The Netherlands is a great tourist destination with many icons known around the world, like the Dutch bike, windmills, clogs, tulips, and canals. The most popular tourist season is between April and August, when the flowers are in bloom and the weather is best (and warmest)! Besides Amsterdam, you may wonder what to do in the Netherlands in the summer. In this article, we are going to show you some stunning beaches in the Netherlands and offer some summer hot spots you might not have known existed.
Let's start by saying yes, there is a coastal region in the Netherlands. As a rainy country, beaches aren’t the first thing that may come to mind, but in the summer, the Netherlands can be a paradise for beach lovers. Whether you want to lie on the sand, are into water sports, or enjoy getting a cocktail at a beach club, you can find the right beach for each occasion. You just need to know where to look. In this article we are going to look at 5 of our favorite spots for summer: Zandvoort, Scheveningen, the Hoek Van Holland (Hook of Holland), Pieterburen, And Texel.
#1 Zandvoort
When it comes to beaches in the Netherlands, Zandvoort is our personal favorite. Zandvoort is a short 25 minute train ride from Amsterdam, making it one of the easiest beaches to access for visitors. Zandvoort has something to do for any type of visitor. It has a long coastline with white sandy beaches perfect for laying out, swimming, playing football, or just taking a relaxing stroll. The beaches are also home to many beach clubs, offering great food and tasty drinks all day and night long.
Besides the beach, Zandvoort is also surrounded by sand dunes and trails perfect for hiking, biking, and rollerblading. This makes Zandvoort a great family spot, as there is something for everyone. After a day on the beach, Zandvoort has many nice hotels, restaurants, a great bar scene, to unwind and relax after a day in the sun. Other entertainment includes the Holland Casino and the famous Dutch Grand Prix (formula one) race center that is held at Circuit Zandvoort. This is a very popular racing town that first featured F1 racing in 1950.
#2 Texel
Texel is a municipality and an island in the Netherlands. It is the largest and most populated of the islands in the Netherlands. Texel is located in the Wadden Sea, north of the mainland Netherlands. Texel is a tourism hotspot, with over 1 million visitors annually and it should absolutely be on your list of places to see in the Netherlands this summer. Besides its natural beauty, Texel is also home to a variety of attractions, including museums, parks, and animal sanctuaries.
The most popular tourist destination in Texel is the iconic lighthouse.
Fun Fact: The lighthouse is the only lighthouse in the Netherlands where you can see the sea in three directions.
The reason Texel makes our list, however, is its stunning beaches. Texel is home to over 30 kilometers of (mostly) dog-friendly white sandy beaches. Texel offers huts on the sand that you and your family can stay in. They also fit most of the beaches with a lifeguard to keep your family safe. Texel’s extraordinarily clean beaches are also an ideal spot if you like kite surfing, swimming, or exploring tide pools. Texel is in the more northern region in the Netherlands, making it a little more of a destination spot, so we recommend going with a plan to stay for a few nights.
#3 Scheveningen
Scheveningen is one of the most popular beaches in the Netherlands. The city it’s in is home to a number of beaches, including the Scheveningen Beach.
Scheveningen is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, surfing, windsurfing, kiteboarding, and fishing. The city also has a variety of parks and gardens, as well as many shops and restaurants.
One of the most iconic sites in Scheveningen is its massive pier. On the pier you can enjoy food, drinks, entertainment, a ferris wheel, and even try bungy jumping over the water.
#4 Hook of Holland
Beaches in the Hook of Holland are definitely worth a visit. The water is clean and clear, and the sand is white and powdery. There's plenty of space to relax, sunbathe, and swim, and there are plenty of restaurants and bars close by when you need a break from the sun. The beaches here are also great for windsurfing, kite surfing, and other beach activities. Whether you're looking for a relaxing day by the water or an action-packed afternoon, the beaches in the Hook of Holland are sure to please.
The Hook of Holland is the most popular beach for people who live in or around Rotterdam. The beach is right next to New Waterway which is a large shipping canal in the area. Rotterdam is a more modern city in the Netherlands, so it’s also a great place to stop on your way out. You can hit the town after a nice day on the beach, stopping by one of the many bars and restaurants ready to keep you entertained.
#5 Pieterburen
Pieterburen is a small village located in the Netherlands and is great for people who love exploring and surround themselves with beautiful scenery. The village is home to a number of beaches, which are popular among locals and tourists alike. The beaches here are known for their cleanliness, scenic views, and low tides. When the tide is low, you can see people mudflat hiking.
In addition to the beaches, Pieterburen is also home to a number of shops and restaurants. Visitors can find everything from souvenirs to fresh seafood in the village. Pieterburen is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the Netherlands' natural (and less touristic) beauty.