yachthafen zandvoort

Zandvoort Sailing Club

Zandvoort is a very popular seaside resort for water sports with international windsurfing and catamaran competitions held in its waters on a regular basis. People come from all over Europe to partake of these popular and enjoyable water sports particularly in the summer months.

The most popular water sport enjoyed in Zandvoort however, is probably that of sailing. The numerous enthusiasts for this particular activity find the open coastline and wide open sandy beaches ideal and for most of the summer you will see boats and yachts dotted at various points along the beach.

Long Established Sailing Club

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Zandvoort aan Zee

Zandvoort aan Zee , often simply referred to as Zandvoort, is an enchanting seaside town that’s steeped in traditional Dutch charm. Nestled in the dunes of North Holland and just a stone’s throw away from Amsterdam, Zandvoort aan Zee is a must-visit destination for those seeking a coastal retreat amidst their Dutch adventure.

Attractions: Zandvoort aan Zee’s Iconic Dutch Experiences

Accessibility: getting to zandvoort aan zee from amsterdam, stay overnight: experience zandvoort aan zee after sundown, conclusion: zandvoort aan zee – a true dutch coastal gem.

Zandvoort is much more than just a beach town. Here’s a taste of the iconic Dutch experiences that await:

• Zandvoort Beach : With its wide sandy beach and panoramic views of the North Sea, Zandvoort Beach is a seaside haven. Relax on the soft sand, take a dip in the sea, or enjoy a leisurely walk along the coastline.
• Circuit Zandvoort : For those with a need for speed, Circuit Zandvoort is a must-visit. This iconic race track, which hosts the Dutch Grand Prix, offers thrilling experiences for motorsport enthusiasts.
• Zandvoorts Museum : Delve into the town’s rich history at the Zandvoorts Museum, which houses a collection of artifacts and exhibits showcasing the local culture and the town’s evolution as a seaside resort.
• Juttersmu-Zee-Um : This unique museum displays an array of items washed up on the beach – from message bottles to marine artifacts.
• Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen : Just south of Zandvoort, this nature reserve is home to a variety of wildlife and offers excellent walking trails.

Zandvoort aan Zee is easily accessible from Amsterdam. The most convenient way to reach the seaside town is by train, with regular direct services from Amsterdam Central Station taking just around 30 minutes. If you prefer to drive, the journey takes approximately the same amount of time via the A9 and A200.

Extend your visit to Zandvoort aan Zee with an overnight stay. The town offers a range of accommodations from quaint bed and breakfasts to luxury hotels. As the sun sets, Zandvoort aan Zee comes alive with a vibrant nightlife. Enjoy dinner at one of the many beachfront restaurants, or experience the lively bar scene in the town center.

Whether you’re looking for a tranquil beach retreat, thrilling motorsport action, or a fascinating journey through local history, Zandvoort aan Zee offers an authentic Dutch seaside experience that’s sure to captivate. Easy to reach from Amsterdam and brimming with charm, it’s an essential addition to any Netherlands travel itinerary. So why wait? Start planning your Zandvoort aan Zee adventure today.

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The Complete Guide to Zandvoort aan Zee

Zandvoort aan Zee is a well-known seaside resort on the Dutch North Sea coast. It has a 100 meter wide and over 9 km long very well maintained sandy beach. In addition to its beach, Zandvoort is surrounded by beautiful nature, which is great for hiking and cycling. Thanks to excellent connection to public transport, Zandvoort can be conveniently reached from Amsterdam and Haarlem . Below you’ll find everything you need to know for your vacation in Zandvoort.

Things To Do in Zandvoort

Zandvoort beach.

Zandvoort aan Zee is no longer a hidden gem. The beautiful 9-kilometer-long sandy beach of Zandvoort is well frequented, especially during the summer season. However, it offers enough space for relaxing, swimming or sports activities. There are numerous accredited surf schools near the beach where you can learn surfing or kitesurfing and just rent equipment. Further popular water sports activities include SUP (stand-up paddling) and rafting (white water rafting).

