The Netherlands may be famous for its canals and cities, but come summer, the Dutch coast steals the show. From car-free islands to wide sandy beaches backed by dunes, there’s no shortage of beautiful, peaceful coastal escapes – without the tourist overload of places like Zandvoort or Scheveningen.
Here are 11 underrated beach towns and islands that offer the best of Dutch summer: sand, sea, seafood… and space.
The Dutch coast offers some of Europe’s most peaceful, natural beach escapes – and you don’t need a car or a big budget to enjoy them. These 11 charming towns and islands combine sand, sea, and small-town charm, each with a local favorite spot to eat or drink right by the dunes.
Contents
- 1. Cadzand-Bad (Zeeland)
- 2. Domburg (Zeeland)
- 3. Breskens (Zeeland)
- 4. Westkapelle (Zeeland)
- 5. Zoutelande (Zeeland)
- 6. Nieuwvliet-Bad (Zeeland)
- 7. Callantsoog (North Holland)
- 8. Egmond aan Zee (North Holland)
- 9. Ouddorp (South Holland)
- 10. De Koog (Texel, North Holland)
- 11. Vlieland (Frisian Islands, Friesland)
- Travel Tips for a Dutch Coastal Escape
- Why Choose the Dutch Coast?
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1. Cadzand-Bad (Zeeland)
Elegant yet down-to-earth, Cadzand is a top pick for beach lovers who also enjoy good food and nature. Located near the Belgian border, it features soft dunes, fossil-rich beaches, and a growing reputation for fine dining. Fossil hunters will love combing the shore for ancient shark teeth, while cyclists can follow scenic routes through the Zeeuws-Vlaanderen region. It’s quieter than its flashier counterparts but still offers top-tier beach facilities.
Just inland from Cadzand-Bad, the quiet Cadzand-Dorp invites visitors to the Gothic 14th-century Mariakerk and the working Nooit Gedacht windmill, where you can buy freshly ground flour every Wednesday and Sunday – and join local milling demonstrations
Where to eat: Try one of the beachfront restaurants: Strandpaviljoen De Zeemeeuw or Strandpaviljoen Caricole, one of the oldest beachfront restaurants on the coast, and you can never go wrong. Enjoy the laid-back vibe, try the catch of the days and watch the tide roll in with a drink in hand.
How to get there: Cadzand is a bit tricky to reach by public transport, therefore the best is to rent a car. If you still want to go by public transport, you need to take the train to Vlissingen, then the ferry to Breskens, and then continue by local bus (line 902), which needs booking at least 2 hours in advance.
2. Domburg (Zeeland)
Domburg is one of Zeeland’s oldest seaside resorts and has long attracted artists and writers for its beautiful light and sweeping dunes. Today, it remains a tasteful beach destination, with boutique shops, art galleries, and a historic bathhouse. Families appreciate the clean, organized beachfront, while couples love the romantic atmosphere. It’s a place to slow down, recharge, and enjoy Zeeland’s best traditions.
Art lovers will delight in the Marie Tak van Poortvliet Museum, showcasing works inspired by the exceptional Zeeland skies – and historically linked to artists like Piet Mondrian and Jan Toorop. Historic highlights include the Johanneskerk, a 14th/15th-century church painted by Mondrian, the windmill Weltevreden, the listed Badpaviljoen from 1889 by the dunes, the old town hall (1567), and the water tower – all classic Zeeland architecture
Where to eat: Strand90 is a modern beach pavilion serving great fish dishes, cocktails, and sunset views – perfect after a swim or stroll.
How to get there: Train to Middelburg + local bus (Connexxion Bus line 52).
Read more: Best things to do in Middelburg
3. Breskens (Zeeland)
Breskens is a working port town with an authentic vibe, less polished but very real. Its fishing heritage is evident in the harbor and the excellent seafood restaurants. The ferry from Vlissingen brings a steady stream of cyclists and day-trippers. The long promenade, clean beach, and maritime museum make it ideal for families and slow travelers alike. Don’t miss the annual Fisheries Festival if you’re visiting in August.
Its authentic maritime character lends itself to exploration: climb the Nieuwe Sluis lighthouse, the oldest surviving cast-iron lighthouse in the Netherlands, open weekends April–October, with panoramic views over the estuary. Also visit the Visserijmuseum Breskens (Fisheries Museum) to learn about local fishing culture – from knot tying to marine fossils and live aquariums
Where to eat: Spetters offers fine dining by the marina, while Loods Tien has a cozy beachfront terrace with burgers, beer, and sea views.
How to get there: Train to Vlissingen + ferry to Breskens.
