Zandvoort and Scheveningen are undoubtedly the most popular seaside resorts in the Netherlands. But there are several coastal towns well worth the journey from the ‘far-flung’ Limburg region. We’ve compiled a list of the most beautiful alternatives to the country's biggest seaside resorts for you. You can almost smell and taste the salty sea air!
Cadzand-Bad
Cadzand-Bad, in Zeeuws Vlaanderen, is the most southerly seaside resort in the Netherlands. At low tide, you can walk all the way to Knokke in Belgium. Not only the beach, but especially the landscape around Cadzand-Bad is a feast for the eyes. The resort is therefore not merely a place to get a tan or go for a walk on the beach. Put on your walking shoes or grab your bike and explore the surrounding area.
Travel time from Maastricht: 2 hours 30 minutes
Egmond aan Zee
There's plenty to do on the beach at Egmond aan Zee. Egmond is of course famous for its lighthouse, J.C.J. van Speijk, one of the oldest still-active lighthouses in the Netherlands. The centre of Egmond is definitely worth a visit. Fancy a brisk walk on the beach? You can walk to Bergen aan Zee in an hour and a quarter. Don't forget you have to walk back too, do you?
Travel time from Maastricht: 2 hours 45 minutes
Callantsoog
Callantsoog is one of the oldest and certainly one of the most beautiful seaside resorts in the Netherlands. The sandy beach, with its fine sand, is among the cleanest in the Netherlands. You shouldn't overlook the town itself either. Slightly south of Callantsoog, you'll find the largest natural dune lakes in Europe. This area is wonderful for walking and cycling.
Travel time from Maastricht: just over 3 hours
Bergen aan Zee
As we've already mentioned, you can walk from Egmond aan Zee to Bergen aan Zee. Of course, you could also drive straight to picturesque Bergen. Bergen aan Zee is very popular with water sports enthusiasts, particularly windsurfers. The addition ‘aan Zee’ (by the sea) is not redundant, as a few kilometres further inland lies the artistic village of Bergen, which, like Bergen aan Zee, is a favourite with artists and boasts various museums and galleries.
Travel time from Maastricht: 2 hours 50 minutes
Texel
The Netherlands' largest Wadden Sea island, with approximately 18 km of sandy beach, must naturally not be left out of this list. Nowhere in the Netherlands does the sun shine longer. There is plenty to do, but most people come to Texel for the peace and quiet, which you will find here in abundance. The only downside is that you naturally have to take the ferry and that with just over four hours of travel, it's certainly not on your doorstep. Texel is therefore better suited for a weekend trip than a day trip.
Travel time from Maastricht: a little over 4 hours (including ferry)
Rent a car
No car and still want to go to the beach? You can! With us Are you renting a car yet from €12.49 per day.* Want to go to the coast with more than five people? Then rent a Minibus for six or nine people.
* All-inclusive rent, excluding insurance, mileage, fuel and VAT.
