Scharendijke
Photos from Google
On the edge of the Grevelingen, the largest saltwater lake in Western Europe, lies the marina of Scharendijke. At the start of 2023 the village had just over 1,200 inhabitants and belongs to the municipality of Schouwen-Duiveland in Zeeland. The combination of the lake on one side and the North Sea beaches of Schouwen within walking distance makes the spot useful for both watersports and a day by the sea.
Until 1961 Scharendijke fell under the municipality of Elkerzee, after which it was the administrative centre of Middenschouwen until 1997. That history explains why the village feels larger than its population suggests: there are amenities, places to eat and drink, and a lively harbour.
On the beach and in the surrounding area you will find six beach clubs with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5. The offering ranges from breakfast and brunch to lunch and dinner, so you can drop in both in the morning and in the evening. The atmosphere is described as relaxed and lively, with a slightly more upmarket touch in a few spots.
Its position between Brouwershaven (1.1 kilometres), Ouddorp aan Zee (6.6 kilometres) and Renesse (7.9 kilometres) makes it easy to combine different beaches and villages. The Verklikkerstrand, between Renesse and Scharendijke, is among the wider sandy beaches of Schouwen.
A local custom is the Straô, a tradition held in a number of villages on Schouwen. In Scharendijke it falls on the second Saturday in March. It is a good moment to visit the village outside the beach season.
If you come by car, you will find parking within walking distance. The exact rates and locations are listed in the parking overview on this page. By public transport the spot is harder to reach: the nearest station is Goes, just over 26 kilometres away, after which you continue by bus or car.
The proximity of both fresh and salt water shapes its character. On the Grevelingen side lie the marina and dive sites, on the North Sea side the wider beaches with beach clubs. This makes Scharendijke suitable for a wide range of visitors, from watersports enthusiasts to families looking for a quiet day at the beach.
Great for
The wide sandy beaches of Schouwen shelve gently, which is handy with children who want to play in shallow water. Several beach clubs serve lunch and have terraces on the beach, so you can stay close to the waterline.
Dogs are welcome at several beach clubs. On the beaches of Schouwen-Duiveland dogs may run off the lead outside the season; during the summer months a lead is required during the day. Note the stricter rules at the nearby Verklikkerstrand.
Some of the six beach clubs serve dinner and have a slightly more upmarket touch. With a view of the sea or the Grevelingen, you can enjoy a relaxed evening meal.
The offering ranges from breakfast and brunch to lunch. The terraces on the beach are well suited to a short stop between swimming or walking.
A corporate outing is possible. The combination of beach, marina and places to eat and drink leaves room for a programme of watersports followed by a meal.
In rain or wind, the beach clubs remain a good base for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The nearby villages of Brouwershaven and Renesse offer further options for a day away from the beach.
High season falls in July and August, when the beaches and the marina are at their busiest. Combined with watersports on the Grevelingen, it draws many day visitors and holidaymakers.
In the early and late season it is quieter. April, May, September and October are well suited to walks along the beach and visits to the beach clubs without the summer crowds.
A fixed moment in the calendar is the Straô on the second Saturday in March, a tradition held in several villages on Schouwen. It falls outside the beach season and gives an impression of local life.
Outside the summer months the focus shifts to the lake and the nature around the Grevelingen. The beaches are then quiet, which is attractive for visitors with a dog, because the lead requirement from May to October no longer applies.
Parking
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Nearby seaside resorts
Last updated: 23 June 2026