21 Best Beaches in the Netherlands | Top 21 Dutch Coastal Towns for a Summer Holiday in the Netherlands
The Dutch Beaches
Being a maritime country with a 450 km coastline, the Netherlands is famous for its beautiful beaches. Since the Netherlands has a lesser number of sunny days in the year, with the arrival of the summer, beachgoers, wildlife lovers, and watersports enthusiasts visit the splendid Dutch coastal towns to enjoy some fresh air on the beach, have a drink at a beach club, take a stroll down the promenade or through the dunes, watch the seagulls steal french fries from a scared couple, or ride the giant waves on a windy day!
Where are the Beach Cities in the Netherlands?
Out of the 12 provinces of the Netherlands, only the following 5 have a coastline -
Zuid-Holland - The Dutch province of Zuid-Holland (South Holland) is the busiest seaside resort in the Netherlands. Zuid-Holland boasts a number of popular beach towns which are extremely busy during summer and offer plenty of things to do for its visitors. Following are the beach cities in Zuid-Holland -
Den Haag
Hoek van Holland
Katwijk aan Zee
Noordwijk aan Zee
Ouddorp
Noord-Holland - Whether you're looking for a true nature hideaway, a romantic break, or just a beautiful place to spend an afternoon with your family, the province of Noord Holland offers a beach for you. Following are the beach cities in Noord-Holland -
Ijmuiden
Zandvoort aan Zee
Bloemendaal aan Zee
Bergen aan Zee
Hargen aan Zee
Schoorl aan Zee
Petten aan Zee
Castricum aan Zee
Egmond aan Zee
Julianadorp aan Zee
Sint Maartenszee
Callantsoog
Zeeland - Zeeland is a fascinating province in the Netherlands where you'll find the most gorgeous beaches, clean seawater, and seafood specialties like mussels and lobsters. You may book your own vacation rental and explore the province's natural and historical wonders or visit Deltapark Neeltje Jans to learn everything there is to know about the Delta Works. Following are the beach cities in Zeeland -
Vlissingen
Domburg
Zouteland
Dishoek
Westkapelle
Oostkapelle
Burgh-Haamstede
Kamperland
Vrouwenpolder
Zierikzee
Goes
Breskens
Renesse
Berkenbosch
Cadzand-Bad
Friesland - Friesland, historically called Frisia, is the northernmost province of the Netherlands. Friesland has a long coastline that stretches along the IJsselmeer (the largest inland lake of Western Europe) and the Wadden Sea. It is mainly located on the mainland but also includes several small Wadden islands. The Frisians (as they proudly call themselves) consider themselves separate from the rest of the Dutch and hence have their own flag and language named Frisian. Following are the beach cities in Friesland -
Wierum
West Frisian Islands (Texel) and Wadden Islands (Vlieland, Terschelling, Amieland, Schiermonnikoog)
Flevoland - The largest land reclamation project in history is in Flevoland, near Amsterdam. It has given the Netherlands a lovely 12th province. Holland's largest flower bulb region, wide-open nature reserves such as the Oostvaardersplassen and Horsterwold, great cities with modern architecture, museums for the young and elderly, and fantastic beaches (most of them around the inland lake IJsselmeer) are just a few of the attractions. Following are the beach cities in Flevoland -
Urk
Almere
Lelystad
Biddinghuizen
Dronten
Emmeloord
Today, I’m going to take you along with me on a ride across my top 21 picks among the beach cities mentioned above. Let the journey begin!
21 Best Beach Cities in the Netherlands
1. Den Haag - Scheveningen (Zuid-Holland)
This beachfront hamlet of The Hague, often rated as the "Best Beach in the Netherlands," attracts sunbathers of all ages. The well-developed beach and seasonal beach pavilions provide a variety of eateries, water sports, children's activities, and attractions for both young and old.
The Scheveningen Pier
The Scheveningen Pier, the town's symbol, was completely rebuilt in 2015. Bungee jumping and ziplining are available for daredevils. If you want to relax, ride the 42-meter Ferris wheel and take in the panorama of the Dutch shore.
Hotel Kurhaus Scheveningen
Walking down the street, you'll come upon the Kurhaus hotel and spa, which is located directly opposite to the pier.