4. Westkapelle (Zeeland)
Built on a towering seawall with views over the North Sea, Westkapelle has a rugged, dramatic feel. It’s a small town, but steeped in history, especially around World War II. Perched at the western tip of Walcheren, Westkapelle offers both dramatic ocean views and compelling stories of liberation and land reclamation. The area is great for windsurfing or storm watching during dramatic weather. Less touristy than neighboring Domburg.
Start with the High Lighthouse (Vuurtoren ‘t Hoge Licht), a 52 m tall Gothic-era tower that once served as a church and now helps guide ships from the North Sea. It’s a photogenic landmark that’s visible for miles. Nearby, you’ll find the smaller Low Lighthouse (Vuurtoren ‘t Lage Licht), aka Noorderhofd Lighthouse, a historic iron beacon built in 1875 and still active, signaling seafarers through the hectic Scheldt shipping route. Don’t miss the Polderhuis Westkapelle Dijk- en Oorlogsmuseum, where the story of ’t Bombardement – when the German-occupied dyke was bombed in October 1944 – is told among displays of wartime photos and artifacts.
Where to eat: Zuid Zuid West is a charming beach pavilion with laid-back seating and fresh daily specials – don’t miss the fish soup.
How to get there: Train to Middelburg + bus (Conexxion Bus line 53).
5. Zoutelande (Zeeland)
Zoutelande is often called the “Zeeland Riviera” thanks to its south-facing beach – rare in the Netherlands. With more sunshine hours than most coastal towns, it’s beloved by Dutch and German holidaymakers. Colorful beach huts line the shore, and the relaxed vibe makes it perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and sandcastle-building. There are also plenty of scenic hikes and bike trails through the dunes.
In the village center, the Catharinakerk – originally built in the 13th–14th century – is a striking monument and a favorite subject of artist Piet Mondrian. Nearby, the historic Zoutelandse windmill (dating to 1722) is often open on weekends and offers glimpses into traditional milling in Zeeland. For history fans, the nearby Bunker Museum (open May to October) features restored German WWII bunkers, now accessible with exhibits and views over the dunes.
Where to eat: De Strandzot is a cheerful spot on the beach with pancakes, seafood, and a relaxed local vibe.
How to get there: Train to Middelburg + bus (Conexxion Bus line 53 or 52).
6. Nieuwvliet-Bad (Zeeland)
Tucked between Cadzand and Breskens, Nieuwvliet-Bad is a peaceful spot that’s ideal for slow-paced beach days. With its extraordinarily wide, clean sands and calm, shallow waters, this place is perfect for families, beachcombers, and nature lovers alike. The beach stretches approximately six kilometers –from the Zwarte Polder radar tower all the way east to the dike at Nieuwesluis and the Waterdunen reserve – making it one of the Netherlands’ most expansive and least crowded sea shores.
The beach is wide, clean, and known for its shallow water and interesting shells. Nearby, the Verdronken Zwarte Polder nature reserve offers hiking trails and wildlife spotting. The atmosphere is family-friendly and low-key – perfect for travelers looking to unplug.
Where to eat: Strandpaviljoen De Boekanier is an inviting beach bar with great mussels, Belgian beers, and sunset views.
How to get there: Just like Cadzand, Nieuwvliet-Bad is a also bit tricky to reach by public transport, therefore the best is to rent a car. If you still want to go by public transport, you need to take the train to Vlissingen, then the ferry to Breskens, and then continue by local bus (line 902), which needs booking at least 2 hours in advance.
7. Callantsoog (North Holland)
One of the oldest beach resorts in the Netherlands, Callantsoog is great for families and nature lovers. It’s backed by the Zwanenwater Nature Reserve, a 600-hectare protected area featuring dune lakes, heathlands, swamp forests, and flower-filled valleys. It’s home to over 75 bird species and offers two bird hides overlooking freshwater lakes – perfect for nature lovers and bird watchers alike. The beach is broad and clean, with a lively but not overcrowded vibe. It’s also one of the most accessible beach towns in the north.
Within the village center, don’t miss the quirky Beachcomber’s Museum (Juttersmuseum), where you’ll find treasures washed ashore – including historical oddities, art by local sea-collectors, and a café serving homemade cakes.
Where to eat: Woest is a trendy, family-friendly beach pavilion with good coffee, lunch bowls, and a playground right in the sand.
How to get there: Train to Schagen + bus (multiple lines).
8. Egmond aan Zee (North Holland)
Egmond aan Zee combines natural beauty with a strong local character. Once a fishing village, it now offers a relaxed beach scene just 40 minutes from Amsterdam. The Jan van Speijk lighthouse is a beloved landmark, and the town center has great cafes, small shops, and an old abbey nearby. Perfect for a quick coastal escape.
