Best 7 Beaches in Netherlands

The Netherlands boasts several beautiful beaches along its coastline. Scheveningen Beach in The Hague is a popular choice, offering a lively atmosphere with beach bars and water sports. Zandvoort Beach, near Amsterdam, is another favorite, known for its vibrant nightlife and a wide stretch of golden sands. Texel Island features serene, unspoiled beaches, perfect for relaxation and birdwatching. For a more tranquil experience, visit Domburg Beach in Zeeland, with its charming dunes and historic town nearby. Bloemendaal aan Zee is known for its trendy beach clubs and music festivals, making it an ideal spot for beachgoers seeking entertainment.

List of 7 Best Beaches in Netherlands

1. Zandvoort Beach

Zandvoort Beach, situated just 25 kilometers from Amsterdam, is one of the Netherlands' most popular coastal destinations. Stretching for approximately 9 kilometers along the North Sea, it offers a picturesque combination of soft golden sands and rolling dunes. Visitors flock here for various activities, including swimming, sunbathing, and water sports like kite surfing. The beachfront promenade is lined with vibrant beach bars, restaurants, and shops, making it a hub of seaside entertainment. Zandvoort also hosts events such as beach festivals and motor racing at Circuit Zandvoort. With its accessibility and lively atmosphere, Zandvoort is a top choice for beach enthusiasts.

2. Scheveningen Beach

Scheveningen Beach, located in The Hague on the Dutch North Sea coast, is one of the most famous and vibrant beaches in the Netherlands. It stretches for about 4.5 kilometers and offers a wide array of attractions and activities. The beach is renowned for its long sandy shoreline, making it perfect for sunbathing and swimming during the summer months. Water sports enthusiasts can enjoy activities like surfing, kiteboarding, and windsurfing.

Scheveningen boasts a lively atmosphere with numerous beach clubs, bars, and restaurants, providing a diverse culinary experience and a great place to relax with a drink while watching the sunset. The iconic Scheveningen Pier features an observation deck with stunning sea views and various attractions, including restaurants and bungee jumping.

Throughout the year, Scheveningen hosts events and festivals, such as beach volleyball tournaments and the International Fireworks Festival, attracting visitors from near and far. Whether you seek relaxation, water sports, or vibrant entertainment, Scheveningen Beach offers a dynamic seaside experience for all.

3. Egmond aan Zee

Egmond aan Zee is a charming coastal village nestled along the North Sea in the Netherlands, known for its serene and picturesque beach. With a tranquil ambiance, it provides a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The wide sandy beach stretches for approximately 8 kilometers, offering ample space for relaxation and beach activities.

Visitors to Egmond aan Zee can enjoy swimming in the refreshing North Sea waters, sunbathing on the sandy shores, and exploring the scenic dunes that back the beach. These dunes are a part of the North Holland Dune Reserve, a protected natural area rich in flora and fauna, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and hikers.

The village itself is quaint, with its historic lighthouse and charming streets lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops. Egmond aan Zee also hosts various cultural events and festivals throughout the year, adding to its allure as a peaceful coastal retreat with a touch of Dutch charm.

4. Katwijk aan Zee

Katwijk aan Zee is a delightful seaside town situated along the North Sea coast of the Netherlands. Known for its scenic beauty and relaxed atmosphere, Katwijk aan Zee is a popular destination for beachgoers and tourists seeking a tranquil coastal escape.

The town's beach, stretching for approximately 2 kilometers, offers soft sandy shores where visitors can sunbathe, swim, and engage in various water sports such as surfing and kite flying. The beach promenade is lined with cozy beachfront cafes, restaurants, and shops, making it a pleasant place to take a stroll and enjoy some local cuisine.

Katwijk aan Zee is also steeped in history, with its iconic lighthouse and the nearby Katwijks Museum, which offers insights into the town's maritime heritage and culture. The town hosts events and festivals throughout the year, including the Katwijk Fishing Day, where you can witness the traditional Dutch fishing culture.

