Top 11 Most Beautiful Coastal Towns in Netherlands
The Netherlands may not be the first place that comes to mind when considering a vacation along the coast of Europe, but the truth is that the area is full of ... read more...interesting places that are sure to captivate you, especially coastal towns. Here is a list of the most beautiful coastal towns in the Netherlands.
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Texel ranks first in the list of the most beautiful coastal towns in Netherlands. You will arrive in the city of Den Helder if you journey all the way up North via Amsterdam and Alkmaar. From here, you may get to Texel via ferry for about 25 minutes. Undoubtedly, Texel offers one of the Netherlands' most beautiful beaches. The beaches are still in excellent shape because it is less touristy than the mainland. The beach is a great place for very lengthy strolls because it stretches for around 18 kilometers around the entire island.
In Texel, you may explore Dutch Nature in addition to the beach. To view the typical dunes-covered scenery of the Netherlands, you can go to the National Park Dunes. Ecomare is a smaller version of Seaworld and a must-see if you appreciate sea animals. To learn everything there is to know about Texel and marine life, you should arrange a guided tour. The best places to eat and shop are "De Koog" and "Oosterend," while "Den Burg" offers sightseeing opportunities and access to homes from the 15th century.
TripAdvisor rating: 5.0/5.0
Location: North Holland, Netherlands -
The Netherlands' most populated coastal town is by far Scheveningen. The distance to The Hague's city center is only ten minutes by automobile. The coastline is akin to Jersey Shore in the United States or Brighton in the United Kingdom. Even in the winter, it is constantly very busy, and the boardwalk is very crowded. This contributes to Scheveningen's allure. You will witness all different types of individuals who are all there to have a good time since it exudes an atmosphere of "everyone is welcome."
When you're on the boulevard and looking out toward the ocean, keep in mind that traffic will increase as you move further to the left. With fewer visitors and more local Dutch people, the right side of the street, in the direction of "het Zwarte Pad," is a little more peaceful. There are many surf schools in Scheveningen, which is ideal for surfing.
Additionally, Scheveningen has a ton of hip beach clubs and eateries that will give you the impression that you are on vacation somewhere other than the Netherlands. Beach blahs got you down? The Casino, the Pathe Cinema, and the Circus Theater are all situated in a triangle that is only two minutes from the boulevard.TripAdvisor rating: 5.0/5.0
Location: The Hague, Netherlands
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The Dutch province of North Holland has the coastal town of Egmond aan Zee on the North Sea. About 9 kilometers west of Alkmaar, it is a portion of the municipality of Bergen. Egmond is the ideal location for a relaxing atmosphere. Why is Egmond so unique? Egmond is a welcoming community with a rich history that is evident everywhere. You can observe the tiny boats on the parking lots, the tiny, old fishermen's homes, the Prins Hendrik Stichting (a magnificent home that once housed retired fishermen), the lighthouse J.C.J. van Speijk, the narrow alleys, and the dunes' allotment gardens.
Everybody who appreciates being active outside will find Egmond aan Zee to be ideal. At the beach, you can engage in a number of (water-related) sports, such as kiteboarding, surfing, and simple kite flying. The boulevard is a great place to bike around, and you may rent a bike to do so. Another feature of the town is its lighthouse, which is among the oldest in the Netherlands and still operational.
TripAdvisor rating: 4.8/5.0
Location: North Holland, Netherlands -
Bloemendaal Aan Zee is one of the most beautiful coastal towns in Netherlands. This coastal community and resort are located between the beaches of Ijmuiden and Zandvoort in the North Holland province. Being one of the most well-liked beach towns in all of Holland, if you want to experience the vibrant energy of a charming Dutch beach town, especially in the summer when sunbathing is an important part of a seaside vacation, then this is the place for you. Bloemendaal aan Zee is reachable via public transportation from Amsterdam or after a (relatively) brief trip in a car.
Additionally, Bloemendaal aan Zee is a very trendy and hip beach town. Malibu, the Hamptons, or Ibiza are frequently used as comparisons. In one of Bloemendaal's hip beach clubs, you can discover the affluent and famous. Due to the amazing beach parties and one of the nicest beach pavilions in all of Holland, Bloemendaal offers a number of upscale beach bars that may be explored and enjoyed until dusk.
TripAdvisor rating: 4.5/5.0
Location: Bloemendaal, North Holland, Netherlands
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Oostkapelle is a village in the Dutch province of Zeeland. It is located around 9 kilometers north of Middelburg and is a component of the Veere municipality. Up until 1966, when it amalgamated with Domburg, Oostkapelle was an independent municipality. This lovely village is a beautiful location with a lot to do, old-fashioned markets, and wonderful beaches. Walking and cycling are great activities in the local nature reserves. The resort of Oostkapelle is particularly "social." The markets happen frequently, and there is always a pleasant crowd of customers sitting in the street cafes. You can climb the church tower steps to get a perspective of the vibrant village activity as well as Walcheren's stunning polders and natural surroundings.
Long, fine-sand North Sea beaches that have received the Blue Flag for cleanliness and good water quality may be found in Oostkapelle. Dunes that reach a height of 50 meters surround the beaches. Breezand, a charming beach with a scale pirate ship for kids to play with and a plethora of extremely cozy beachside cafés, is located in the nearby Vrouwenpolder.
TripAdvisor rating: 4.5/5.0
Location: Dutch province, Zeeland, Netherlands -
All of the aforementioned coastline locations were in the northern part of the Netherlands. The most southern seaside town in the Netherlands is Cadzand-Bad, which is in the opposite direction. A coastal village in the Zeeland province named Cadzand-Bad is located right on Belgian soil. It is the ideal location for a (family) holiday because it is serene, kid-friendly, and very quiet.