Sea Life Scheveningen
If you're on vacation with your kids, I recommend going to the ‘Sea Life,’ which has over a hundred different fish species and a variety of marine animals.
International Festivals at Scheveningen
Some of Den Haag's greatest yearly events, such as the 'International Fireworks Festival' and the 'International Kite Festival,' are held on Scheveningen Beach.
2. Den Haag - Kijkduin (Zuid-Holland)
Apart from Scheveningen, Den Haag has a smaller, further, and quieter seaside resort named Kijkduin. And here is a well-kept secret beach named Zuiderstrand. The Zuiderstrand runs between Scheveningen and Kijkduin and has no streets running alongside it, making it much more peaceful and calm. You can enjoy a pleasant day at the beach with your children while also satisfying your hunger and thirst at one of the beach bars. On the boulevard in Kijkduin, you'll also find good restaurants where you may sate your appetite while enjoying a view of the sea and the beach. The beach becomes a lagoon landscape south of the boulevard.
3. Hoek van Holland (Zuid-Holland)
Hoek van Holland (Hook of Holland) is a lovely coastal town in Zuid-Holland known for its beautiful beach bustling with beach clubs, bars, restaurants and fantastic nightlife. You can get an astounding view of the setting sun from the 4.5 km long Noorderpier (North Pier). However, you need to be careful as during high tides and windy days, the waves hitting the pier can get very dangerous. If you want to explore more such hidden gems in the Netherlands, please read our article Netherlands Off The Beaten Track | 34 Best Hidden Gems in the Netherlands.
4. Katwijk aan Zee (Zuid-Holland)
Katwijk aan Zee beach is one of the cleanest beaches in the Netherlands. Apart from the ancient Katwijk lighthouse and the magnificent white church, the boulevard is lined with restaurants serving a variety of cuisines that may be enjoyed while sitting on a street-side terrace. The Katwijk seaside shopping mall is located opposite to the beach.
5. Noordwijk aan Zee (Zuid-Holland)
Noordwijk is recognized as Europe's floral beach resort because it is located in the center of the famed Bollenstreek, the flower bulb farming zone. Enjoy the long stretches of white sand and the numerous recreational possibilities available to the entire family.
6. Ouddorp (Zuid-Holland)
Ouddorp, located at the north end of the island of Goeree-Overflakkee, is an ideal family seaside resort with enough to offer in addition to huge beaches, wonderful wildlife, and plenty of room. The beach is 18 kilometers long and is separated from Ouddorp by a line of dunes.
7. Ijmuiden (Noord-Holland)
IJmuiden is a small harbor town in the province of Noord-Holland. During the low tide, the mossy rocks emerge from the water, which, combined with sunrise or sunset, can form a spectacular image. Hence check tide timings to know which day the low tide coincides with sunrise or sunset to capture stunning golden hour shots. If you want to explore more such hidden gems in the Netherlands, please read our article Netherlands Off The Beaten Track | 34 Best Hidden Gems in the Netherlands.
8. Egmond aan Zee (Noord-Holland)
The municipality of Bergen in the Dutch province of Noord-Holland is home to the coastal town of Egmond aan Zee. Egmond aan Zee was developed behind the dunes in the year 977. According to legend, Walgerus, a gentleman farmer from Egmond-Binnen, constructed 10 houses for numerous underprivileged families. They were granted permission to reside there for free and to fish in the sea as long as they gave the monastery at Egmond-Binnen 10% of their catch. He is also credited with founding a tiny church in honor of Saint Agnes. In due course of time, Egmond aan Zee transformed into a true fishing community. Today, it features a lighthouse, the JCJ van Speyk, fishermen's houses, and an actual, car-free town center. Visitors to Egmond aan Zee can stroll among the dunes or down the stunning coastline as they take in every aspect of this authentic tourist destination. Visit the inviting Voorstraat, where there is a night market every Wednesday throughout the summer and a variety of lovely stores that are open every day. At the many restaurants and relaxing decks, indulge in culinary pleasures.
9. Zaandvoort aan Zee (Noord-Holland)
The sandy beach at Zandvoort is a short train journey away from Amsterdam and only 200 meters away from the train station. Zandvoort is also conveniently accessible by automobile, with plenty of parking spots. Take advantage of the sandy beaches, wonderful hotels and restaurants, and fantastic shopping opportunities. Dunes surround Zandvoort, which can be explored on foot or by bicycle.
