BEST BEACHES AMSTERDAM

Are you planning a visit to Amsterdam during the Summer of Spring time months? It can get pretty hot in here and there some plenty of nice beaches in Amsterdam and near Amsterdam.

Most people do not think about Amsterdam as a beach destination but its beaches are pretty stunning and attract many tourists from the neighboring countries.

Do not forget to bring your bikini during your Amsterdam visit and take a relaxing break at the Amsterdam beaches.

I am a long term resident in the Netherlands and I have been to these beaches several times along the years. Find here all you need to know to help you preparing your visit.

AMSTERDAM BEACHES

Amsterdam beaches are considered those that are located in the Amsterdam city itself.

Find here the best Amsterdam beaches close to the city center:

SLOTERPLAS

The Sloterplas is an artificial lake in Amsterdam. The lake was excavated into a recreational lake from the lower-lying part of the Sloterdijkermeerpolder in 1935. The Sloterpakbad was opened on the northwest side of the lake.

The Sloterplas is used for sailing, canoeing, fishing, and diving. Since 1966, the oldest underwater house in the Netherlands, the ‘Cockel Bockel,’ has been located near the East Bank.

The Sloterplas beach, on lake swimming pool, opened in 2016 and it is an urban beach in Amsterdam with some real sand where you can swim if the water conditions allow.

Most of the Sloterplas area is surrounded by a big park where people barbecue and make all type of celebrations in the Summer time.

Find here a pin with the Sloterplas beach location and the bike route from Central station:

PLLEK

Pllek is an urban beach located in Amsterdam North, on the NDSM wharf. It has a sand beach where you can chill out after your visit to the Amsterdam Street museum and there is a restaurant at the beach.

The view over the IJ canal is breathtaking and the spot is sunny all day long when the weather is good. The only downside is that this beach is not swimmable but still well worth for some sunbathing and sunset watching while sipping a cold beer.

Find here a pin with the location and how to get by bike from Amsterdam Central station:

BUITENSWEMBAD MARINETERREIN

Buitenswembad terrain is most central urban beach in Amsterdam . The area is located just outside the National Marine Museum. There are floating wooden boardwalks to cross the swimming area from one side to the other and used to jump into the water.

The Buitenswembad Marineterrein is not yet an official spot but the water quality is continuously monitored as the city council is planning to make it official very soon.

Find here a pin with the Buitenswemsbad Marineterrain location:

BLIJBURG

Blijburg beach is the best urban beach in Amsterdam. It is a real beach with real sand and it has a designated area for swimming where the water quality is monitored. There are indicators at the beach if the water quality is not safe for swimming as this is an official swimming spot in Amsterdam.

There is a nice cafe at the beach where you can eat or drink and some fast food places.

You can get either to the beach by tram or bike. Find here a pin with the Blijburg beach location and bike route:

NIEUWE MEER

“Meer” means lake in Dutch and “New Lake”, as the name literally translates into English is a large lake near Amsterdamse Bos with two official swimming areas.

The beach boasts white sand beach and it is famous for its nudist gay area.

Find here a pin with the location of Nieuwe Meer beach:

BEACHES NEAR AMSTERDAM

ZANTVOORT AAN ZEE

Zanvoort aan Zee is a picturesque coastal town known for its stunning white sand beach and growing population of deers.

It is one of the most popular beaches near Amsterdam and it can get pretty crowded on Sunny day.

However the beach is long enough walk and find a quiet spot. There many good restaurants and cafes along the beach where you can have a drink and relax while watching an epic Dutch sunset.

Several locations in Zaanvoor have wheelchairs available. Check out also this guide of accessible places to visit in Amsterdam

Find here a pin with the Zaandvoort aan Zee location:

BLOEMENDAAL AAN ZEE

Bloemendaal aan Zee is a stunning seaside town in the Netherlands. The town boasts a blend of natural beauty and beach culture. Situated along the North Sea this beach pristine shoreline stretches for miles making it a popular Summer destination for people visiting the Netherlands and Amsterdam as well as local people.

The beach is framed by some very beautiful sand dunes that serve as home for the local wild life.

Bloemendaal aan Zee is known for its lively beach bars, parties and restaurants and is the nearest beautiful beach close to Amsterdam. Visitors can savor fresh seafood, relax with a drink, and enjoy live music against the backdrop of stunning Dutch sunsets. The town has become a hub for the Dutch beach party scene, making it a popular spot for beach parties, festivals, and water sports activities.

Find here a pin with the Bloemendaal aan Zee location:

CASTRICUM AAN ZEE

Castricum aan Zee is a serene an unspoiled beach where people can unplug and find peace in contrast to the busy beach towns nearby.

The beach is surrounded by the Noordhollands Duinreservaat, a vast nature reserve, providing ample opportunities for hiking and birdwatching.

Unlike its more crowded neighbors, the village maintains a low-key, family-friendly atmosphere. There are charming beach pavilions where you can enjoy local cuisine and beverages while taking in the stunning sea views. The absence of noisy crowds and commercialization allows visitors to truly unwind and connect with the natural beauty of the area.

Find here a pin with the Castricum aan Zee beach location:

WIJK AAN ZEE

Wijk aan Zee is a coastal village in the Amsterdam countryside known for its tranquil sandy beaches, dunes, and a strong maritime tradition.

The beach is perfect for leisurely walks, sunbathing and water sport like kiteboarding and windsurfing.

The village is well known for its cultural and artistic scene and it is the perfect place to get to know some of the local culture.

Check out Timboektoe for some food and drinks when you visit the beach or enjoy a stunning Dutch sunset from the beach.

Find here a pin with Wijk aan Zee beach location:

IJMUIDEN

Ijmuiden, a bustling port town near Ansterdam with a stunning white sandy beach where you can take a nice swim in the North Sea or hike around the surrounding dunes. The beach is not only an attraction for sunbathers but also for surfers and water sports enthusiasts.

You add to your beach visit itinerary a visit to the Ijmuiden Sea and Harbor Museum. Ijmuiden beach is located very close to the Ijmuiden North and South Sea Locks, that regulate water levels in the North Sea Canal.

Ijmuiden’s commercial fishing harbor is renowned for its fresh seafood, making it a hub for seafood enthusiasts. A stroll along the harbor will lead you to a variety of restaurants and seafood markets, where you can savor the catch of the day.

Find here a pin location with Ijmuiden beach:

MARKEN BEACH

Marken is one of the most beautiful villages in the Amsterdam countryside. It is located in the Waterland municipality, in the province of North Holland. It is nowadays peninsula in the Markemeer lake but it used to be an island in the former Zuiderzee.

Marken beaches are not huge or crowded but they can be a good option for the Sumner time when the other more popular beach destinations nearAmsterdam are too busy.

There is a small beach close to the Marken harbour, just a small stretch of sand where you can sunbathe and swim very close to the village center.

The best beach in my opinion is the Marken Lighthouse beach. The beach is located close to the Marken Lighthouse a bit apart from the village center and it is a really quiet location to relax and unplug.

Find here a pin with the location of the Marken Lighthouse beach:

HET WED LAKE BEACH

This lake is part of National Park Zuid-Kennemerland and it is one of the cleanest spots to swim around Amsterdam. It is surrounded by beautiful sand dunes and trees.

Het Wed is a very nice alternative to the more busy and hectic nearby beaches of Zaandvoort and Bloemendaal, and very close to Bloemendaal aan Zee, so you can always spend some time at the lake and go for sunset and party time to one its many popular beach bars.

Find here the “Het Wed” beach lake location: