Holiday cottages on the Belgian coast: the most beautiful walks with your dog start right at the doorstep

The Belgian coast has something special. The salty sea air, the wide beach, and the soft dunes create an environment where you can instantly relax. For those traveling with their dog, it’s a paradise: enjoying the sea breeze together, roaming through the dunes, or walking quietly through polders and along canals.

That’s why many holidaymakers look for dog-friendly holiday cottages where you can set off right from, or close to, the front door. No long drives—just put on your shoes, clip on the leash, and enjoy together. Below you’ll find five beautiful accommodations where this is possible—each with its own atmosphere and walking opportunities.

You step out of the holiday home in Koksijde and immediately smell the sea. Within minutes, you and your dog are walking into the dunes. The sand crunches under your shoes, the marram grass rustles in the wind. Your dog runs ahead, sniffs, pauses, looks up—completely in their element.

The dunes form a maze of paths where you can discover a new route every day. Sometimes you go for a short morning walk, other times for a longer hike towards Oostduinkerke. And always, at the end, the wide beach awaits, where your dog can run freely.

What makes this house ideal for dogs: the location right by the dunes and the quiet surroundings make this stay especially suitable.

➡️ And one more tip: nearby you’ll find the Doornpanne nature reserve, a protected dune area with a surprisingly varied network of walking trails—dogs are welcome there, but only on a leash.

The holiday home in Lombardsijde radiates coziness: a place where you immediately feel at home, right in the middle of a quiet village yet just a short distance from the beach. In the evenings, you can stroll first through the peaceful streets, where the baker closes the shutters and neighbors greet each other, before taking the path to the sea.

For dogs, this is ideal: a mix of calm, scents, and encounters. A short loop through the village, or a refreshing walk along the water in Nieuwpoort—everything is within easy reach.

Good to know for dog owners: Lombardsijde is small-scale and safe, yet you can reach the beach in no time.

👉 Did you know? On Fridays, there’s a market in Nieuwpoort. Since it takes place outdoors, you can walk around there comfortably with your dog.

In the accommodation in Jabbeke, the day begins differently. Here, no dunes—but ponds, forests, and nature. Within a short time, you’ll find yourself in Vloethemveld—a domain full of green trails and surprising open spaces.

Your dog eagerly trots through the leaves, sniffs at tree stumps, and finds complete freedom here. For longer walks, there are plenty of routes to keep you busy for hours. And thanks to the tranquility, this is a place your dog won’t soon forget.

Why your dog will feel at home here: Jabbeke offers peace and lots of greenery, perfect for long walks without traffic.

Looking for even more variety? You can also head to Tillegembos provincial domain, a bit further towards Bruges. In both Vloethemveld and Tillegem, dogs are welcome—but always on a leash.

The house in Dudzele quite literally opens the door to the polders. From the home, you can walk towards the Boudewijn Canal, where long, straight paths await. The sky is vast, the view endless. Here, you hear the silence: a bird, reeds softly rustling, the rhythm of your own footsteps.

For dogs, these are walks that bring calm. No busy streets, no traffic—just space, air, and water. And for those who want to go a bit further, you can even continue on to the green ramparts of Bruges.

Practical for dog owners: the polders and the canal are safe and easy to navigate—ideal for dogs that walk calmly by your side or those that love having open space.

💡 Looking for a city trip? Bruges is just around the corner. The green city ramparts, known as the Vesten, are surprisingly dog-friendly and perfect for a relaxed city walk.

The holiday home in Koksijde combines it all: sea, beach, village, and lively atmosphere. From here, you can walk with your dog through the dunes or choose a long hike along the tide line towards Nieuwpoort.

The fun part? Along the way, you’ll find cafés and terraces where you can sit down together. Many owners will happily put out a water bowl for your dog. This way, a walk becomes more than just exercise—it turns into a shared day out.

Extra nice for dogs: the beaches of Koksijde are largely dog-friendly. From October 1 to May 31, your dog is allowed everywhere on the beach. In the summer months (June–September), dogs are welcome before 10 a.m. and after 6:30 p.m., or during the day in the quieter stretches outside the supervised zones.

Another evening tip: in Nieuwpoort, you can enjoy a lovely walk along the marina and promenade. While you take in the boats and the view, your dog happily sniffs around among the seagulls and fishermen. And if you’re in the mood for a little inland trip, the charming town of Veurne, with its historic market square, is also highly recommended.

The Belgian coast has something to offer every dog lover. From the wide beaches of Koksijde to the polders of Dudzele, from the ponds in Jabbeke to the village charm of Lombardsijde—everywhere you can enjoy time together. These five dog-friendly holiday cottages on the Belgian coast are perfect for a vacation with your dog: from long beach walks to peaceful hikes through polders and forests.

👉 Want more inspiration? Check out:

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