Sun and Sea

Join the locals heading for Zandvoort beach, if you feel like a swim in the North Sea. In summer the resort is packed. A ten-minute walk away from the crowd, takes you to a quiet stretch of sandy beaches. Only the very brave go for a dip, because the sea is generally too cold for swimming. After all this is the NORTH Sea. The water temperature is highest in August and may even rise to a modest 20C (68F). The prevailing wind blows from the North-West and is chilly even on a hot summer day. But, when the wind shifts to the east, the days get hotter and hotter. Unfortunately, this is not often the case.

Locals who stake a spot on the beach bring sun umbrellas, wind screens, beach chairs and other paraphernalia to pass the day as comfortably as possible. The majority of beach goers get their suntan in one of the beach clubs; wooden pavilions with inside restaurants and patios crammed with rows of sun loungers. Admission is free, but you are expected to buy drinks and food.

QUICK FACTS:
HOW TO GET THERE: Hop on a train from Amsterdam Centraal Station. The journey takes 30 minutes, return ticket €9.40. To find the beach, you follow the the signs to Raadhuis, walk along Kerkstraat and the beach is in front of you.

WHAT: Beach Club Far Out
WHERE: Boulevard Paulus Loot 7 (map)
PRICE OF MEALS: Starters from €4, main course from €13.50 – 23.50

WHAT: Strandpaviljoen Wander & Karin
WHERE: Boulevard Paulus Loot 8
PRICE OF MEALS: various prices indicated on the chalk board near the entrance

WHAT: Strandrestaurant Zout
WHERE: Boulevard Paulus Loot 3
PRICE OF MEALS: starters from €8.50, main course from €18.50 – €24.50

Photo credit: Mike O @flickr