10. Bloemendaal aan Zee (Noord-Holland)
Bloemendaal aan Zee is a hamlet and resort on the North Sea located in the Dutch province of Noord-Holland’s municipality of Bloemendaal. It is located between the beaches of IJmuiden and Zandvoort with the Zuid-Kennemerland National Park as its hinterland. The Bloemendaal aan Zee beach is 4.3 km long and includes a more than 1 km long nudist beach on the north side, close to IJmuiden. The most upscale and alluring beach bars on the entire Dutch north coast are located in Bloemendaal aan Zee, which is well known for its wild festivals and parties.
11. Vlissingen (Zeeland)
Vlissingen is a prominent tourist destination and a bustling beach resort that attracts thousands of visitors each year. Vlissingen has a wonderful setting by the sea, as well as various beach pavilions and lively nightlife. The lengthy beach promenade - incidentally, the Netherlands' longest - and the lovely beaches are the primary attractions of Vlissingen.
12. Domburg (Zeeland)
Domburg is Zeeland's oldest seaside resort. The town is lively in the summer. It has a scenic appeal due to its historic structures. Nonetheless, the vast, clean beaches of Domburg are what draw the people. Beach pavilions and cabins can be found in abundance. The soft sand is accessible to prams, buggies, and wheelchairs thanks to boardwalks around the beach. Go to the Oosterstrand or Westerstrand if you want to fly a kite.
13. Zouteland (Zeeland)
Zouteland, together with the areas of Dishoek and Westkapelle forms the so-called Zeeland Riviera. Long and wide beaches, as well as the distinctive breakwaters that reach from the beach into the sea, characterize this south-facing beach city. You can grab a bite to eat for lunch or dinner at one of the charming seaside eateries, which serve Zeeland delicacies. The Zeeuwse Rivièra beach pavilion also serves wonderful, traditional Dutch pancakes. A fantastic treat, especially for kids!
14. Westkapelle (Zeeland)
Being a beach in Zeeland's Walcheren peninsula it is among the most beautiful in the Netherlands, making it a perfect place for beach enthusiasts. Another plus is an above-average number of sunshine hours and excellent water sports options. In addition, it's a great place to visit throughout the cooler months of the year.
15. Oostkapelle (Zeeland)
If you're looking for a true family beach in the Dutch province of Zeeland, one with children's playgrounds and relatively shallow water where the kids can safely play, we propose Strand Duinweg. It is close to the city of Oostkapelle and is easily accessible by any vehicle. A huge parking lot is about 400 meters from the beach. The walk leading to the beach is paved and accessible to individuals with disabilities. The beach has massive proportions, especially at low tide. It stretches over several kilometers and is more than 100 meters broad. You'll find all of the necessary beach infrastructure, as well as children's playgrounds, right on the beach. There is also a restaurant and a beach bar here. If you appreciate this place and want to spend your summer vacation here, there are a variety of lodging options nearby.
16. Burgh-Haamstede (Zeeland)
If you're traveling down the west coast of the Netherlands from north to south, you'll come across Strand Rotonde, a lovely sandy beach located just before Pijlerdam in the Dutch province of Zeeland in the close vicinity of the city Burgh-Haamstede. It is a family-friendly beach that is easily accessible by any vehicle. And the best part of the beach is that it is not well known as being hidden behind the Delta Works, therefore very calm, and offers a great up-close view of the monumental Delta Works. A huge parking lot is located 100 meters from the beach, and motorhomes are welcome. To get to the beach, you'll have to cross a 10-meter-high dune, which you can achieve by taking very steep stairs. Once you're on the beach, you'll notice that there's a huge beach area available. It is many kilometers long and more than 100 meters wide. The beach becomes increasingly flat as it approaches the sea, and when combined with the shallow water, it makes for a very pleasant beach entry. The swim start is around 50 meters distant. All of the necessary beach infrastructures are right on the sand. You can also find a variety of eateries and beach bars on the beach or near the parking lot.
17. Kamperland (Zeeland)
Kamperland is the largest town on the island of Noord-Beveland in the Dutch province of Zeeland. It evolved from an agricultural village to a tourist destination over time. It is particularly popular among beach goers and water sports aficionados. The Kamperland beach is huge and offers a great view of the Delta Works.