With its charming blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and serene beachfront, Katwijk aan Zee is a lovely destination for those seeking a peaceful coastal retreat in the Netherlands.

5. Noordwijk aan Zee

Noordwijk aan Zee is a picturesque coastal town located along the North Sea in the Netherlands. It is renowned for its stunning beaches, natural beauty, and relaxed, seaside atmosphere. The town's main attraction is its expansive sandy beach, which stretches for several kilometers and offers a serene setting for sunbathing, swimming, and beachcombing.

Noordwijk aan Zee is surrounded by vibrant dunes and lush nature reserves, making it an ideal destination for hiking and cycling enthusiasts. The town's charming promenade is lined with beachside restaurants, cafes, and shops, inviting visitors to savor fresh seafood and enjoy oceanfront views.

The town also has a rich history, with landmarks such as the historic Huis ter Duin Hotel and the iconic Noordwijk Lighthouse. Noordwijk aan Zee hosts various events and festivals, including flower parades and cultural celebrations, adding to its vibrant and welcoming ambiance.

With its combination of natural beauty, recreational activities, and cultural attractions, Noordwijk aan Zee is a beloved destination for beach lovers and tourists seeking a tranquil seaside escape in the Netherlands.

6. Bloemendaal aan Zee

Bloemendaal aan Zee is a popular coastal destination in the Netherlands, known for its trendy and vibrant beach scene. Situated along the North Sea, this beach town offers a unique blend of relaxation and entertainment. The beach itself features soft golden sands and rolling dunes, creating a picturesque setting for sunbathing, swimming, and beach sports.

What sets Bloemendaal aan Zee apart is its lively beach clubs and beachside bars, where visitors can enjoy music, cocktails, and a lively atmosphere. It's a hub for beach parties and DJ events, making it a hotspot for the younger crowd, especially during the summer months.

In addition to the beach scene, Bloemendaal aan Zee is surrounded by natural beauty, including the nearby Kennemerduinen National Park, which offers hiking and cycling trails through pristine dunes and coastal landscapes.

Overall, Bloemendaal aan Zee is the perfect destination for those seeking a beach experience with a lively social scene, making it a unique and exciting beach destination in the Netherlands.

7. Domburg Beach

Domburg Beach is a tranquil and scenic coastal destination located in the Zeeland region of the Netherlands. Nestled along the North Sea, it is renowned for its natural beauty and serene ambiance, making it an ideal getaway for relaxation and outdoor enthusiasts.

The beach at Domburg is characterized by its soft, sandy shores and picturesque dunes, providing an inviting environment for sunbathing, swimming, and beachcombing. The area is also known for its therapeutic properties, and Domburg has a long history as a seaside spa town, with visitors seeking the healing benefits of sea air and seawater.

Domburg itself is a charming village with historic buildings, quaint streets, and cozy cafes. The town is also home to cultural attractions like the Domburgsche Golf Club, one of the oldest golf courses in the Netherlands.

Nature lovers can explore the nearby Manteling van Walcheren nature reserve, which offers hiking and cycling trails through lush woods and dunes. With its peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty, Domburg Beach is a perfect destination for a rejuvenating seaside escape.

Conclusion

In the Netherlands, a country known more for its picturesque canals and historic cities than its beaches, there is a surprising variety of coastal destinations to explore. From the lively and trendy atmosphere of Bloemendaal aan Zee to the serene and therapeutic vibes of Domburg Beach, these Dutch beaches offer something for every type of traveler.

Zandvoort Beach and Scheveningen Beach provide the excitement of water sports, beach bars, and entertainment, making them perfect for those seeking a lively beach experience. Texel Island's unspoiled beaches offer a peaceful retreat, while Katwijk aan Zee and Noordwijk aan Zee provide a balance of natural beauty and cultural charm.

Whether you're looking for relaxation, outdoor activities, or vibrant nightlife, the Netherlands' beaches have it all. The country's coastal towns and their unique characteristics showcase the diverse and captivating coastal landscapes along the North Sea, making them a must-visit for any traveler exploring this European gem.