For more than a millennium, the Dutch have battled North Sea flooding of their low-lying country. At the same time, they have managed to keep the coast accessible for leisure and recreational purposes. Here are the South Holland beaches that have the most to offer beachgoers…
#1 – SCHEVENINGEN BEACH: Consistently voted “Best Beach in the Netherlands”, this seaside community of The Hague lures expat sun bathers of all ages. The recently expanded strand is much more spacious to better handle large crowds, a multitude of beach pavilions offer a variety of dining options, the bi-level Pier offers music, food and drink, great views of the North Sea and coastline plus the opportunity to go bungy jumping or ride the Skyview Ferris wheel. Scheveningen beach and harbour also play host to many annual events such as the ‘Vlaggetjesdag‘ herring festival (June), ‘Live on the Beach‘ concert (August) and ‘International Kite Festival‘ (September).
#2 – KATWIJK BEACH: Following the completion of a new flood defense system in 2015, Katwijk aan Zee beach is even more inviting for sun seekers, watersports enthusiasts and anyone who enjoys the outdoors. The modern underground parking structure between the beach and the boulevard has 670 parking spots. Rent a cabana or eat at one of the best beach pavilions in South Holland, including Het Strand, Zee en Zon and Stranspaviljoen Zand.
#3 – HOOK OF HOLLAND BEACH: Rotterdam’s largest beach is Hook of Holland (Hoek van Holland), on the north of the breakers where the Maas river flows into the North Sea. The beach is popular with both sunbathers and beach/water sports enthusiasts. The HoH strand includes both seasonal beach pavilions and year-round restaurants. From the city center, Hook of Holland beach can be reached with Metro line B. If coming by train from the north (Leiden, The Hague, Delft), transfer to Metro line B at Schiedam Centrum (25 mins. from there to Hoek van Holland).
#4 – NOORDWIJK BEACH: Both the beachfront Palace Hotel and the nearby Noordwijk Golf Course have gained international attention, so it should come as no surprise that the 13-km long Noordwijk beach is also one of the finest beaches in Holland. There are several distinct sections, each with a a slightly different personality. For the average tourist or residential sunbather, the best option in terms of accessibility, convenience and facilities will be the beach just in front of the village center, near the Noordwijk lighthouse (Vuurtorenplein).
#5 – WASSENAAR BEACH: Although it’s not accessible by public transport, Wassenaar beachgoers are rewarded with a more pristine and less chaotic beach scene than those in neighboring Scheveningen and Katwijk. Beach chair and cabana rentals are available as are water and wind sport activities.
#6 – KIJKDUIN BEACH: The Hague’s less busy coastal community of Kijkduin has an attractive wide beach with shops, restaurants and easy access to walking trails in the dunes. On the south side of Kijkduin beach is the Zandmotor ecosystem which offers water sports such as kitesurfing. The Kijkduin boulevard is undergoing a major redevelopment with several residential towers being constructed. The beach remains accessible throughout the construction timeline.
#7 – TER HEIJDE BEACH: Monster’s seaside community Ter Heijde is the best choice for sunbathers in Westland. The wide, well-maintained bike paths make it easily accessible from both the north (Kijkduin/The Hague) and the south (Hook of Holland). Beach pavilions such as Makani Beach, Moments Beach and Bugaloe Beach serve food throughout the day, while others offer beach and water sports options. By public transport, take Bus 31 to Duinstraat.
#8 – MAASVLAKTE BEACH: The province’s “newest” beach is also one of the largest. The Maasvlakte beach and strand was created along the southwest back side of the Port of Rotterdam Maasvlakte II extension. Completed in 2012, the site offers a beach for sunbathers, a nude beach for naturalists, bike trails along the top of the dunes and an assortment of water sports. The beach can be reached by car and bike, but not public transport.
#9 – ROCKANJE BEACH: Heading south from the Port of Rotterdam and before reaching the Deltaworks’ Haringvlietdam, lies the long narrow, southwest-facing Rockanje beach. Although the beach is not adjacent to the town center, it is accessible by car, bike and public transport (Bus 103 from metro station Spijkenisse). Beach clubs such as Salsa, Verso and Havana offer both dining and water sports options.
#10 – OUDDORP BEACH: The second largest town on the island of Goeree-Overflakkee is Ouddorp, located on the western edge between the Haringvliet dam and the Brouwersdam. The North Sea beach of Ouddorp is a major attraction for international tourists, especially Germans who flock to the holiday caravan parks and recreation camp sites located near the beach. There are several beach clubs along Ouddorp, with most offering some form of wind and/or water sport.
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