Katwijk aan Zee is one of the most beautiful seaside resorts in the Netherlands. With a wide sandy beach, a cozy promenade and beautiful nature in the area, this coastal town has everything for a wonderful day or weekend getaway. We visited Katwijk aan Zee a few years back and stayed in a pop-up regional house in the middle of the dunes. Although this lodging is no longer there now, we look back fondly on this experience that sparked our love for this region. In this article, we share our best tips for visiting Katwijk aan Zee in the summer!
Relax on the beach and promenade
A summer day in Katwijk aan Zee naturally begins on the beach. The extensive sandy beach, no less than 4.5 kilometers long, offers plenty of space to enjoy the sun, a good book or a refreshing dip in the sea. For those who like action, there are also opportunities for supping, kite surfing or beach volleyball.
After a few hours on the beach you can stroll along the promenade. Here you will find plenty of cozy beach pavilions where you can enjoy a refreshing drink or an extensive lunch. Highly recommended is Strandpaviljoen Paal 14, where you can enjoy colorful dishes and a relaxed atmosphere (will reopen in March 2025). For a Mediterranean vibe, visit SandCbar.
Sightseeing in Katwijk aan Zee
In addition to beach and sea, Katwijk aan Zee also has a number of special attractions that you should not miss. Stroll along the promenade and spot the white Andreaskerk, the only church in the Netherlands so close to the coast. Also nearby is the iconic De Vuurbaak lighthouse, one of the oldest lighthouses in the Netherlands. Definitely worth a visit as well!
Enjoy nature in National Park Holland Dunes
Katwijk aan Zee is located in the beautiful National Park Hollandse Duinen, one of the most beautiful natural areas in the Netherlands. This area is wonderful for a walk or bike ride through the dunes. The protected Berkheide nature reserve is an absolute must. Here you walk through vast dune landscapes with wet dune valleys, colorful flowers and special plants. Also don't forget to check out the historic bunkers from World War II that are hidden here.
Katwijk aan Zee: a region full of surprises
Did you know that Katwijk aan Zee is part of the Region of Surprises? This is the region around Leiden with the seaside resorts of Katwijk and Noordwijk and the rustic villages of Leiderdorp, Oegstgeest and Warmond. The region is also known as the dune and bulb region. In spring, colorful tulip fields create the beautiful typical Dutch image here. And the dunes, they seem infinite here. Actually, in every season there is a lot to discover in the Region of Surprises.
A visit to Katwijk aan Zee is therefore easy to combine with Leiden, for example during a nice city break to Leiden!
Culinary surprises in Katwijk aan Zee
One of the reasons why the Region of Surprises is so named is because of its delicious culinary surprises. Because enjoying the taste of the region is very well possible here. During your visit to the region, you can get the most delicious products from local entrepreneurs to enjoy the beautiful vacation time at home. We loved the organic cheeses from Cheese farm Vierhuizen and the Hortus beers and beer jelly (to dip the cheese in!) from beer brewery Pronck.
Other fun hotspots in Katwijk aan Zee are:
Krijn Verdoes: for the most delicious pastries, cakes and artisanal ice cream.
The Roset: a hidden gem with delicious seafood.
Our personal memory of Katwijk by the sea
During our stay in Katwijk aan Zee, we were fortunate enough to spend the night in a pop-up regional cottage in the middle of the dunes at campground The South Dunes. Although this special residence is no longer there, it showed us how versatile and beautiful this region is. We enjoyed the peace, nature and the delicious local products that were ready in our cottage. Although this particular lodging is not available, you can still book a spot at the campsite.
Is camping not quite your thing? Then there are plenty of other nice accommodations to be found in Katwijk aan Zee, such as nice boutique hotels and cozy B&Bs.
Summer tips for Katwijk aan Zee
Admire the sunset: Find a spot on the beach or in the dunes and watch the sun slowly sink into the sea. A magical end to the day!
Rent a bike: Explore the surroundings by bicycle and also discover the most beautiful spots of the National Park Hollandse Duinen.
Visit a summer market: During the summer, pleasant markets are regularly organized in Katwijk aan Zee.
