What are the best beaches in the Netherlands?

The Dutch coastline is over 450 kilometers long and there are beautiful beaches everywhere. So what are the best beaches in the Netherlands? Holland.com recommends the following coastal destinations: Scheveningen: One of the most popular seaside towns with its long beach, iconic pier, attractive boulevard, and lovely lighthouse. Noordwijk: Boasts a stunning 13-kilometer beach with ample sportive options for water sports and horseback riding enthusiasts. Zandvoort: Has wide sandy beaches at just 24 km from Amsterdam. Dogs are welcome. Wadden Islands: Whether you seek endless wide beaches, unique dune landscapes, or a quiet family beach, you will find it on one of the Wadden Islands. Egmond aan Zee: Has one of the most beautiful beaches in the Netherlands, popular among families, and a must for everyone who loves a quiet day at the beach.

Is spending the night on a beach allowed?

Sleeping on the beach in the Netherlands is prohibited. There are several accommodations on or near a beach where you can stay overnight.

Zandvoort beach

Photo: © Olha Rohulya via Shutterstock

Dutch Coast

Why go?

Holland is well known for its splendid beaches. The Dutch coastline offers unlimited opportunities for water sport fanatics, nature lovers and beach fans. The beaches of the Netherlands can be divided in three groups: the Wadden Islands, the coastline of the provinces North-Holland and South-Holland, and Zeeland.

See & do

Active
Water sports in Holland

Holland consists of about 16% water. Come sailing, sup boarding, surfing, kiting, diving, and more.
Read more
Nature
Kitesurfing

You can take a kite not just to the beach, but also to the water.
Read more
Nature
Flying a kite

Flying a kite: fun and easy to learn.
Read more
Nature
Walking your dog on the beach

Walking your dog on the beach? Find out where and when it’s allowed.
Read more
Nature
Nude beaches in Holland

Nude recreation is quite common in Holland.
Read more

Also great:

Eating & drinking

If you love fish, explore the Dutch coast. From deep-fried fish to halibut, fish are served almost directly from the sea and countless Michelin-worthy dishes are created in the eateries. Have you ever tried oysters from Yerseke or one of Zeeland’s other briny snacks?

Food & Drink

Salty flavours from Zeeland

Everything you need to know about the tastiest seafood from Zeeland.

Food & Drink

Fresh fish from the North Sea

Taste the best North Sea fish, from the sea direct to your plate, caught by Dutch fishing fleets.

Food & Drink

Taste the season: Hollandse Nieuwe herring

You can eat Hollandse Nieuwe herring on the Dutch coast in June!

Where to stay

Unique accommodation by the coast

Spend a night by the beach in an industrial crane, safari tent or sea-view apartment.
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De Pier Suites

This property has one of the best-rated locations in Scheveningen! Enjoy the view of the beach from the Pier!
Check availability
Grand Hotel Kurhaus

This prominent building on the Scheveningen boulevard cannot be ignored. The terrace, a perfect spot for breakfast in summer, offers a lovely view of the North Sea.
Check availability
Vesper Hotel

Enjoy your own private paradise in this boutique hotel on the beach in Noordwijk.
Check availability

Watch this video: Dutch dunes

Did you know...

that the Zeeland oyster is a true delicacy?

Nature

Holiday by the sea

Holiday by the sea? Discover the many options here.

Discover the Delta Works

Read more about the unique structure built after the 1953 North Sea Flood or Watersnoodramp.

Popular towns in Zeeland

Discover the best towns in Zeeland, such as Domburg, Renesse, Oostkapelle, and other places.

Events

9 ~~May 2020~~
North Sea Regatta
- Through ~~11 May 2020~~ Canceled
- The Hague
13 ~~June 2020~~
Flag Day
- Scheveningen
9 ~~Aug. 2020~~
Harbour Festival IJmond.
- Through ~~11 Aug. 2020~~ Canceled
- IJmuiden
26 Sept. 2020
Scheveningen Kite Festival
- Through 27 Sept. 2020
- Scheveningen
15 Nov. 2020
Sinterklaas
- Through 5 Dec. 2020
- All of Holland
31 Dec. 2020
New Year’s Eve in Holland
- Through 1 Jan. 2021
- All of Holland

Where is what?

Frequently Asked Questions

The Dutch coastline is over 450 kilometers long and there are beautiful beaches everywhere. So what are the best beaches in the Netherlands? Holland.com recommends the following coastal destinations: Scheveningen: One of the most popular seaside towns with its long beach, iconic pier, attractive boulevard, and lovely lighthouse. Noordwijk: Boasts a stunning 13-kilometer beach with ample sportive options for water sports and horseback riding enthusiasts. Zandvoort: Has wide sandy beaches at just 24 km from Amsterdam. Dogs are welcome. Wadden Islands: Whether you seek endless wide beaches, unique dune landscapes, or a quiet family beach, you will find it on one of the Wadden Islands. Egmond aan Zee: Has one of the most beautiful beaches in the Netherlands, popular among families, and a must for everyone who loves a quiet day at the beach.
Read more

Dutch Coast

Why go?

See & do

Water sports in Holland

Kitesurfing

Flying a kite

Walking your dog on the beach

Nude beaches in Holland

Also great:

Eating & drinking

Salty flavours from Zeeland

Fresh fish from the North Sea

Taste the season: Hollandse Nieuwe herring

Where to stay

Unique accommodation by the coast

De Pier Suites

Grand Hotel Kurhaus

Vesper Hotel

Watch this video: Dutch dunes

Most popular beaches and resorts

Did you know...

Holiday by the sea

Discover the Delta Works

Popular towns in Zeeland

Events

North Sea Regatta

Flag Day

Harbour Festival IJmond.

Scheveningen Kite Festival

Sinterklaas

New Year’s Eve in Holland

Where is what?

Frequently Asked Questions

More Regions

Veluwe

Flower Fields

Provinces in the Netherlands

Wadden Islands