Summer is in full swing and it’s high time to plan our summer vacation. Long, white beaches, idyllic landscapes, picturesque coastal towns with beautiful old towns – sounds pretty tempting, doesn’t it? Whether in Italy, Malta or on an exotic island – a beach holiday is always pure relaxation! But why wander so far into the distance when the good is so close? Are you longing for a little break but don’t want to sit on a plane forever or your budget is a bit tight this year? We have the perfect solution for you, a holiday in Holland by the sea! The neighboring country not only has delicious cheese, tulips and windmills in its repertoire, but also has a lot to offer when it comes to beach holidays. Whether with the children, with friends or with the dog – the Dutch coast is a real balm for the soul. To make your planning easier, we have put together the most beautiful beaches and coastal towns for you in this article!
Is a vacation in the Netherlands possible in 2025? You should know these rules
And good news for everyone who wants to have a holiday in Holland by the sea! Germany is no longer a high-risk area for the Netherlands and a beach holiday is now possible without any problems despite Corona. German tourists no longer have to present a negative PCR test or antigen test when entering or returning. The contact restrictions have already been lifted and cafés, bars and restaurants are allowed to welcome guests again. However, a mask requirement applies to everyone on public transport as well as at train stations and airports. In addition, the Dutch government is offering free tests for all travelers and tourists in July and August.
Scheveningen for the perfect holiday in Holland by the sea
Without a doubt, Scheveningen is by far the most popular and well-known beach in the Netherlands and therefore the first choice for a seaside holiday in Holland. With around 18 million visitors a year, an incredible commotion awaits you there. However, the beach is huge and not as crowded as you might think. There are many quieter stretches of beach where you can enjoy long walks and simply relax in peace. Especially in the low season, it can happen that you have an entire stretch of beach to yourself. As a district of The Hague, Scheveningen offers a very wide range of leisure activities for young and old. From diving and surfing to bungee jumps from the observation tower – everyone will find their holiday happiness in Scheveningen! Do you feel like having a wild party? Then you should definitely visit some of the beach bars and restaurants along the promenade and on the pier! Another highlight is the walk across the pier and the observation tower, from which you have a breathtaking view.
Beach Domburg
Domburg Beach is one of the oldest seaside resorts in the Netherlands and is located in South Holland. The place is best known for its picturesque beach huts and dunes, which are ideal for a relaxing seaside holiday in Holland with the children. Because the sea water and the quality of the beach promote the health of visitors, Domburg is also known as a “healthy seaside resort”. A comprehensive wellness offer awaits you there, which mainly specializes in Thelasso therapy. The beach is not particularly large, but it is really beautiful and is considered the cleanest of all the beaches in Holland. In addition, the footbridges on the sand make walking with a stroller or wheelchair much easier. Directly behind the dunes you will find the coastal town of the same name, whose center will enchant you with its typical Dutch charm.
Beach vacation in Zandvoort
Zandvoort aan Zee is also known as the “Pearl on the Lake” and is one of the most important and popular seaside resorts in the Netherlands. The 9 kilometer long white sandy beach is ideal for sunbathing, walking or swimming and the many cafes and bars along the coast invite you to linger. Since the water is very shallow, the place is ideal for a family vacation with children. All adrenaline junkies will get their money’s worth in Zandvoort, as the beach offers a wide range of water sports. From sailing to surfing to paddling, absolutely everything is included! The blue flag flies here too, so you can be sure that the beach is really clean and safe. But what makes Zandvoort so popular with tourists is that it is only 30 kilometers from Amsterdam. So if you want to take a break from sunbathing, you can experience the unique atmosphere of the capital in less than 1 hour by car.
Bergen aan Zee
Pure Caribbean feeling! In Bergen aan Zee you will find another beautiful beach that is ideal for your seaside holiday in Holland! The small village on the coast in North Holland is a real paradise, especially for all water sports enthusiasts. Whether surfing, swimming or sailing – in Bergen aan Zee you will find the ideal conditions for it all. The seaside resort is known for its beautiful white sandy beach and attracts thousands of visitors every year. And if you’re not into sunbathing, you can take a great bike ride along the promenade. The numerous beach cafés with their relaxed atmosphere and great music are very inviting and ensure your physical well-being with delicious cocktails and regional dishes. In addition, Bergen aan Zee was awarded the blue flag for the 8th time last year, making it one of the safest and cleanest beaches in Holland. The town of the same name lies just behind the dunes and is transformed into an art market every Thursday in July and August, illuminated by a wonderful light show.
