Sand Between the Toes

Explore breathtaking dunes, try out water sports or simply relax along one of the most unspoilt coastlines in Northern Europe.

Whether you’re looking for adventure, sunbathing and swimming, beach bars or impressive wildlife, you’ll find it all on the Dutch coast. Come summer, sunseekers bask on the golden beaches or visit the hip restaurants and beach clubs of Bloemendaal and Zandvoort. Alternatively, IJmuiden is characterised by its rugged beauty and industrial port – while the North Sea wind makes this spot a haven for wind- and watersports fans. Hidden WWII bunkers along the sand and impressive historical sites such as Forteiland IJmuiden form part of the UNESCO-listed Defence Line of Amsterdam. Behind the beaches, you’ll find bustling market towns such as Heemskerk and the Dutch Dunes with ample opportunities for cycling, hiking and wildlife-spotting – particularly in the Zuid-Kennemerland National Park and Noordhollands Duinreservaat (North Holland Dune Reserve). Impressive country estates such as Landgoed Duin & Kruidberg can be found adjacent to the park and are worth exploring for an overnight stay.

Woodstock’69

The iconic beach club on the sand at Bloemendaal aan Zee is known for its beachy vibes and excellent parties, attracting a colourful mix of clubbers and hippy types. Woodstock ’69’s party agenda is a force to be reckoned with, regularly hosting big-name DJs who draw an international crowd. The chilled-out evenings with live music and barbecues are an equally big draw, where partygoers get to dance around a bon re.

ZEEWEG 94

WOODSTOCK69.NL

Wild ride

‘Summer is approaching, which means: beach, beach bars, bike rides through the beautiful dunes, and exploring Zandvoort. I just spent 24 hours there and fell in love with it all over again. It’s hard to imagine that, so close to Amsterdam, it’s so easy to get lost in such beautiful nature. The bike ride from south Zandvoort to Noordwijk – with the dunes of the Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen nature reserve on your left and the sea on your right – is one you'll never forget. We got to see wild deer and scenery we didn’t know existed in the Netherlands! Make the most of your trip with these recommendations: breakfast at Blue Zone Espresso, lunch break at Hippie Fish, and dinner at Zizo Lounge. You won’t be disappointed!’

@ NORAMARIA.NL

Heemskerk

About 40 minutes' from Amsterdam by car or train, Heemskerk is the North Sea coastline’s best-kept secret. Sandwiched between the dunes and the sea, this historic town is known for its churches, monuments and castles, surrounded by lush green parks. Hire a bike to explore the various cycle paths traversing the countryside, or take a 20-minute ride to

Brederode Ruins

An enjoyable bike ride through the Zuid-Kennemerland National Park will bring you to the impressive Brederode Ruins, a ruined medieval castle with a moat, dungeon and far-reaching views from the highest turret. Kids can dress up as knights or damsels to explore the ruins’ many rooms and towers and play traditional wooden games at the ‘ye very olde’ outdoor café. If you’re lucky enough to visit in June (check the website for dates), you’ll have the chance to watch the Knight’s Tournament, but keep an eye out for other events and concerts held at this historic site throughout the spring and summer.

VELSERENDERLAAN 2, RUINEVANBREDERODE.NL

Havenfestival IJmuiden

This free nautical-themed festival takes over the harbour at IJmuiden every year, providing music, culture, food and family entertainment. Alongside the various performances from local and international bands, there’s a host of nautical activities in store, including boating trips, navigation displays, the chance to explore ships, and demonstrations by divers or the re and rescue departments. The event is organised together with the Zeehavendagen Amsterdam (‘Seaport Days’), which takes place the same weekend with more than 55 attractions to visit from Amsterdam and Zaandam to IJmuiden and Beverwijk.

24-25 JUNE, HAVENFESTIVALIJMUIDEN.NL

22-25 JUNE, ZEEHAVENDAGENAMSTERDAM.NL the beach, passing through stunning dunes and forested areas dotted with grazing sheep and Scottish highlanders. The family-friendly beach is equipped with chairs, parasols and rentable windbreakers, with refreshments from the beach pavilion.

HEEMSKERKZEEVANTIJD.NL

How to get there

Zandvoort: Take the train from Amsterdam Central station to Zandvoort aan Zee (30 minutes). IJmuiden: Take bus 382 from Amsterdam Sloterdijk to Badweg (45 minutes). Zuid-Kennemerland National Park: Take the train from Amsterdam Central station to Overveen, then a short walk to the visitor centre (25 minutes). Heemskerk: Take the train from Amsterdam Central station to Heemskerk (40 minutes).