike lanes that wind past windmills and water ways.

Knokke is the most famous gastropole of the Belgian coast, from cafes to trattorias, bistros to michelin star restaurants. The creatively named deserts at Liliane, such as the symphony of sorbets, are enough to make your tastebuds sing. While the home made Italian fare at Traiteur Da Tony is a real crowd pleaser that is sure to please the whole family, with the best lasagne and croquette au crevette in town. Other great options include Le Pain Quotidien, La Terrasse Du Zoute and the Manderley.

Knokke’s natural beauty permeates itself into daily life. The town has always had a special attraction for artists, architects, sculptors and painters. Walk the streets and you will come across provocative and inspiring sculptures, such as the peeing angel or seaside windsocks that vary in shapes and fantastic colour combinations.

The passion for beauty is also evident in stylish window displays, such as a flagship store of a well-known fashion brand. This eye for detail is evident whether you are walking the high street or the exclusive residential streets of the Zoute. Here, paths twist and turn past carefully manicured lawns and classic flemish architecture.

Spend an evening in Knokke and you’re sure to fall in love all over again.