From rolling dunes to bustling beaches, De Haan is de-lovely
Set on the North Sea in north Belgium, De Haan is a cozy seaside village known for its sprawling beaches and rugged sandy dunes. When you book De Haan vacation rentals, you'll soon discover you're never far from a host of adventures, both on sea and land. Set sail for the high seas on a chartered boat ride or spend your days in town, as you stroll across the bustling promenade dotted with restaurants and shops. The region also features numerous family-friendly attractions, from museums to parks full of recreational activities.
From Romans to rattlesnakes, good times are on tap
If you book De Haan vacation rentals with a history buff, you'll soon discover that there's much for them to enjoy in the area. You can start the day by walking the hallowed grounds of the 13th-century St. Clemens Church, before making the 20-minute drive to the Roman Archaeological Museum, which highlights ancient Roman artifacts excavated in the region. Kids will enjoy attractions such as De Sierk, a circus-themed playground where kids can play on unicycles, trapeze swings, and tightropes; and Serpentarium, a complex that houses scorpions, pythons, boas, and rattlesnakes.
Life in De Haan is just a day at the beach
If you're in search of a leisurely afternoon, spend the day on the beach picnicking, building sandcastles, or collecting seashells. You can also rent chairs for a day of sunbathing. The beachside promenade, dotted with restaurants, shops, and galleries, is ideal for strolling. If you prefer something a bit more active, take a horseback ride down the coast, hike along the town's iconic sand dunes, or set out on a boat for a deep-sea fishing excursion. Make time to visit La Potiniere, a large park with gardens, playgrounds, a miniature golf course, tennis courts, and live music in the summer.
Wet, warm, and every climate in between in a year's time
If it's winter, that means it's time to bundle up as daytime highs linger in the 40s and lows dip below freezing. Very little snow falls, however, and when it does, it rarely sticks to the ground. Things start to warm up in the spring as highs climb into the mid-60s. Summer is the area's hottest season as the mercury reaches the low 80s. If you're booking a De Haan vacation rental in the fall, you should know it's the wettest season, with each month seeing around 3 inches of rain. Autumn temperatures average a comfortable 55 to 65 degrees.
Traveling across winding wetlands and De Haan's dunes
The dark blue waters of the far-reaching North Sea sit along De Haan's pristine coast. Beneath the sea's surface, cod, sole, and mackerel tempt fishermen. De Haan's most famous landmarks on land are its massive sand dunes and high grass-covered hills that dot the city's shoreline. Scores of canals snake their way through the water-soaked countryside, giving way to small rivers, ponds, creeks, streams, and lakes. Further inland, as the wetlands and marshes dry out, you'll find a pastoral landscape where rural farms and sweeping meadows are filled with horses and Galloway cows.
Traveling to and around De Haan
Fly into Ostende (OST-Ostend-Bruges Intl.), the closest airport, located 8.5 mi (13.7 km) from the city center.