The 10 most beautiful beaches in North Holland
The North Holland coast boasts no less than 100 km of sandy beach where you can enjoy the North Sea. Spend time at famous seaside resorts such as Zandvoort and IJmuiden Beach, or discover the unique beach right in the middle of Amsterdam. There is nothing better than feet in the sand, under the blazing sun, with a delicious cold drink in your hand. Read on to discover the most beautiful beaches in North Holland.
Zandvoort aan Zee
Do you really want to feel like you're abroad for a moment? Then Zandvoort aan Zee is the right place for you. During the day, you can cool off in the salty sea, and in the evening, take a long walk on the beach with your dog while the warm evening sun slowly sets.
In addition, Zandvoort offers more than just beach fun. Besides enjoying the sunshine, you can also visit one of the many beach pavilions for a delicious cup of coffee, lunch, or dinner. Stroll along the boulevard, browse the charming shops, or pay a visit to the world-famous Zandvoort Circuit.
Restaurants on the Boulevard
In the mood for some fun by the sea? Pay a visit to Beach Club Tien, a lively spot for young and old. Sit back on the large terrace and enjoy a delicious (fish) lunch or a well-deserved drink after a sunny day at the beach.
A fan of sushi? Pull up a chair at Zizo Lounge. Here you can enjoy a mix of delicious dishes, from tender meat dishes to fresh sushi. At this shared dining restaurant, you are guaranteed to go home with a full stomach.
For a fresh dinner, pull up a chair at Bar Bistro 't Sand. Everything here is prepared fresh, from the fish soup to the homemade herb butter. Let yourself be surprised by the specialties, such as spareribs in a cola marinade. Vegetarians are also welcome here with flavorful options such as the beetroot burger with avocado and tomato salsa.
Bloemendaal aan Zee
Did you know that Bloemendaal aan Zee is also known as the little sister of Zandvoort aan Zee? The beach in Bloemendaal is just a bit smaller, but no less lively. In Bloemendaal, you'll discover many trendy beach clubs where you can sample delicious snacks during the day and hit the dance floor until late at night.
Beach pavilions
Feeling hungry after sunbathing? Pull up a chair at one of the many beach pavilions Bloemendaal aan Zee has to offer. Step onto the terrace of Beachclub Bloomingdale, where you can enjoy seasonal dishes with a breathtaking view of the North Sea. Also give Parnassia aan Zee a try, where you can take a seat on the large terrace for a fried egg in the morning or a well-stocked charcuterie board with delicious drinks in the evening.
Parties by the sea
Bloemendaal aan Zee is buzzing with parties and festivals every weekend. At Woodstock69, the speakers are turned on weekly and the dance floor fills with partygoers. Additionally, Beachclub Fuel knows how to throw a party. During the day, you enjoy delicious dishes; in the evening, you swing the night away at the best festivals by the sea.
The Beach of Callantsoog
At the northern tip of North Holland, right on the North Sea, you will find the seaside resort of Callantsoog. The resort is known as one of the oldest and most beautiful beaches in the Netherlands. For those who don't like sitting still, the beach is bursting with activities. Hop into a blokart and let the wild wind carry you across the vast beach. On warm summer days, jump on a SUP and let the cooling water take you towards the horizon.
Parking is free at Callantsoog, and dogs are welcome. How about a long beach walk with your faithful four-legged friend? Don't forget to keep him on a leash during the walk.
Also pay a visit to the charming center of Callantsoog. The village center offers countless spots for a delightful shopping experience: from local boutiques to well-known clothing stores and atmospheric cafes where you can relax after a successful day.
Soothing flora and fauna
Callantsoog is not only a popular seaside resort, but also a paradise for nature lovers. Put on your walking shoes, hop on your bike, and explore the beautiful nature. Discover the special nature reserve Het Zwanenwater, where you will come face to face with unique flora and fauna.
Petten aan Zee
This little gem might be less well-known, but that certainly doesn't make it any less beautiful. Near Callantsoog lies the stunning beach of Petten aan Zee. With its vast dune area and peaceful surroundings, this is one of the most beautiful seaside resorts in the Netherlands.
Relax at Petten
If you want to avoid the crowds of tourists, you have come to the right place. Due to the well-known surrounding beaches, this beautiful spot is often overlooked. This makes a day at the beach as soothing and relaxing as possible. In addition, the beautiful surroundings are the perfect base for walkers. One moment you are at the coast, and the next you are in the dunes or woods.
Dive into the cozy village of Petten as well. The walk from the beach to and through the village is a pleasant activity in itself. Discover the town's rich history through the old churches and charming shops.
IJmuiden Beach
Unwind completely on the beach of IJmuiden. Relax blissfully with your feet in the sand at one of the five beach pavilions, or wake up in a beach cottage. For a beautiful view, you can stroll along the boulevard. Here you will find various hospitality venues where you can sit down for a bite to eat or a drink.
In the vicinity of IJmuiden, you will find Zuid-Kennemerland National Park, where you can also enjoy wonderful walks. Find yourself in an oasis of tranquility and discover the nature reserve full of plants, shifting dunes, and wildlife.
