ZEEUWS-VLAANDEREN

CULINARY HIGHLIGHTS

Zeeuws-Vlaanderen, as the name already reveals, has the best of two worlds: Zeeland and Flanders. Spotless beaches, a sumptuous ‘Burgundian’ ambience, endless polder roads and a rich history. In an environment with the most fertile agricultural soil and sea all around, it’s no surprise that Zeeland offers countless culinary highlights. Superb oysters, lobsters and plenty of fish, which Zeeland’s top chefs transform into fantastic creations. You’ll find no fewer than five of the seven starred Michelin restaurants here, in Zeelandic Flanders.

TREASURES FROM THE SEA

Cadzand-Bad was formerly known a simple seaside resort, but nowadays various superior, grand buildings set the scene. The nouveaux riche are flocking from Knokke, one of Belgium’s best-known seaside resorts, in search of a place where quiet, space and relaxation still really mean something. Cadzand is a pleasant and atmospheric resort set in an expanse of dunes. The beach of Cadzand-Bad is one of the most extensive beaches of Zeelandic Flanders, running for a full eleven kilometres. Just after high tide, you’ll find many treasures of the sea here. Seashells in all shapes and sizes, oysters with beautiful markings, little sea creatures and ... here and there a shark’s tooth.

WALCHEREN

SUNNIEST SPOT

Following a summer of world weather records, it turns out that Zeeland – and Vlissingen in particular – had the most hours of sunshine. The beaches of the island of Walcheren, where Vlissingen is located, are among the cleanest in the Netherlands. Vlissingen has six beaches, including the Badstrand (Bathing Beach), which has consistently been awarded the ‘Blue Flag’ since 2004, the international environmental seal of approval for the cleanest and safest beaches. Vlissingen has the only boulevard in Europe facing directly south. In no time at all you can be on the beach or visit one of the many events that the town hosts, such as Festival-W, the Onderstroom Festival, the Jazz Festival and Film by the Sea.

THE MANTELING VAN WALCHEREN

The Manteling van Walcheren is a nature reserve, some 740 hectares in size, at the tip of the island of Walcheren, located between Domburg – the oldest resort on the Walcheren coast – and the Veerse Gat Dam. It comprises woods, dunes, majestic lanes and classical manor houses, and features special flora and fauna. From the 17th to 19th centuries the Middelburg elite had their summer residences here.

These surroundings form a perfect base for enjoying culture, shopping and the culinary highlights of the historic towns of Middelburg, Veere and Domburg. If you feel more like peace and quiet, then this special landscape of woods and dunes will provide you many superb walking and cycling routes.

THOLEN

QUIET, NATURE & SPACE

Tholen, surrounded by the Krammer, Krabbenkreek and Oosterschelde channels, is an island where you’ll find peace, quiet and nature, with a wealth of poplars, elms and willows. The mudflats and salt marshes outside the dykes are magnets for waterfowl such as coots, ducks and waders. The Oosterschelde is the Netherlands’ biggest and most aquatic national park – a world of tides, wind and above all water, simply water galore. The tides mean that the landscape is constantly changing: at low tide you see the sandbars and mudflats, while during high tide, wind and water take over in epic play. Underwater there’s a wonderful, colourful world. It’s a great place for fans of water sports, too. Sailing your own boat or a rented boat, paddling kayaks, diving and water-skiing are just a few of the many options.

THE SAND ENGINE

Every year the sea carries sand away from the Dutch coast. To counter this, the Sand Engine peninsula has been created off the South Holland coast, close to the city of The Hague. This peninsula consists of dredged sand which in the coming years will be spread by wind, waves and currents along the coast of South Holland. It forms new beaches and dunes that protect people against rising sea levels and provides new space for nature and recreation. The Netherlands is achieving worldwide fame with this innovative method of coastal protection.

The Sand Engine offers space and peace and is freely accessible to all. It’s a great experience to stroll across this broad sand bar. Seals often come ashore on the Sand Engine, too. So if you’re looking for peace, quiet and space in the hectic southern part of the Randstad urban area, or indeed quiet in combination with the lively ambience of the city, this is the perfect place to be. 

CALA VADELLA

AUTHENTIC MEDITERRANEAN STYLE

The expansive stretches of white sand at Cala Vadella make it one of the finest beaches on Ibiza. The fantastic bay offers breathtaking views, while the attractive marina has berths for countless yachts and motorboats. Surrounded by hills covered in pine trees, situated just a few metres from the beach, you’ll find the Maya Suites: a hidden jewel in the superb, isolated bay of Cala Vadella, and a new way of enjoying the luxury life in Ibiza. Far from the nightlife hustle and bustle, the traditional and relaxed Ibiza reveals itself in its full glory. Here you can experience luxury, comfort and an unspoilt, authentic Mediterranean atmosphere.

IBIZA IN ITS PUREST FORM

Most people visit Ibiza in spring, when the island begins to throb with life and everyone opens their doors again to welcome guests. Or in summer, when the locals prefer to leave the island for a while when the tourists come. But it’s certainly worth considering a visit to Ibiza in autumn or winter. When most tourists have departed, in autumn the natural surroundings are even more beautiful and profound, while daily island life resumes. That’s when you’ll find Ibiza in its purest form: calm, tranquil, empty beaches and wonderful nature.