Did you know that Holland has 450km of coastline on the North Sea? In addition, there are numerous islands with extensive dunes and beaches. This makes the German neighbour a perfect destination for a relaxing beach holiday. Discover the most beautiful beaches, idyllic fishing villages, impressive lighthouses and enjoy fresh fish. The beaches not only score highly because of their fine sand, but also because of their good infrastructure and lifeguards.
The beach on the West Frisian island of Ameland in the Dutch North Sea is one of the cleanest in the country. It has already been awarded the blue flag several times. The long, wide beach slopes flat into the sea and is bordered inland by wide dunes and a 400ha large salt meadow area. Four pavilions sell drinks and snacks on the beach. You can also rent beach chairs and umbrellas. Showers and toilets are also available. Our tip: Go on a mudflat hike at low tide and explore this unique natural area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The largest of the West Frisian islands is Texel, in the very north of the Netherlands. On its west coast there is a fantastic beach, which is 30km long and covered in fine sand. For better orientation, it is divided into different sections, which are called Paal. At some of these sections, in the summer months, lifeguards provide swimming safety. Our tip: Book one of the small beach houses on the beach De Koog on Texel and spend carefree hours or several days at the North Sea.
Another West Frisian island is Terschelling. Here, there is also a seemingly endless, almost snow-white and powdery sandy beach. As the entrance to the sea is very shallow, it is one of the best beaches for children who can play and splash around in the shallow water. In the numerous bars you have the opportunity to enjoy a refreshment on the terrace. Our tip: Come to Terschelling in the summer, when the Oerol Festival takes place, and enjoy the numerous concerts, performances and exhibitions.
In the south-west of the Netherlands, in the Kamperland region, lies the village of De Banjaard with its magnificent 3km long Banjaard beach. It is primarily known for its clear water and light sand. A special feature here is the adjacent park with many provisions. There are various playgrounds and sports fields, supermarkets, restaurants and walks. Our tip: Rent a bike or grab your dog and explore the dunes of Zeeland.
One of the top beaches in Holland is on Schiermonnikoog. It is miles long and one of the widest in Europe. In addition to soft sand and a shallow coast, there are also green dunes on which beach grass or sea buckthorn grow. On the coast, you can discover shells, starfish and lugworms, especially at low tide. In some places nude bathing is allowed and some sections are guarded by lifeguards during peak season. Our tip: Bring a kite on a windy day and fly it on the wide beach.
Bergen is home to the seaside resort of Bergen aan Zee with its 3km-long beach, which is one of the most popular in the Netherlands. There are both quiet sections and livelier areas near the pavilions, where music is played during the day. Water sports are also offered here. For example, you could try sailing. Our tip: Enjoy a traditional Dutch dish on a restaurant terrace, such as kibbeling: fresh fish fillet fried in batter.
The community of Zandvoort is undoubtedly one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Netherlands. The reason is the clean and beautiful beach, which has been awarded the blue flag. The leisure facilities along the bright sandy beach, which is 9km long, are correspondingly versatile. Various pavilions, cosy cafés and small shops provide for your physical well-being. Lovers of the nudity culture get their money's worth on the 3km naturist section. Our tip: Don't just spend a day, but also spend an evening in Zandvoort on the beach because DJs often create a party atmosphere in the pavilions by the sea.
Domburg is one of the oldest seaside resorts in the Netherlands in the south of the country. In front of the vast dunes by the sea there are numerous small huts, which you can rent for a relaxing day at the beach. Here you can relax on the sun loungers or store your valuables while bathing. The beach in Domburg offers several pavilions and sanitary facilities. You can also rent sunbeds and umbrellas. Our tip: Visit the historic centre of Domburg, which starts right behind the dunes. Here you will find some shops and quaint little houses.
Cadzand is located in the south of the Netherlands and has a 10km long beach, which is located in the middle of a vast dune area. The various pavilions offer cool drinks, light snacks and sun loungers. Sanitary facilities are also available. In the summer months, a varied children's programme for small tourists is offered in some places. Our tip: Take a walk through the surrounding nature reserves such as the Het Zwin and get to know the flora and fauna of the Netherlands better.
In the municipality of Noordwijk you can expect a true bathing paradise and, in the winter, the long wide beach entices you to long walks. Countless beach clubs and pavilions provide for your entertainment. In addition, local tour operators offer various water sports such as kitesurfing, kayaking and surf rafting. Our tip: Grab your beloved four-legged friend and follow the signposted dog walk along the coast.
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