Scharendijke
Photos from Google
On the edge of the Grevelingen, the largest saltwater lake in Western Europe, lies the marina of Scharendijke. In early 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 ideal for both water sports and a day by the sea.
- Beach clubs
- 4
- Avg. rating
- 4.3 / 5
Until 1961 Scharendijke fell under the municipality of Elkerzee, after which it served as 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 feel in a few places.
Its location 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 broader sandy beaches of Schouwen.
A local custom is the Straô, a tradition held in a number of Schouwen villages. 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, from where you travel onwards by bus or car.
The proximity of both fresh and salt water defines its character. On the Grevelingen side are the marina and dive sites, on the North Sea side the broader beaches with beach clubs. This makes Scharendijke suitable for a wide range of visitors, from water sports enthusiasts to families looking for a quiet day on the beach.
Great for
The broad sandy beaches of Schouwen slope gently, which is handy with children who want to play in shallow water. Several beach clubs serve lunch and have terraces right on the beach, so you can stay close to the water's edge.
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 feel. With a view over 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 water sports 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 extra options for a day without the beach.
The high season falls in July and August, when the beaches and the marina are at their busiest. Combined with water sports on the Grevelingen, the area then draws plenty of day visitors and holidaymakers.
In the early and late season it is quieter. April, May, September and October are well suited to walking along the beach and visiting 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 a sense 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 appealing for visitors with a dog, since the lead requirement from May to October does not apply at that time.
Parking
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Nearby seaside resorts
Last updated: 23 June 2026