You can stroll through the Het Zwin nature reserve, which stretches into Belgium, from Cadzand-Bad in a southwesterly direction. The restaurants in Cadzand and the surrounding area feature specialties like Belgian waffles and beer on their menus, and the lovely Belgian cities of Bruges, Ghent, and Antwerp are easily accessible by vehicle because of this close proximity. Due to the caliber of its beaches, the clarity of its air, and the quality of its seawater, Cadzand has been deemed "the healthiest spa in Holland," all of which support the well-being of both visitors and locals.
TripAdvisor rating: 4.0/5.0
Location: Zeeland province, Netherlands -
Schouwen-Duiveland, the biggest island in Zeeland, is where you can find Renesse. Even the route to the swimming area is breathtaking: arriving from the south, you'll see the Zeeland Bridge and the Oosterschelde storm surge barrier, and coming from the north, you'll cross the Brouwersdam. Long bicycle adventures and cultural excursions to the ancient cities of Zierikzee and Brouwershaven are ideal on the island itself. This area is great for shopping and sightseeing since it has characteristic Dutch gabled buildings, river ports, ramparts, and white drawbridges. Burgh-Haamstede, a charming neighborhood encircled by various vacation parks, is a little more serene.
For its spotless beaches and exceptional water quality, Renesse has already won numerous international Blue Flag medals. The variety of beaches is another factor that makes Renesse's spotless white beaches so popular. Renesse has beaches for surfing and water skiing as well as nudist, family, and activity beaches. The Renesse coast has something for everyone. It is Ideal for taking your dog on a long walk.
TripAdvisor rating: 4.0/5.0
Location: Schouwen-Duiveland, Zeeland, Netherlands -
On the northern bank of the Western Scheldt, right where it empties into the North Sea, is the port city of Vlissingen, which is part of the Dutch province of Zeeland. With 34,000 residents, it is the second-largest town in Zeeland. A sizable canal connects the town, which has an industrial feel, to Middelburg and then the inland lake of Veerse Meer.
A bustling beach town, Vlissingen is a well-liked vacation spot that draws numerous tourists each year. Vlissingen offers a variety of nightlife options in addition to its excellent setting by the water. It also has many beach pavilions. The lengthy promenade—which is also the longest in the Netherlands—and the lovely beaches are Vlissingen's main draws. Nearly forgotten are the 300 structures that give the city its distinctive maritime feel. The city's museum of the water features information on Zeeland's difficult past. You may learn more about fishing, canals, and shipbuilding in this museum by using the most recent communication and technological advancements.
TripAdvisor rating: 4.0/5.0
Location: Western Scheldt, Zeeland, Netherlands -
Appingedam is a city and former municipality in the northeastern Netherlands. Northeastern Netherlands contains the city of Appingedam and its previous municipality. While the actual date of Appingedam is unknown, historical study suggests that the area where it would eventually be built had been inhabited for more than a thousand years. A tiny, twisting street with the same name stretches along the waterfront today as a living reminder of bygone eras. The historical East-West Canal, or "Diep," dug to the south of the Wierde and diked on both sides, continues to define the distinctive layout of downtown Appingedam. It is one of the defining features of the old Wierde and is still easily identifiable today.
Because it had access to the sea, Appingedam used to be a significant commerce hub and seaport. The little rooms of buildings that protrude over the Damsterdiep canal are known as hanging kitchens, and the city is still a historic medieval settlement. A ferry ride around town is enjoyable on a Saturday afternoon. Exploring the little city center on a bike or on foot is a good opportunity to see the town hall from 1630 and the even earlier Nicolai Church.
TripAdvisor rating: 4.0/5.0
Location: northeastern Netherlands -
In the Friesland region of the northern Netherlands, on the Wadden Sea coast, sits the city of Harlingen. A lengthy history of fishing and shipping may be found in the town of Harlingen. In 1234, Harlingen was granted city privileges. On the train line from Leeuwarden, two stations serve Harlingen. The North Friesland Railway operated passenger service from 1904 to 1935, carrying freight until January 1938. Ferries run by Rederij Doeksen leave from Harlingen for the Wadden islands of Vlieland and Terschelling.
In the northern Dutch province of Friesland, the town of Harlingen is a charming old harbor. It is dotted with quaint medieval homes. You can watch for the pediment stones, which were once used to locate homes before they had numbers, as you walk around the city. Some signify the function of the structure they are in, such as the gilded angel atop the oldest stone structure in the city, which formerly served as a Masonic lodge. There are also several old warehouses from the 17th century.
TripAdvisor rating: 4.0/5.0
Location: Friesland region, northern Netherlands -
In the Dutch province of North Holland, the fishing village of Volendam is located in the Edam-Volendam municipality. The reputation of Volendam as a traditional small-town fishing community is well-deserved. Therefore, walking through the Dijk or the Doolhof are some of the greatest ways to explore Volendam. Beautiful ancient fishermen's homes can be found in the village's historic neighborhoods, hidden away in a maze of narrow alleyways that have long been a source of inspiration for painters and other creatives.
The land on which Volendam is located was taken from the Zuiderzee in the fourteenth century, making it a favorite with farmers and fishermen. In addition to being one of the most beautiful cities in the Netherlands, it also gained notoriety for drawing artists, like Picasso and Renoir. The historic fishing boats, the residents dressed in typical Dutch garb, and the brown buildings with red-tipped roofs continue to draw tourists from Amsterdam. The entire town has a postcard-perfect appearance!
TripAdvisor rating: 4.0/5.0
Location: Dutch province, North Holland, Netherlands