The typical Dutch clouds, combined with the maritime climate of the Netherlands, make the coastline a feast for the eyes all year round. The long sandy beaches, beautiful dunes and rushing sea also attract countless visitors every year. Families who come to get a breath of fresh air for a day and tourists come from further afield to enjoy the coastline for a holiday.
They all know where to find the most beautiful places on the Dutch coast.
You too?
With our 523 kilometers of coastline, it is impossible to find the most beautiful places everywhere. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. We have listed a number of beaches below especially for you, which you should not miss as a beach lover. Curious?
Take a quick look…
#1 The Zuiderstrand at Zoutelande
Many Dutch people have preceded you, with no less than 5 kilometers of sandy beaches, Zoutelande scales itself as a true ‘Zeeland Riviera’. The beach offers many facilities, making it one of the most popular seaside resorts for families with children. Precisely because of the aforementioned fact, the area is quite crowded during the high season.
But… Don’t worry, if you go in the early or late season, this crowds are not too bad.
High! The beach is the only beach in the Netherlands that faces south and has even received a ‘Blue Flag’. The ‘Blue Flag’ is awarded to all beaches that are clean and safe.
#2 Langevelderslag near Noordwijk
If you like peace and quiet but still want to enjoy the sun and beach in the high season, then Langevelderslag is an extremely good choice.
This beach is completely isolated on the north side of Noordwijk. Precisely because of this location, you can spot all kinds of different, special birds. In addition to spotting birds, the beach is also a starting point for sailing kites. In short, there is always something nice to see on this beach.
#3 Bloemendaal aan Zee
This beach is probably the most famous beach in the Netherlands. With its stylish and modern beach pavilions, the beach is visited by thousands of trendy sunbathers every year. If lounging is your passion and you like to sip a cocktail, you’ve come to the right place. There are plenty of nice places on this beach where you can fulfill your passion.
The beach is almost four and a half kilometers long, with a nudist beach at the bottom with a length of one kilometer. This is also a beautiful location for the seasoned naturist.
Please note, the beach of Bloemendaal aan Zee is especially popular with young people. If you are very fond of your rest, this can be an argument not to go here.
#4 Cadzand
With the beautiful nature reserves on Cadzand beach, you have come to the right place as a nature lover. The more than 10 kilometres of coastline runs from Breskens, in the Zeeland municipality of Sluis, to the Belgian border in the Zwin nature reserve.
If you like to walk, do so when the tide is low here. During this tide you can walk all the way from Breskens to Knokke, one of the Belgian coastal towns. Plan this well because you don’t want to be surprised by the rising tide.
A tip for the kids. Walk to the Zwingeul, where children can look for shark teeth.
#5 Pole 9 on Texel
On the southernmost tip of Texel you will find a beautiful beach where nature predominates. Texel has many beautiful beaches, but this is the most exceptional place. This is where the Hors begins, the roughest part of Texel and the place where young dunes are formed.
As a surfer you are also in the right place here, because one of the surf schools from the Netherlands is located on this beach. Great opportunity to brush up on your technique. If you can’t surf yet but would like to learn, you can choose to book beginner lessons. It is advisable to contact us in advance if you want to take lessons.
#6 The beach at Dishoek
This beach gets its own unique atmosphere due to cozy beach bars, nice beach houses, the peace and quiet that can be found there and then also the beautiful dunes that can be up to 50 meters high. Dishoek offers the perfect combination of tranquility and hustle and bustle. Because of the wide beach you almost get the idea that there are no people.
The changing view of this beach consists mainly of the passing ships and, for those who have brought their binoculars, also of the windmills that can be seen on the horizon.
#7 Snitch beach in Nieuw-Haamstede
How special is it to look out for seals from your towel or beach bed? This is possible on this, almost white natural beach. Due to the shallow seabed, the sandbanks and the dunes, the view forms one graphic and rugged whole. At about 300 meters in the sea is one of these sandbanks, where the seals rest and take care of their young.
If you want to get away for a week, Nieuw-Haamstede is a cozy place to camp. The beautiful surroundings have something for everyone. In addition to the great nature, you are also within a 15-minute drive in Renesse. You can also reach this on foot, but don’t forget that this will take you just over 1 hour.
If you are planning to go with the children, take a look at Neeltje Jans. This theme park is located on the former work island ‘Neeltje Jans’ and, in addition to the attractive character of the park, fulfils an educational function with regard to the Dutch Delta Works.
#8 Nes on Ameland
Almost every beach on Ameland is beautiful and clean. The beaches of Nes are not only beautiful, but also very special. The continuous plain, surrounded by the dunes and forests behind it. A beautiful piece of nature, where you don’t have to make much effort to find a nice spot, even in high season.
If you want to discover the surrounding villages in addition to the beach, then Nes is definitely recommended. With its 1200+ inhabitants, this village is one of the largest villages on Ameland. In the center, in addition to the old buildings, you will find several shops and several restaurants. A perfect location to have a snack and a drink after a day at the beach.
#9 Zandvoort
Perhaps this place is better known for the nearby circuit, but the coast also contains one of the more famous beaches in the Netherlands. The beach slopes gently so that the water gradually deepens. This makes this area ideal to go with your children so that they can play in the shallow water.
Besides the fact that there are many beach bars where you can have a bite to eat or a drink, there are also countless other options for entertainment. For example, you can practice various water sports or, if you wish, go horseback riding at sunset.
This beach is one of the few beaches in the Netherlands where you can also go with your dog(s). Make sure that you follow the rules for this purpose. The most important rule is that the beach is closed to dogs from April 15 to October 1 between 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. In the period from 1 October to 15 April, dogs are allowed on the beach all day long.
For other rules regarding dogs, please visit the website of VVV Zandvoort.
#10 Kijkduin
If you want to enjoy the Dutch coast for a day without too many people around you, then Kijkduin is a good choice. In this quietly located dune area you can relax on the beach or in one of the cozy beach bars. If you prefer to be active, try one of the cycling routes that takes you over the authentic shell paths and through the dunes.
Throughout the year there are plenty of opportunities to go out for dinner in Kijkduin. From March to October you can find several beach bars on the beach. The other months of the year you can visit the boulevard. One of the restaurants you may have heard of is ‘La Fontaine’.
Due to its location, Kijkduin is ideal for a weekend or week away. You are close to The Hague where you can enjoy the old city center or go shopping. The somewhat touristy Scheveningen is also nearby, if you take the tram you can be at both locations within half an hour. You can spend the night in a nearby bungalow park or a hotel on the boulevard with a view of the North Sea. If you want to fully enjoy the beach life, you can also choose to sleep directly by the sea. For this it is possible to rent a luxury beach house.
#11 Scheveningen
We just talked about this place, Scheveningen. Here you really have everything. From a beautiful boulevard full of shops and restaurants to a pier full of activities. At the end of the boulevard you will find SEA Life and nearby directly on the boulevard it is possible to rent a longboard with which you can cruise on the boulevard.
The beach is full of nice beach bars where you can lounge, have a bite to eat or a drink. You can be sure that there is always something to do. Especially in the summer period, this beach attracts hundreds of visitors, keep in mind that there is a lot of hustle and bustle around this period.
Besides Zandvoort, Scheveningen is one of the other beaches where you can go with your dog at certain times. From 1 October to 15 May, dogs are welcome on the entire beach.
