For sailing enthusiasts, the Frisian lakes are perhaps the most relaxing water sports region in the Netherlands. As you glide peacefully across the water, small villages, historical bridges and vast reed beds alternate along the way. The horizon here seems endless and the lapping of the water automatically sets the pace of your day. Especially in the off-season, there is a welcome sense of calm here.

Stay for a few days in places like Sneek or Sloten and combine boating with local restaurants and small waterfront terraces. Thanks to good train connections, both within the Netherlands and internationally, you can travel to Friesland easily and sustainably. Even if you don’t own a boat, there are plenty of opportunities to hire a sloop or sailboat for a relaxing trip.

Gelderland's major rivers are the perfect place for a relaxed form of water sports combining nature and small cities. Along the IJssel and Waal, you cruise through open floodplains with a landscape of old brickworks, green banks and historic towns in the distance. You will find that early morning in particular, there is an almost 'hushed' atmosphere over the water in the Netherlands.

Combine your time on board with overnight stays in cities such as Doesburg or Zaltbommel. On the way, you'll find small marinas and restaurants serving local produce. Thanks to its flat terrain, this region is also ideal for alternating boat trips with gentle bike rides along the river.

Paddle boarding becomes a whole new experience when you do it in historic Dutch cities. In places like Haarlem or Amersfoort you paddle quietly past old façades, low bridges and small waterfront terraces. The pace is slow and this is precisely why you can see details that are easily missed from the street.

Many routes start directly from the city centre, making it easy to combine paddle boarding with having some lunch or visiting a museum. It’s best to choose an early morning trip, when the water is still as smooth as a mirror. And thanks to the calm inland waters, less experienced paddle boarders will also enjoy taking to the water here.

Noordwijk shows that water sports on the coast is not necessarily synonym with crowded or over-commercialised. Outside the summer months, there is a relaxed atmosphere here where beach, dunes and water blend together effortlessly. Quiet paddle boarding or kayak trips along the coast offer a completely different view of this well-known seaside resort.

Combine a stay by the sea with walks through the dunes or cycle trips to the bulb region. Many hotels are geared specifically towards comfort and relaxation away from the big crowds. As a result, your stay in Noordwijk will feel like a relaxing wellness destination rather than a classic beach holiday.