Zandvoort beach is perfect for long walks, most notably during spring and autumn. Do you have a dog? Note that dogs are only allowed on the beach at certain times of the year and day. During the summer season (April 15th to October 1st), dogs aren’t allowed on the beach during the day. They are allowed on the beach before 9 a.m. and after 7 p.m. Beyond those dates (i.e. after October 1st and before April 15th) dogs are allowed on the beach without any restrictions. If you want to go to the beach with your dog in summer, you should head to one of the nearby dog beaches.

Horse lovers can enjoy horseback riding on the beach and through the vast dunes landscapes offered by the Zandvoort horse stable.

There are over 37 beach pavilions along the coast, where you can have a hot or cold drink, lunch or dinner. Most beach pavilions are open only during the summer. Only 5 of them are open all year round.

Carry on reading more information on things to do in Zandvoort, how to get to Zandvoort beach and where to park.

National Park Zuid-Kennemerland

Our personal favorite in the region is the Zuid-Kennemerland National Park . This is a 38 km² national park located between Haarlem, Bloemendaal and Zandvoort. The national park is perfect for long walks and cycling. Zandvoort beach is only 8 km from the city center of Haarlem (about 20-30 minutes by bike or 1.5 hours walk). Take a walk or a bike ride from Haarlem to Zandvoort through the beautiful national park. Further information on the different trails can be found at the visitor’s center De Kennemerduinen .

Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen

The Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen are an extensive area south of Zandvoort where water is collected for harvesting purposes. This area is home to many species of animals, including many birds, cows, sheep and some endangered species. Besides, the largest fallow deer population in the Netherlands lives in this area, too! Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen is great for hiking, especially for animal lovers. Visitors are even allowed to walk off the trails to observe the animals in their natural environment.

Dogs and bicycles are not allowed in this reserve in order not to disturb the wild animals living here. One of the highlights in Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen are the remains of the Second World War. You’ll see some old bunker entrances and can even have a look inside. The entrance fee to Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen is € 1.50 (as per April 2021).

Zandvoort Circuit

The Zandvoort Circuit is a well-known race track where races are held throughout the year. The best part about the Zandvoort race circuit is that you’re allowed to drive on this race track yourself, either in a real race car or with your own car. They also offer driving safety courses, which is particularly interesting for (beginning) motorcyclists.

Museums and Culture

There are various museums in Zandvoort. The Zandvoort Museum exhibits some smaller pieces of artwork and history. They offer guided tours and workshops where you’ll get to know more about Dutch art.

The Juttersmu-Zee-Um is a museum of a special kind. This small museum run by volunteers exhibits everything that people find on the beach during their walk. There are some funny and interesting things to see, such as airplane parts and even a piece of a mammoth tooth. Each item washed up from the sea has its own exciting story.

Plan Your Stay

Don’t come unprepared. Here are further resources and tips to plan your perfect vacation in Zandvoort.

How to Get There

Zandvoort can be conveniently reached by public transportation as well as by car.

Zandvoort is the only seaside resort in the Netherlands where the train takes you almost directly onto the beach! It’s just 150 m from the train station to Zandvoort beach. There are direct connections from Haarlem and Amsterdam to Zandvoort. The train ride from Amsterdam only takes about 30 minutes and currently costs €12 (round trip). From Haarlem to Zandvoort it’s just 10 minutes and the round trip by train currently costs €5. Trains run several times an hour, so you can always get there and back without any problems.

Parking in Zandvoort

There are numerous parking lots in Zandvoort. As in other popular cities by the sea, parking in Zandvoort is mostly paid or requires a resident parking permit.

The Louis Davids Carré parking garage on Zandvoort’s boulevard has the highest number of parking spaces, so you should usually be able to find a spot here even during the summer months. Another large parking lot (open air) is the Zuid Strand Zandvoort aan Zee parking lot. It’s located just a few meters from the beach and is also close to the Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen. A day ticket here currently is €11.60.

While we recommend using one of the parking lots or garages, on-street parking is also possible. Note, however, that on-street parking is significantly more expensive (starting at €2.50 / hour) and is often limited to a maximum time of 2 hours.

