5 Dutch island getaways outside of Amsterdam

Rolling dunes, sea grass meadows, and endless stretches of sandy beaches… this is not the image most people have of the Netherlands. But in fact, this tiny country is home to some of the world’s wildest and most pristine islands, just a few hours away from Amsterdam.

The West Frisians, or Wadden Islands, are an archipelago stretching across Holland’s furthest northern reaches by the UNESCO-listed Wadden Sea. Here, quaint seaside villages meet untouched nature, giving holidaymakers a chance to cycle, swim, and explore the Dutch countryside as it once was.

Schiermonnikoog, Schiermonnikoog Island

Velvety dunes, endless sky, a bright red lighthouse marking the horizon; Schiermonnikoog’s wind-sculpted landscape has earned it the title of the most beautiful destination in the Netherlands. The entire island is a national park, its drifting sands and thick forests gloriously untouched. From the shore you can go mud walking, or ‘wadlopen’, across shallow parts of the Wadden Sea when the tide is low (for safety reasons, it’s always best to do it with an experienced guide). The town of Schiermonnikoog is as quaint as it gets – only populated by a handful of people, with historical buildings dating back to 1720. Right in between the shops and the dunes, Strandresort Schier is a relaxing base for beach walks and cycling.

Oost-Vlieland, Vlieland Island

Oost-Vlieland is the only village left on Vlieland. The other, West-Vlieland, was lost to sea in 1736. This peaceful island is the most remote of all the West Frisians; it’s the least populated and furthest from the coast, so you really feel like an explorer. Covered in grassy dunes and beaches, the largest of which is 12-km wide, there are no cars here – just cycling paths through meadows and a handful of charming fish restaurants. Hotel Posthuys Vlieland is a lovely place to experience the tranquility of Vlieland, situated in the rolling dunes outside of town.

West-Terschelling, Terschelling Island

Terschelling is known as the island of cycling, with over 70 km of paths through its ever-changing scenery of moorlands, mudflats, marshes and forests. There’s a strange desert scene in its southern half, where a treeless landscape of billowy dunes harkens more to the Sahara than the Netherlands. Terschelling is also home to the largest variety of butterflies and birds in the country, so be sure to bring your binoculars. But it’s not only about natural wonder here – the lively town of West-Terschelling has many restaurants and bars, so you can combine a nature escape with nightlife and fine dining. Stay at Resort Bungalows Dellewall for the best of both. These apartments are in a quiet neighbourhood overlooking the heathlands leading to the Wadden Sea.

De Koog, Texel Island

Texel Island, pronounced ‘Tessel’, is the largest and most populated of the West Frisians. It’s also one of the easiest to get to – just a quick ferry ride from Den Helder. Because of this, it’s more developed than the other islands, with plenty of places to stay throughout its seven villages. The popular resort town of De Koog is in the middle of the Texel Dunes National Park, where coastal plains meet shifting sand and forest; a magical spot to watch the sunset after a day exploring. Just a few minute’s walk from the North Sea is B&B Beach House Texel, a one-bedroom cottage with its own garden terrace.

Nes, Ameland Island

Ameland used to be an independent lordship, until the ruling family died off in the early 1700s. Nowadays, it’s most famous for Oerd, a complex of dunes and waterways that provide a breeding ground for many kinds of birds, such as the herring gull and the Eurasian curlew. The ferry from the mainland docks at Nes, a quaint town known for its classic lighthouse, traditional houses (once lived in by whale hunters and sea captains), and nature trails. The island has over 60 different species of bird, which fly over the sprawling beach plains and the Wood of Nes. Zee van Tijd is right in the centre of town, and there’s a bike shop next door so you can explore Ameland’s fantastic cycling routes.

West aan Zee, Terschelling Island

West aan Zee is a tiny beach settlement on Terschelling’s sandy western coast, about 8 kilometres from West Terschelling. Here, it’s all about lazy walks along the shore, watching the sea birds fly above an endless sea. It’s a place to completely escape your day-to-day routine – exploring the windswept dunes, reading on the sand, or taking a dip in the North Sea. Paal 8 Hotel Aan Zee is right on the beach, and the delicious on-site restaurant means you won’t even have to go to other parts of the island for meals.

**The accommodations were chosen because they were popular amongst people who endorsed the destinations for beaches.