Nieuwpoort is a small Belgian seaside town at the mouth of the IJzer (Yser) river, where it meets the North Sea. It is home to Belgium's largest marina, with hundreds of sailing boats and yachts lining the harbour, and it has long been famous for its fresh grey shrimp — the local garnalen are some of the best you will find on the Belgian coast. The town has a pleasant, compact centre and a wide sandy beach that stays surprisingly quiet outside of peak summer weekends.
The town's history took a dramatic turn during the First World War. In October 1914, Belgian forces deliberately flooded the IJzer plain by opening the sluice gates at Nieuwpoort, halting the German advance and holding the front line for the rest of the war. The town itself was almost completely destroyed in the fighting. Today, the towering King Albert I monument at the IJzer locks and the Westfront Nieuwpoort museum tell the story of those years — they are well worth a visit if you have any interest in the Great War.
Rebuilt after the war, Nieuwpoort has a cheerful, unhurried feel. It is an easy day trip from Bruges or Ostend, and makes a fine base for exploring this stretch of the Flemish coast.