Our Tips for Parking

Purchasing a day ticket for parking on one of the parking lots is the best choice if you’d like to stay in Zandvoort for the day and don’t want to sleep over in the area.

Do you drive and need a hotel in Zandvoort? It makes sense to check if the accommodation of your choice provides parking spaces. Verify whether the room rate includes parking or if there’s an additional fee. In our Zandvoort hotel review, you’ll see if parking is available and what the fees are.

Do you live in Amsterdam or stay in a hotel in Amsterdam or Haarlem which includes parking and do you travel alone or with one more person? In terms of costs it could make sense to travel by public transport instead of by car.

Accommodations

Zandvoort offers a large number of accommodations, ranging from hotels and bed & breakfast. Many of them are within walking distance to the beach. Below is a list of the most popular accommodations.

Amsterdam Beach Hotel

Amsterdam Beach Hotel is located 500 meters away from the Zandvoort train station and the beach is just 100 meters away from this hotel. This is a perfect place for travelers looking for accommodation close to the beach. The availability of the family room makes it also a great place for families or group of friends. Rooms are also available here with beach view. Enjoy your evening after strolling around the beach in their bar with your favorite drinks. Pets are allowed in this hotel for additional charges (~17 euros) and the public parking facility around the hotel can be used for parking.

Reumann Holiday Apartments : De Schelp

Reumann Holiday Apartment is located 1.5 kilometers away from the Zandvoort train station and the beach is just 1 kilometer away from this apartment. This is a perfect place for family or group of friends (up to 4 persons) as this property comes with all the needs like Kitchen, Utensils, Microwave, Dishwasher etc. Outdoor furniture’s in the garden area is provided where you can enjoy your meal or drinks when the sun is shining. BBQ facilities are also available here. A 50 euro cash deposit has to be made during check-in which will be returned during check-out after the inspection. With in a walking distance (~300m) from this apartment, one can reach the Duin area (Duinlandschap Zandvoort) and make a nice walk in this wonderful nature area. Pets are allowed here for additional charges (~10 euros) and the free public parking facility is available near this apartment.

Luxe Beach Suite

Luxe Beach Suite apartment is located 300 meters away from the Zandvoort train station and the beach is just 100 meters away from this apartment. This is a perfect place for travelers looking for accommodation close to the beach and also a great choice for those looking for luxury accommodation. Providing a fantastic beach view from 14th floor, this is also a great place for couples who are looking for a romantic getaway. Enjoy your meal or drinks from the balcony with a view to the beach. This apartment provides all the facilities like kitchenware, microwave, dishwasher, washing machine thus making it a best place for long stays with family or group of friends. A 600 euro cash deposit has to be made during check-in which will be returned during check-out after the inspection. Use the stairs/lift from the Palace hotel to reach this apartment. Free private parking facility is available in this apartment and the pets are allowed for additional charges.

In the Area

Located in the densely populated province of Noord-Holland, Zandvoort is very popular with locals and tourists alike.

If you walk along the beach towards the north, you’ll get to the next seaside resort: Bloemendaal aan Zee.

The popular tulip garden Keukenhof , the university city of Leiden and the seaside resorts Katwijk aan Zee and Noordwijk aan Zee are located south of Zandvoort.

One of our favorite cities Haarlem , the popular windmills of Zaandam and the vibrant capital Amsterdam are perfect places to visit in combination with Zandvoort.

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Top things to do in Zandvoort, The Netherlands

Zandvoort is one of the most popular beach destinations in The Netherlands. And Zandvoort is your top choice when you’d like to visit the beach from Amsterdam. A direct train takes you directly to the beach and you’ll have your feet in the sand within 30 minutes. But besides the seaside and its many fun and hip beach clubs, there is a lot more to see and do in Zandvoort. So, why not decide on a weekend getaway?

How to get to Zandvoort

Where to stay in zandvoort, top things to do in zandvoort.

Zandvoort is the only beach that you can reach from Amsterdam by local transport. It’s no wonder this Dutch beach resort has been baptised ‘Amsterdam Beach’ by a lot of foreign visitors. If you’d like to visit Amsterdam Beach from Amsterdam, simply hop on a train at Amsterdam central station to Zandvoort aan Zee. You can buy a ticket at the machine at the station, or you can use your OV Chip Card .

