Space Sea & Sand

Why not plan your next trip to the Netherlands and discover your own piece of deserted paradise or choose from some of the other wonderful beaches Holland has to offer? There’s a Dutch beach out there for everyone, windy ones for kite-surfers, secluded ones for sunbathers, entertainment-packed ones for families and even city beaches for urbanites. We’ve picked out a few of the best ones for you to explore anytime of the year offering safe getaways with lots of space, sea and sand.

You can find great accommodation for the colder seasons, top star rated spa and retreat resorts with the highest hygiene and safety standards, there’s so many options that means beaches are not only great for summer but can be enjoyed during autumn and winter for an alternative holiday.

BEAUTIFUL DESERTED KWADE HOEK BEACH & GOEREE DUNES

Even though Holland is considered a top tourist destination, there are still a few tranquil spots along the west coast that make for an enchanting day at the seaside. De Kwada Hoek and Goeree dunes are just an hour’s drive from the Hook of Holland Port and offer mile after mile of pristene sand. The beach and dunes sit at the tip of an island, in a delta where major European rivers meet before they hit the North Sea, including the Rhine.

The real delight of De Kwade Hoek (pronounced kw-eye-uh hook), apart from the deserted feel, lies in the inland dunes sprinkled in summer wild flowers and busy bird life, its long walks and the tantalisingly delicious seafood that you can gorge on at De Gouden Leeuw or Hameeteman.

BEST FOR FAMILIES

The bustling seaside resort of Scheveningen has it all: wide sandy beaches, watersports schools, fabulous surfing, beach cafés, a shopping promenade and the SEA LIFE marine park to name but a few highlights. They local area has adjusted to meet new requirements so that everyone can still make the most of its fantastic local activities and amenities as well as the beach.

Whether you relax on the beach, go fishing off the Pier or hire bikes to pedal through the dunes, Scheveningen will keep even the most restless children entertained. The Hague is also a great city that offers fantastic restaurants, hotels and popular sightseeing landmarks.

BEST FOR THE SPORTY ONES

Zeeland, a cluster of islands in the far west of the Netherlands, has a whopping 650 kilometres of coastline, making it a water babies paradise.

The grand old seaside resort of Domburg has boardwalks and beach cafés galore but also offers excellent kite-surfing and surfing.

The lively resort of Brouwersdam is the place to be for active types, with world-class windsurfing, sailing and kayaking all on the doorstep.

If you prefer keeping your feet on dry land, it’s also the place to try Blokarting, surfsailing or kite buggying, whereby you shoot across the sand on a lightweight buggy powered by a kite or surf sail.

BEST FOR URBANITES

When you’re in Holland, it’s entirely possible to spend the day on the beach without even leaving the city. Voted one of the world’s best city beaches, Amsterdam’s BIijburg is the cream of the crop. Located in the east of Amsterdam, the hip resort opens onto the freshwater IJsselmeer lake and comes complete with sandy beaches, volleyball, an atmospheric café and “glamping” spots.

If you’re in Utrecht, head for Strand Oog in Al (SOIA) in the Oog in Al park, which offers a grass and sand beach on the canal, an atmospheric café and a children’s play area.

BEST FOR LOUNGING

If you like your beach life laid-back with a hint of Ibiza, head north for the trendy beach towns of Bloemendaal and Zandvoort.

Less than half an hour from Amsterdam by car or public transport, the long stretches of sand in these popular towns are lined with hip beach cafés and bars. Go for a swim, play volleyball, listen to live music and enjoy sunset cocktails before dancing till dawn.

Alternatively, just south of Amsterdam lies the old fishing village of Noordwijk, which offers beach cafés, bars and shops as well as Europe’s first permanent space exhibition, Space Expo, making for some unusual après-beach…

For more information visit Dutch Government guidelines for tips on travelling during these uncertain times. Read More >