The coastline of the North Sea doesn't promise the Mediterranean or the Caribbean, but for the hardened tourist, a seaside vacation in the Netherlands promises to be one of the most memorable experiences in the annals of travel.
Kicky life in Dutch seaside resorts isn't limited to beach activities. As a rule, a tour to the Netherlands with a vacation on the coast usually involves active pursuits, water sports, vibrant nightlife, and an extensive sightseeing program. The most popular beaches of the country are listed here.
In the opinion of many tour operators, the best seaside vacation in the Netherlands is provided by the aristocratic resort of Scheveningen on the western outskirts of The Hague, dubbed the Northern Riviera. Excellent conditions for diving and a well-developed industry of nightclubs, bars, restaurants, and casinos attract the golden youth and bohemians.
Not far from the beach area is the largest oceanarium in the country, Sea Life, and a little farther away is the famous Madurodam Miniatures Park.
North of The Hague, you'll find the more democratic Kijkdown Resort with similar vacation amenities minus the high society glitz. If possible, get here in early June, so you can have a good time at the mass celebration of the first catch of herring.
A non-formal alternative to glamorous Scheveningen is the cute and homey Zandvoort on the outskirts of Amsterdam. Here you can enjoy kitesurfing and windsurfing, rent a yacht, play a round of golf, and even enjoy a horseback ride on the spacious seaside. The most adventurous vacationers can visit the nudist beach and experience the joys of being one with the sea.
Windy Tessel Island in the western part of North Holland is another popular destination for beach activities, surfing, and trekking. The resort area is concentrated on the western shore of the island, with the rest of the land used for pastureland.
Domburg Beach in the province of Zealand is one of the best surfing spots in Europe, and daring adventurers can practice wall diving along the sheer cliffs.
The well-designed infrastructure keeps the prestige of the Netherlands' beach vacations on par with the world's leading resorts. The sand is always sparkling clean, and vacationers have no shortage of changing rooms and toilet stalls. It's advisable to vacation by the sea in Holland without young children, as the sea can be quite restless, and the cool water may lead to catching a cold. Even on the hottest days, the water temperature doesn't exceed +17-20 °C.
The peak beach vacation season lasts from mid-June to the end of August, coinciding with the summer vacation period. The surfing season extends a bit longer, from May through September. Divers can start their underwater adventures in April or May and continue until mid-October.