Center Parcs Zandvoort

Center Parcs Zandvoort is the closest holiday parc to Amsterdam and it’s just a few minute’s walk to the beach. The cottages are completely renewed the last few years and they’re just absolutely lovely. Fresh colours, nice furniture with a lovely beach look and nice kitchens and bedrooms. The holiday park is set between the dunes, for that ultimate holiday feeling. The beach is only a few minutes away, as well as the town centre with all its restaurants, shops and bars.

The holiday park has several restaurants, a large indoor tropical swimming pool and lots of entertainment for kids. If you just want to stay for a night or maybe two, Center Parcs Zandvoort has a really good alternative option for you: Beach Hotel Zandvoort . A hotel, right at the beach, run by Center Parcs. So, you’ll have all the comfort of Center Parcs, with additional hotel service. It’s one of the best hotel options in Zandvoort as well.

Follow the Sun Zandvoort

Hotel Paradis

Hotel Paradis is truly a little corner of Paradise in Zandvoort. The boutique hotel offers double rooms, as well as family rooms, suites and studios, some with their own outdoor space. The interior design has that beach feel, very fresh and relaxed. There’s a very pretty communal garden. You’ll feel completely relaxed and revived after staying at this hotel.

A day at the beach

Okay, this is a bit of an easy one. But spending a day on the beach is an absolute treat when you’re in Zandvoort. Of course, you can spend the day soaking up the sun, swimming and buying an ice cream every so often. But spending your beach day a bit more active is also easy when you’re in Amsterdam Beach. You can take long walks, take surf lessons or rent a surfboard or stand up paddling board, for example at First Wave or Surfana .

It’s easy enough to recognise Ubuntu beach club by their retro red-orange umbrellas. It’s one of the loveliest beach clubs in Zandvoort, which is open year round. There are loads of outdoor seats, though you’ll be surprised how easily these fill up on a sunny day. But don’t worry, there is also plenty of space inside if the weather turns. Sit down for some lunch or a cocktail.

Hippie fish

Tijn Akersloot

Tijn Akersloot is a Zandvoort institute and has been around since 1965. It’s a great place to sit outside in the sun and order a pizza. In summer, the chef puts on the BBQ and guests can order whatever he comes up with. Don’t forget to walk inside, so you can spot the very Instagrammable pastel coloured Fiat 500.

Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen

  Dit bericht bekijken op Instagram   Een bericht gedeeld door Esther | Your Dutch Guide (@yourdutchguide_com)

One of the best things about Zandvoort is that nature is literally at the town’s doorstep. Fro the beach it’s just a couple of minute’s walk to one of the entrances to Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen , a nature reserve that helps supply drinking water for Amsterdam as the dunes filter the rainwater, which is the first step of creating drinking water. It’s a wonderful place to go hiking and spot fallow deers, foxes and rabbits. Don’t forget to buy an entrance ticket on the website.

Nationaal Park Zuid-Kennemerland

On the northside of Zandvoort National Park Zuid-Kennemerland stretches all the way up to IJmuiden. It’s one of the loveliest national parks in The Netherlands. Take a bike tour or a walk along one of the dozens of tracks and discover some of the 100 different species of bird, red deer, rabbits and roe deer that can be found there. Extra special: highlanders and a small number of wisent can also be spotted in NP Zuid-Kennemerland.

Buitenplaats Plantage

Not too far outside of Zandvoort is Buitenplaats Plantage , in Vogelzang. You can simply drive there, cycle there or catch a bus. It’s a wonderful and hip place, though time is also standing still as slow food is at the core of this enterprise. Menus are completely compiled from local produce. Inside there’s a bit of a glamping vibe, while outdoors has a bit of a retro festival style going on. Extra bonus, during tulip season Buitenplaats Plantage faces the tulip fields, which is then of course the perfect spot for a drink or some lunch.