Egmond aan Zee
When it comes to a wonderful holiday in Holland by the sea, Egmond aan Zee is a real classic. The coastal town is known for its golden sand, wonderfully warm water and perfect fishing! The 5 kilometer long beach is located in North Holland and is divided into different zones, which ensures greater comfort for tourists. There are areas for sports activities and games, areas for quiet sunbathing and nudist areas. Like most Dutch beaches, Egmond aan Zee has been awarded the blue flag and impresses holidaymakers with its cleanliness. The landmark of Egmond aan Zee is the “Van Speijk” lighthouse, which was painted by many artists around the world. Another popular destination is the city of Alkmaar, where you should definitely try the delicious cheese at the cheese market! And if you’ve had enough of lazing around and sunbathing, you can take a boat tour and discover the beautiful beach from the water.
Noordwijk for a quiet holiday in Holland by the sea
Sea and tulips, activity and relaxation, city and country – on a holiday in Holland by the sea in Nordwijk you can experience all of this at the same time! The seaside resort is in close proximity to the popular Keukenhof tulip fields that we all know. The 13 kilometer long beach is ideal for swimming and sunbathing and if you want a little more action you can also rent a kayak. Nordwijk is surrounded by endless forests and dune landscapes, which are ideal for a long walk. The place even made it into National Geographic’s 21 best beaches in the world in 2017 and has been awarded the blue flag several times. There are several bars along the coast where you can hang out with friends in the evening and enjoy the view. And the best part? Dogs are also welcome in Noordwijk, so you can take your four-legged friend with you on holiday!
The most beautiful islands for your holiday in Holland by the sea
The beautiful islands of Texel, Ameland, Schiermonnikoog and Terschelling are located directly off the Netherlands in the North Sea, in the waters of the Wadden Sea. Each of the islands has its own charm and attracts tourists with different highlights and great beaches. The Wadden Sea is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and on a mudflat hike you can discover a variety of different creatures. For your holiday in Holland by the sea, we will briefly introduce each of the islands to you below.
Texel
Texel is the westernmost and also the largest island of the West Frisian Islands. The geographical location, the strong wind and the 30 kilometer long beach make Texel the best possible choice for a seaside holiday in Holland for surfers. However, the Dutch island not only impresses with its endless beaches, but also with numerous quiet areas that are ideal for cycling or walking. In Texel you should definitely visit the Eierlands dunes near the lighthouse and from there enjoy the wonderful view of the entire island. And if you want some peace and quiet, then you will find the loneliest stretches of beach in the south at De Hors.
Ameland
Ameland is not called the “Wattdiamond” for nothing – every holidaymaker simply feels at home there. The island has a wonderfully long beach, which is also considered to be the cleanest in the country. It has been awarded the blue flag more than 30 times and is therefore perfect for a seaside holiday in Holland. The beach sections at Hollum, Buren and Nes in particular are characterized by their exceptional cleanliness. And if you’re feeling a little hungry every now and then, you’ll find 4 pavilions on the beach where delicious food and cold drinks are sold. But Ameland has much more to offer and you should definitely explore the historic villages and the unique flora and fauna in the natural areas! If you are lucky, you can attend an extremely interesting event that takes place several times a year only on Ameland. Lifeboats are pulled into the sea by 10 horses – sounds cool, right?
Schiermonnikoog
Schiermonnikoog is truly a unique place: although it is the smallest Dutch Wadden island, it still has the widest beach in all of Europe. Due to its diverse nature, the island was declared a national park and is a real dream for all nature lovers. From dunes to forests, mudflats, salt marshes to small lakes – you can find everything your heart desires there! The absolute highlight on Schiermonnikoog is the reef. The widest sand plate offers unforgettable views, which are shaped by wind and water. However, cars are not allowed on the island and it is best to rent a bike.
Vlieland
If you want a quiet holiday in Holland by the sea, you will find it on Vlieland. The island is just 12 kilometers long and 2 kilometers wide and exudes a unique, cozy atmosphere. Almost 1,200 people live in the only village of Oost-Vlieland – it couldn’t be quieter, right? The same applies here: cars are prohibited! The absolute highlight on Vlieland is the 45 meter high dune, at the top of which there is a lighthouse.
Terschelling
Terschelling is also called the cycling island and is the second largest island after Texel. The first thing you see on the island is the 55 meter high “Brandaris” lighthouse, which is also the oldest in the Netherlands. On 80 kilometers of cycling routes you can discover up to 600 wild plant species, including various types of orchids. And a little tip for all connoisseurs: Ice cream and cheese are traditionally made and sold in many farmhouses on Terschellin.
