We are going to be in the Netherlands and Belgium next month. We have never seen the North Sea. Any recoommendations on beaches to visit. Thanks.
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
De Haan. It's a beautiful holiday town to the north of Oostende. It kind of reminds me of Cape May, or Ocean City with alcohol.
Posted by
Frankfurt, Germany
9150 posts
I like the beach along Oostende as it has a promenade all along the beach, sand dunes along part of it, old gun emplacements left over from the war. I haven't been there in the spring or summer though, only in Jan. and Feb. and yep, it can get really windy! but I thought it was exciting to walk the beach when it is like that. Can't comment on the beaches of the Netherlands yet.
Posted by
Monein, Pyrenees, France
425 posts
Right on the Belgian/Dutch border in Holland is the island of Walcheren. The little town at the SW tip of it is Westkapelle. This is way off the tourist beat and is worth a visit to see the "real" Holland. The beaches are nice - the people are nice - the place is nice. I know Westkapelle as it was the target of operation Infatuate in November 1944 - the Allied invasion of Holland. My Dad was there. Roger
Posted by
Houten, Utrecht, Netherlands
73 posts
Do you want a touristy beach with shops and entertainment, or quiet nature, dunes, etc. (or a combination)? May can be windy and cold, or sunny and warm. Last weekend was beautiful, but it is not possible to give a trustworthy prediction more than a week in advance. Sea temperature will be at its lows, but that will be only a fraction lower than end of the summer - it doesn't change much. If it is not raining, it can be very nice, even if it's cold and windy.