May vacations by the sea

The days are getting longer, the sun is showing itself more often and the birds are starting to chirp again. Colorful flowers are in bloom and you can sense everything: spring is in full swing. During the May vacation there is plenty to do in Zeeland. Cozy events, surprising outings and plenty of opportunities for cycling, walking or just enjoying the outdoors. Wondering what you can do? We list the best tips and highlights for you.

Spring comes alive on the Blossom & Fruit Route through Zuid-Beveland. On this 50-kilometer bicycle tour, you’ll ride past blossoming fruit trees, orchards and winding dikes. Along the way, you will pass special places such as windmill De Korenhalm, De Landing and nature reserve de Zwaakse Weel. And with several outlets selling local products along the route, you can easily make it a tasty stopover.

The Panorama Route in West Zeeuws-Vlaanderen takes you along coastal cycling paths and is about 39 kilometers long. During this bicycle tour, you will discover charming places such as Breskens, Groede and Cadzand, with plenty of nice places to stop along the way. Highlights along the route include the Westerschelde Ferry, Groede Podium, the ramparts of Retranchement and the marina of Cadzand. You conclude the tour at the Breskens lighthouse.

The Kop van Walcheren cycling route is 36 km long and lets you experience the island’s versatility in one trip. You cycle past popular seaside resorts such as Domburg, Westkapelle and Zoutelande, where the sea is never far away. Then you discover the charm of smaller villages like Meliskerke and Grijpskerke: quiet and rural, but always close to the coast.

Hof Pop is a nature, play and experience farm in Aagtekerke. Children can play endlessly in the adventure garden, jump on the air cushion, cuddle with goats, pigs, guinea pigs and rabbits or get dirty in the mud. Inside, the discovery factory awaits and creative workshops and craft activities are regularly organized in the greenhouse. Meanwhile, parents enjoy good coffee and something tasty. Weather or not: at Hof Pop it is always a nice place for the whole family.

At Klok’uus there is plenty of action, both indoors and outdoors. In the large barn you will find an impressive Spidertower, slides and a climbing course on a real combine. Outside, children can let loose on the go-kart track, bungee trampolines and the ropes course. For the little ones there is a separate playground and for bigger kids (and fanatic parents) there are activities such as laser gaming, farmer’s golf and archery tag.

At Mini Mundi there is plenty to experience. Discover Walcheren in miniature at Miniature Walcheren, where famous buildings and places have been recreated in detail. Outside, children never tire of playing with a play beach, obstacle beach, boulder dunes, a bouncy castle and various attractions. Does the weather take a turn for the worse? Then there is an indoor playground where the fun continues.

Spring is all about new life. From deer in the dunes to lambs in the meadow and seals on a sandbank: this time of year is the time to spot animals. A day out among the animals is therefore a wonderful activity during the May vacation.

Feeding animals on the farm
In the region you will find several farms where you can experience farm life up close. So you can learn at Schellach Cheese Farm in Middelburg all about cheese making and you can admire the cows and calves up close. A fun and educational outing for young and old.

At Experience and care farm The Stelle in Ouwerkerk, you will join the farmer on the feeding tour to feed animals such as horses, sheep, goats and many more farm animals.

Seal spotting
When you think of Zeeland, you think of seals. These curious and playful animals feel completely at home in our waters. A large population of seals lives in the Oosterschelde, and they are also regularly seen in the Westerschelde. Around Neeltje Jans seals can be seen all year round, especially at low tide when they rest on the sandbanks on the North Sea side and near the barrier. Sure you’ll see them? Then go on a seal safari with Frisia Cruises on the Oosterschelde or choose a trip with Canal Cruises Zeeland on the Westerschelde.

Walking with Alpacas
Looking for a special getaway? Visit an alpaca farm such as Alpaca Zeeland or Alpaca Zeelandia and take a leisurely walk with these curious, woolly friends. You can also opt for a cozy high tea in their presence while the alpacas quietly scamper around you.

Monday, April 27, we celebrate King’s Day and it falls in the middle of the May vacation. Zeeland turns orange and in almost every village and town there is something going on. Think cosy free markets, festive activities and live music. Every year on the Grote Markt in Middelburg there is a stage with a free, continuous music program.

Are you taking your happy four-legged friend on vacation? Then it is good to take into account the beach rules during this period. Starting May 1, different rules apply on many beaches. In the low season, dogs are allowed to run free in many places, while from May 1 they often have to be leashed.

The exact rules vary from beach to beach, so always check the signs at the beach entrance. That way you know exactly where you stand