You can climb the lighthouse, dating back to 1833(usually open in summer) to enjoy panoramic sea and village views. The Museum van Egmond, located in a quaint former seamen’s house in the village is full of maritime relics, fishing tools, and local stories from fishermen and monks over the centuries. Nearby, you can also visit the Bunkermuseum Jansje Schong, set in a restored WWII bunker nestled in the dunes – open select Sundays from April to October.
Where to eat: Nautilus aan Zee serves up stylish beach dining with a wide menu and cozy indoor space for breezy days.
How to get there: Train to Alkmaar + bus (Conexxion Bus line 165).
9. Ouddorp (South Holland)
Ouddorp is the go-to beach destination for South Holland locals who want fewer crowds. Its beaches are vast and often near empty, and the wind-swept landscape is perfect for kiteboarding, long walks, and nature photography. Nearby, the Kwade Hoek nature area adds to the rugged coastal charm. Great for active travelers and people looking for something off the beaten path.
Ride the vintage Museum Tram RTM, which runs between Ouddorp and Scharendijke, offering a unique retro experience en route to the Port Zélande marina. Do not miss to visit the historic Dorpskerk (Village Church), a medieval church from 1348 with a later standalone stone tower and adjacent windmill built in 1845 – both maintained and still in occasional use.
Where to eat: Strandpaviljoen Paal 10 is a local favorite with fresh fish, healthy lunches, and a view that stretches for miles.
How to get there: Train to Rotterdam + bus (Connexxion R-Net Bus line 436)
10. De Koog (Texel, North Holland)
De Koog is the liveliest town on Texel Island and ideal for a beach holiday with variety. You can walk from town straight to the beach or bike through forests and dunes. De Koog serves as the gateway to National Park Duinen van Texel, with scenic trails through dunes, forest, heath, and marshland.
A top attraction is Ecomare, a renowned nature museum and seal sanctuary near De Koog. Rescue seals, porpoises, and birds live here – feeding times at 11:00 AM and 3:30 PM offer an unforgettable show. Right in the village, Maritiem- en Juttersmuseum Flora (Beachcomber’s Museum Flora) offers nearly a century’s worth of beachfinds – unusual driftwood, ship parts, and even an oil-rig escape pod, plus a charming outdoor playground and café.
Where to eat: Beachclub Texel has a sunny terrace and delicious seafood platters – great after a day exploring the island by bike.
How to get there: Train to Den Helder + ferry + local bus. You can also rent a bike on Texel, as the island is pretty small and best explored by bike.
Read more: Best things to do on Texel
11. Vlieland (Frisian Islands, Friesland)
Vlieland is the quietest of the Wadden Islands – and possibly the most magical. With no cars (except for residents), nature reigns supreme. Dunes, pine forests, and open beaches surround the single village, Oost-Vlieland. It’s ideal for hiking, reading, photography, or stargazing – the ultimate digital detox. Come here if you want to completely unplug.
Start your island adventure with a bike ride – Vlieland offers about 25 km of well‑marked paths winding through dunes, pine forests, marshes, and coastal flats. Don’t skip the Vuurduin Lighthouse, perched atop the 42‑m Vuurboetsduin dune – climb up for panoramic sea views and glimpses of neighboring islands. For history buffs, Museum Tromp’s Huys – housed in the island’s oldest house – captures Vlieland’s seafaring past, maritime wreck stories (including the SS Aline Woermann), and local traditions.
Where to eat: Strandpaviljoen ’t Badhuys – peaceful, cozy, and perfectly placed for beach views and long meals.
How to get there: Train to Harlingen + ferry. Bikes only on the island!
Read more: Wadden Islands UNESCO World Heritage Site
Travel Tips for a Dutch Coastal Escape
- Combine train + bike: Most towns are reachable by public transport and ideal for cycling once you arrive. Use the NS website + local bike rentals.
Read more: How to travel by public transport in the Netherlands - Pack for changeable weather: Even in July, Dutch summers can shift from sun to sea breeze in minutes. Bring layers!
- Avoid Zandvoort & Scheveningen if you want quiet – opt for towns like Egmond, Callantsoog, or Zoutelande instead.
- Book ferries and summer stays early, especially for islands like Texel and Vlieland.
Why Choose the Dutch Coast?
If you want a summer escape that mixes fresh seafood, easygoing bike rides, and long, scenic beaches, the Dutch coastline is a perfect choice – especially if you want to avoid the crowds of Zandvoort or Scheveningen.
From the artistic vibe of Domburg to the car-free calm of Vlieland, each of these spots offers something unique. So pack your towel, hop on a train or ferry, and discover your favorite beach town in the Netherlands.
