Zandvoort aan Zee is a beautiful seaside resort on the Dutch coast. It buzzes with conviviality all year round with its wide beach, beautiful promenade full of terraces and many events. Want to discover Zandvoort? Here are 10 great tips for a successful visit.
1. Enjoy kilometres of beach and sea
The beautiful, wide sandy beach is, of course, one of Zandvoort's great attractions. You can walk endlessly there, sunbathe for hours or play in the sea. On hot days, you can even walk for kilometres along the beach without stopping. A beach walk at sunset is also magical. Hire a beach chair or bring your own towel. Don't forget your swimwear, because a refreshing dip in the North Sea will make your day complete.
2. Take a walk through the beautiful dunes
Right behind the beach you will find the Holland Dunes, a vast nature reserve with the most beautiful dune landscapes. In both summer and winter, a walk through the dunes is highly recommended. You walk through valleys, over viewpoints and along fens and lakes. Along the way, you can spot many beautiful birds and other animals. Do pay attention to the signposts and stay on the paths to spare the fragile nature.
3. Race across Circuit Zandvoort
Circuit Zandvoort is world-famous for its Formula 1 race days, but you can also drive there yourself! Book a ticket and go past the pits, team buildings and the iconic Tarzan bend. Or venture onto the track during a race experience in a Ferrari or Aston Martin, for example. A visit to the circuit museum will teach you all about the rich history of car racing in Zandvoort.
4. Shop and grab a terrace on the lively promenade
Stroll along Zandvoort's promenade and hit up the many shops. In summer, the terraces of restaurants and cafés are teeming with holidaymakers. Sample delicious fresh fish at beach club Vroeg or drink a cappuccino with a sea view at one of the many beach bars. Or sample local delicacies such as Zandvoort currant buns or farmhouse ice cream.
5. Soaking up culture in a museum
Need a break from the sun, sea and beach life? Then dive into a museum. At Kunsthuis Kijkduin, for instance, you can visit current exhibitions on photography and other art forms. Or admire the beautiful sculpture garden and indoor exhibitions at Museum Beelden aan Zee. The Nationaal Reddingmuseum Dorus Rijkers also shows the fascinating history of the rescue company.
6. Take a dip in the sea at Beach Club Vroeg
For a nice cooling dip in the sea, head to Beach Club Vroeg at the end of Haltestraat. You can use the sea ingress, changing rooms and showers there for a fee. After your swim, relax on one of the beds or enjoy a drink and snack. They also have regular DJs and parties there in the evening.
7. Rent a beach chair or lounger
Want to get completely comfortable on the beach? Then hire a beach chair or lounger from one of the beach bars. At Bluetooth Beach, Bruxelles or Thalassa, you can rent a spot for a few euros a day. You can often book online. This way, you claim the best spots and have the sun, sea and sand all day to yourself.
8. Visit the weekly fish market
Every Thursday morning you can visit the traditional fish market on Gasthuisplein. Here, Zandvoort fishmongers sell their fresh catch directly from the stall. From Dutch shrimps to cod, from mussels to mackerel. Ideal if you want to cook for yourself, because it doesn't get any fresher! The cosy market has been around for more than 100 years.
9. Enjoy an event
From May to September, there is plenty to do in Zandvoort. Think colourful art and food markets, music festivals like Zandvoort Alive and Jazz in Zandvoort, and sports events like the marathon through the dunes. There is always a big orange festival on King's Day. For the agenda, visit www.vvvzandvoort.nl.
10. End the day with a nice meal
After an active day in Zandvoort, enjoy a delicious meal out. Zandvoort's restaurants serve the tastiest fish and seafood dishes. We recommend BIJ JEF on Kostverlorenstraat. Or for a trendy, Scandinavian touch, go to restaurant Bluys. Or book a table with a sea view at Beach Club Tien on the beach itself. In short, you will not get bored in Zandvoort aan Zee!
