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Beach · Haarlem, Holanda Setentrional
Strand Zandvoort
Zandvoort beach, on the North Sea, about ten minutes by train from Haarlem, with a promenade, dunes and beach restaurants.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Strand Zandvoort
Zandvoort is the nearest beach to Haarlem and Amsterdam. The former fishing village became a seaside resort in the 19th century, when sea bathing became fashionable; the first bathing house opened in 1828 and the railway from Haarlem arrived in 1881.
The stretch of sand is wide and extends for kilometres along the dunes. In summer, beach restaurants (strandpaviljoens) set up wooden structures on the sand. The promenade links the village centre to the beach.
The North Sea is cold and often windy. The bathing season usually runs from June to August; outside that period the beach is popular for walks and sea views. To the north of the village are the dunes of the Zuid-Kennemerland National Park.
Zandvoort also has a racetrack, used for international races. On those weekends, trains and hotels in the area fill up; check the calendar.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Half a day, or a late-afternoon visit after Haarlem.
Best time
For sunbathing, from June to August on fine days. Outside that season, on dry days for walking along the sand. Avoid race weekends at the circuit if you are not attending.
How to get there
Train from Haarlem station to Zandvoort aan Zee in about ten minutes; the station is a few minutes' walk from the sand. There is also a cycle path from Haarlem to the beach that runs through the dunes.
Tip
Bring a jacket even in summer: the sea wind tends to be chilly in the late afternoon. On cycle paths through the dunes, always keep to the right.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Strand Zandvoort
Can you swim in the sea at Zandvoort?
Yes, but the water is cold. The bathing season usually runs from June to August.
How do I get to Zandvoort from Haarlem?
By train, about ten minutes to Zandvoort aan Zee station, or by bike along the dune cycle path.
Is it worth visiting outside the summer?
Yes — it's good for walking along the beach and the dunes on dry days, bearing in mind that it's often quite windy.