Westende

Westende is a coastal town in the Belgian province of West Flanders. It is part of the municipality of Middelkerke and lies on the North Sea coast, between Ostend to the north and Nieuwpoort to the south. The area is traditionally divided into two districts: Westende-Dorp inland and Westende-Bad, the seaside resort along the beach.

Westende developed as a seaside destination in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, along with other Belgian coastal towns, as bathing tourism expanded. The town grew around the provision of beach facilities and a promenade that runs along the coast. In the late 20th century, Westende was incorporated into the municipality of Middelkerke as part of municipal consolidation. Today it remains primarily a residential and holiday area, characterized by long sandy beaches, dunes, and a coastal promenade.

Transportation and access are supported by the Belgian coast tram network, which serves Westende and provides frequent links along the coast to Ostend, Nieuwpoort, De Panne, and beyond. The local economy is oriented toward tourism, with hotels, vacation rentals, and related services attracting visitors during the summer season. Westende’s coastal setting and its proximity to other towns on the Flemish coast make it a peripheral yet integral part of the Belgian seaside region.