Are you heading out with your faithful four-legged friend? During the summer months, from April 1 to October 1, dogs are not allowed on the main beaches of IJmuiden during the day. However, they are welcome before 9:00 AM and after 7:00 PM. There are specific parts of the beach that are accessible to dogs all year round. These areas are clearly marked, and dogs can run around and play freely here. Always check this before your visit.
Beach of Bergen aan Zee
Bergen aan Zee is also known as an artists' village. Many painters, writers, and architects were inspired by the beautiful surrounding nature: from mountains and dunes to beach and sea. What it is all about now is this beautiful beach in Bergen op Zee. Take a dip in the salty North Sea or paddle in the water. Are you more up for an exciting activity like surfing, kitesurfing, or stand-up paddleboarding? During the summer months, Bergen offers countless water sports activities, allowing you to fully enjoy yourself with your feet in the sand.
Feasting on the beach
By the sea, you’ll find the coziest restaurants where you can go after a day full of fun. Step onto the terrace at Hemingway's Beach Restaurant, where you can sunbathe on the beach during the day and relax in the evening with a drink in hand. With an original menu full of local ingredients, the chef prepares the most delicious meals for you. You won't taste fish this fresh anywhere else!
A beach for every season
In the cold winter months, you can also fully enjoy Bergen aan Zee. Take a long walk on the beach and breathe in the fresh sea air, or cycle through the enchanting forests and dunes surrounding Bergen. No matter how you look at it, anything is possible at the beach of Bergen aan Zee.
In need of luxury and relaxation? At De Jongens, you can sink comfortably into the soft lounge sofas, enjoying the warm sun. In the evening, sit down for a delicious meal from the barbecue menu. The restaurant offers more than just culinary delights: on Sundays, head out onto the water and take a surf lesson at De Jongens’ surf school.
Egmond aan Zee
Discover the beautiful beach of Egmond aan Zee alongside the stunning dune landscape of Egmond. What once served as a fishing village is now one of the most popular seaside resorts in North Holland. Egmond aan Zee is the perfect base for an active day at the beach: from a brisk beach walk to cycling through the surrounding nature and soaking up the medieval atmosphere in the village.
Climb the lighthouse
On the coast, you will find the historic JCJ van Speijk lighthouse. The lighthouse is the symbol of Egmond, still shining its familiar light over the coast every evening. If you visit Egmond aan Zee on a Friday this summer, you are in luck. You will have the unique opportunity to climb the tower's 137 steps for a breathtaking view of the North Sea, the dunes, and the village.
Culinary delights on the coast
In and around Egmond aan Zee, there are countless restaurants where you can sit down for the freshest fish and delicious drinks. At Comer Egmond aan Zee, you can taste delicious oysters and prawns, while at Restaurant van Speijk, you can sample delicious regional products on the atmospheric terrace.
Camperduin Beach
Right next to the beautiful Schoorl Dunes, you walk onto the beach at Camperduin. This wonderfully wide beach has beautiful surrounding nature that is best explored on a walk. Additionally, you can relax here wonderfully, alone or with the whole family.
Camperduin Lagoon
What makes Camperduin special is the Lagoon. This is a lake on the beach, before the sea begins. Many sports enthusiasts flock to the Camperduin Lagoon. This body of water on the beach offers opportunities for countless sporting activities: from stand-up paddleboarding to kitesurfing and windsurfing. Discover your skills on the lake before putting them to the test on the rough sea.
A fun day for young and old
Thanks to the shallow Lagoon, even the little ones can paddle and enjoy the water here. Next to the Lagoon stands the wooden play ship, where children can climb and clamber while you enjoy the wooden picnic tables.
Beach of Wijk aan Zee
Those seeking tranquility have come to the right place at the beach of Wijk aan Zee. The beach meets the vast North Holland Dune Reserve, where nature invites you to take a delightful walk. Afterwards, relax on the sand of Wijk and enjoy a beautiful view of the North Sea.
Activities at the beach
Thanks to the natural sandbanks, the beach at Wijk aan Zee offers the perfect spot for children to get acquainted with the seawater without having to venture into the rough sea. For those who prefer to keep their feet out of the water, there is the opportunity to clear their heads with a horseback ride while enjoying the sunrise or sunset.
This is also one of the reasons why it is not allowed to take your faithful four-legged friend to the beach in the summer. Would you still like to take your dog to the beach? Then walk a few meters south to Vliegerpad. From here, your dog is allowed onto the beach on a leash all year round.
Pllek: a secret beach in the middle of Amsterdam
You don't have to leave the city at all for a day at the beach. In Amsterdam North, you'll find Pllek: a green restaurant with a unique beach terrace. Located on the industrial NDSM shipyard, you can escape the hustle and bustle of city life for a while. Plop down on one of the beach chairs and enjoy the view over the IJ.
The restaurant
At Pllek, you can sit down for breakfast, lunch, or dinner with a sustainable background. While most beach restaurants are traditionally full of meat and fish dishes, Pllek consciously chooses a menu packed with homegrown vegetables and less meat and fish. This way, you contribute to a better life in a tasty way.
Activities
In addition to delicious food, Pllek also organizes countless fun activities. Think of a cozy outdoor cinema, or dance along during the Dine & Dance evenings. For the little ones, there is a creative arts and crafts afternoon every Sunday at the NDSM shipyard.
