Zoutelande is a picturesque village located on the beautiful Walcheren peninsula in the province of Zeeland. This tranquil, charming, and delightful village is known by many as an ideal holiday destination. In 2013, Zoutelande was voted the best seaside resort in the Netherlands by the public, and once you visit, you'll immediately understand why.
Unique Features of Zoutelande
- Zeeland Riviera: Zoutelande is the only beach in the Netherlands that faces south, resulting in a sunnier climate and higher temperatures compared to other Dutch coastal towns.
- Favourable Weather: According to independent weather agencies, Zoutelande enjoys better weather conditions on average than the rest of the Netherlands, due to its favourable location which provides a few degrees higher temperature.
- Artistic Heritage: Like Domburg, Zoutelande was cherished by Dutch painters in the past for its special sunlight effects.
- Nature Protection: Only a narrow row of dunes and a dyke separate the village from the waters of the Westerschelde, providing unique natural protection and beautiful views.
The Beach of Zoutelande
The beach of Zoutelande is one of the highlights of this seaside resort.
- Family-Friendly: Wide dunes and a unique promenade make the beach ideal for families.
- Beach Length: The beach stretches for five kilometers and is protected by the highest dunes in the area.
- Blue Flag: The beach has been awarded a ‘Blue Flag’, meaning it is clean, hygienic, and equipped with excellent facilities.
- Accessibility: The beach is even accessible for wheelchairs and prams, allowing everyone to enjoy the sun and sea.
- Facilities: Sunbathers will find everything they need on the well-maintained white sandy beaches, including showers, toilets, changing rooms, and first aid posts.
The Village of Zoutelande
Zoutelande offers much more than just a beautiful beach.
- Cosy Terraces and Shops: Right behind the beach and dunes, cosy terraces, shops, cafes, and restaurants await your visit.
- Lively Centre: The Langstraat is the main street of Zoutelande and the centre is a great place to shop and enjoy the sun on one of the many terraces.
- Tourist Attraction: In the summer, Zoutelande comes to full bloom, with entire streets dedicated to tourists spending their holidays here.
Attractions in and around Zoutelande
Zoutelande and its surroundings offer a range of attractions to make your holiday a success.
- Beaches and Dunes: Beautiful, clean, large beaches and stunning dunes are a major part of the attractions.
- Polder Landscape: The tranquil polder landscape provides a serene environment to explore.
- Summer Events: In the summer, there are various attractions, events, and summer markets that are definitely worth a visit.
- Historical Places:
- Domburg: A beloved seaside town where the elite once stayed and artists settled.
- Veere: A small medieval village where almost everything exudes a glorious past, with beautiful forts, monuments, and a marina on the Veerse Meer.
- Cities Within Reach:
- Vlissingen: With a broad and long promenade, the city exudes a maritime atmosphere and offers stunning views of the Westerschelde.
- Middelburg: More than 1,000 monuments and a city walk that takes you to the most surprising places.
- Museums and Culture: Visit the Polderhuis in Westkapelle for a dive into the region's history, or discover the Zeeuws Museum in Middelburg.
The Surroundings of Zoutelande
The surroundings of Zoutelande offer numerous opportunities for walkers and cyclists.
- Walking and Cycling Routes: Especially the area along the dunes is worth it, with a walking path that runs almost uninterrupted from Zoutelande to Vlissingen.
- Beautiful Nature Area: Within and between the dunes and the beach lies a beautiful nature area with picturesque villages, farms, heaths, fields, and narrow polder roads.
- Garden of Walcheren: This region is known as ‘the garden of Walcheren’ and offers various cycling routes.
- Access to Zeeuws-Vlaanderen and Flanders: You can travel from Zoutelande to Zeeuws-Vlaanderen via the ferry from Vlissingen, or visit the Flemish cities Bruges and Ghent by driving through the Westerschelde tunnel.
Culinary Delights
Zoutelande offers a wide range of dining options where you can enjoy delicious Zeeland dishes.
- Fish and Seafood: Taste the fresh catch of the day in one of the many seafood restaurants.
- Local Specialties: Try typical dishes such as mussels, oysters, and the famous Zeeuwse bolus.
- Beach Pavilions: Enjoy a meal with a sea view in one of the atmospheric beach pavilions.
Tips for Your Visit
- Charming Seaside Resorts: Visit the charming seaside resorts Domburg, Oostkapelle, or the historic Veere and Middelburg with many attractions.
- Discover Walcheren: Via one of the many beautiful cycling, walking, riding, and skating tours, you can discover Walcheren in a sporty way.
- Beach Walks: Take a refreshing long beach walk to completely unwind.
- Near Belgium: Belgium is just a stone's throw away, ideal for a day trip.
Visit Zoutelande and discover for yourself why this beautiful village and its surroundings make the perfect holiday destination.