18. Vrouwenpolder (Zeeland)
Vrouwenpolder has developed into a true tourist destination situated very close to the Delta Works. Diverse tribes visit: water sport enthusiasts, bathers, and various Zeeuws, all of whom enjoy the wide beaches. Divers, as well as kiters and kite surfers, have figured out their favorite sites. On the sandy coast beach, there's a vast list of organized activities, including kite surfing and SUP. To know more about Delta Works' history coupled with a water theme park experience, I recommend you visit the Deltapark Neeltje Jans (neeltjejans.nl) where if you are lucky you may see the tired sea dogs resting in the evening after a long sunny day! And if you want to explore more such hidden gems in the Netherlands, please read our article Netherlands Off The Beaten Track | 34 Best Hidden Gems in the Netherlands.
19. Wierum (Friesland)
Wierum is a mound village on the northern coast of the Netherlands that originated on a salt marsh near the sea in the early Middle Ages. This dangerous location has not been without consequences. The northeastern part of the mound has disappeared into the sea, putting that part of the village at risk of the waves. The iconic church now seems to lean against the high seawall. If you climb the dike that was built to protect the village from the sea, you can witness spectacular sunsets with the sunlight shining off the muddy Wadden Sea.
Near the village of Wierum is an old shipwreck from the second world war times that emerges from the sea only during low tides. This wreck symbolizes a crucial part of the Wadden Sea's cultural history - the struggle for territory between man and nature that occurred here from the Middle Ages to the present. It first appeared close to the Schoorsterhoofd, in the west but eventually started to wander towards Wierum and ended up becoming trapped in the mud. Ever since it’s been here getting gradually affected by the ebb and flow gradually but steadily affecting the praam.
To know more about the shipwreck near Wierum and how to visit it, please read our article The Story of the Shipwreck on the Wadden Sea in Wierum, Friesland, the Netherlands.
20. Frisian/Wadden Islands (Friesland)
Between the Dutch cities of Den Helder and Esbjerg in Denmark, there is a natural wonderland unlike any other in the world. The Wadden Sea is a world unto itself, a realm with two faces, ruled by ebb and flood, sand and water in equal measure. About fifty islands and islets defend the shallow Wadden Sea, like pearls on a necklace. The necklace begins with five pearls from the Dutch Wadden Islands, each with its unique atmosphere and personality - Texel, Ameland, Terschelling, Vlieland, and Schiermonnikoog. The Frisian Islands are characterized by dunes, beaches, lighthouses, and quaint town centers. Though they are time-consuming to reach as you first have to travel up to the coast by road and then take a ship to each of these islands, the serenity there is hypnotizing and the calmness of the beaches is addictive to leave behind and return to the hustles and bustles of the city life.
If you want to find such other hidden treasures in Friesland, please read our article Discover Friesland | 9 Best Places to Visit in Friesland, the Netherlands.
21. Urk (Flevoland)
Urk, is a centuries-old fishing community, with a distinct culture and history. Terrace cafes on the charming waterfront welcome you to sample delectable smoked eel from the IJsselmeer lake or freshly fried fish from Urk fisherman. I also recommend a visit to the lighthouse, museum, monuments, and the fish market on the IJsselmeer lake. And after a visit to the lighthouse, jump into the water at one of the two little beaches on the IJsselmeer lake's edge.
Epilogue
So those were my top 21 picks among the numerous beach cities in the Netherlands that I mentioned in the beginning. Please let us know in the comments below if you enjoyed reading this article.
And if you want to trek some of the coastal sand dunes national parks and nature reserves, please read our article 10 Most Beautiful Sand Dunes in the Netherlands | 10 Best Dutch Dunes National Parks and Nature Reserves, or if you want to explore some more hidden treasures in the Netherlands, please read our article Netherlands Off The Beaten Track | 34 Best Hidden Gems in the Netherlands, or if you want to know about more such places to take fantastic pictures in the Netherlands, please read our article Instagrammable Netherlands | 33 Best Photography Locations in the Netherlands | 33 Top Photo Spots in the Netherlands. Until then, merry traveling and happy shooting!
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