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More fun day trips from Amsterdam

• Zaanse Schans, top things to do
• Discover the windmills of Kinderdijk
• Edam, a short break from Amsterdam

Travel journalist, organised chaot, Tour de France lover, black cat and black coffee aficionado all rolled into one. The voice behind Your Dutch Guide, helping you to explore The Netherlands beyond Amsterdam.

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This Beach In The Netherlands Is Famous For Having A Little Something For Everyone

The Netherlands is a welcoming European vacation destination for visitors from across the map. Known and loved for its iconic canals, tulip fields, windmills, and sweet treats like Stroopwafel, it's a place where visitors can settle in and relish their experience year-round. If you're searching for a warm-weather beach getaway with something for everyone in your traveling crew to enjoy, look no further than Zandvoort Beach .

Located just over 25 miles from Amsterdam, Zandvoort is home to captivating coastlines waiting to be explored. The destination is home to around 17,500 residents according to Statista , but visitors will find an impressive plethora of activities, attractions, and views to savor. Getting here is simple whether you decide to travel by train or bus. This charming seaside town has a train station within walking distance of the beach that you can reach within 25 minutes of departing from Amsterdam. There are also two convenient bus lines serving Zandvoort. Bus 80 from Amsterdam reaches the beach in about an hour, while Bus 81 from the Haarlem Central Station reaches Zandvoort in around 30 minutes.

Once you arrive, a great way to get around this scenic beach town is by bike. The area has a vast network of trails and cycling routes to explore at your own, preferred pace. Consider dropping by Wijsman Fietsen Zandvoort for easy bike rental options near the shoreline. Here, you'll have access to a variety of rental selections ranging from E-bikes and city bikes to beach bikes and mountain bikes.

On-the-sand fun and nearby entertainment options

The vast and sandy shorelines hugging the North Sea that adorn Zandvoort offer up a great place for locals and visitors alike to enjoy sunbathing and swimming in the warm weather months of the year. This is also a popular place for guests to put their kite surfing and windsurfing skills to work on the waves when visiting the Netherlands . You'll likely see plenty of games of beach volleyball being held across the sand here during the summer while surfing is another activity that brings professionals and novices alike to the shores of Zandvoort. The impressive North Sea winds make flying kites a top activity to enjoy at Zandvoort Beach with little ones in tow while local companies like Manege de Baarshoeve offer horse riding lessons, and guided horseback rides on the beach as well.

Taking time to explore the local dunes is always a scenic treat for travelers visiting Zandvoort Beach with a camera in hand and a passion for nature photography. If you're looking to pair impeccable coastal views and flavor too, there are plenty of picnic pavilions in the area to settle in at and savor the moment in good company. There's also a nearby beach boulevard to stroll along that provides easy access to charming beachside shops and restaurants. If you're hoping to elevate your in-town fun,  Circus Zandvoort  is within easy reach of the beach and provides access to the local casino, an on-site family-friendly arcade, and movie theaters.

Local events to enjoy and a national park to explore

Zandvoort Beach is a destination with a reputation for holding an exciting array of events throughout the calendar year. Depending on when you arrive, you might find yourself right on time to enjoy the local fun. In February, you can participate in the annual Zandvoort Light Walk . This unique event offers guests a chance to explore four routes of varying lengths along the beach. Each is illuminated at nighttime in a spectacular collection of colorful hues, creating an otherworldly experience right on the shoreline.

The annual Zandvoort Cycling Race is hosted in March as well as the challenging, yet thrilling Circuit Run which draws in athletes from across the globe. One of the most highly anticipated events of the year hosted in Zandvoort is the Dutch Grand Prix . This is held each August and is a must-experience for summertime racing enthusiasts heading this way.

Beyond the local events, a trip to Zandvoort Beach is also ideal for those travelers who have a heart for nature and wildlife. The Zuid-Kennemerland National Park sits just 13 minutes from Zandvoort Beach by taxi. It's home to everything from gorgeous beaches and thrilling dunes to rugged grasslands too. While hiking and biking are popular activities here, it's also a destination where you can view a herd of wisents which are often referred to as European bison. They've been thriving in the park since 2007 and are typically best observed from the Wisent Lookout Point.