Texel is the largest and most famous Wadden Island of the Netherlands. Texel has, besides the beautiful scenery and charming villages, a large beach strip for great beach holidays. There’s over 25 km sandy beach on the whole west coast. Sun and beach lovers can head to one of the eight protected beach areas.
There’s also enough space to enjoy the peace and quiet enjoyment for nature lovers. Peace, space and nature. These core values of Texel apply certainly on the beach. Even on summer days you never need to be in a traffic jam. And there is room in abundance for the bathers. Whoever finds that it’s nevertheless too busy, just walks a little further. The beach is bordered along the length by the ‘Duinen van Texel’ (Dunes of Texel). Some pieces of the beach are part of a natural area: ‘The Hors’ and ‘The Slufter’.
Here is an overview of some of the most beautiful and popular beaches on Texel:
Pole 9 - Den Hoorn
On the southwest side of Texel, near Den Hoorn, is the beach at Pole 9. This beach is especially popular with families due to its extensive sandy beach and the calm, shallow water. There is a cosy beach pavilion that is open all year round, where you can enjoy delicious meals or simply relax with a drink while admiring the beautiful view of the North Sea.
Pole 12 - Jan Ayeslag
This beach is south of Den Burg and is one of the quieter beaches on Texel. There are no beach pavilions, making it an ideal place for people looking for peace and quiet. It is surrounded by beautiful dunes and offers a great opportunity for long, quiet walks.
Pole 15 - Westerslag
This beach is in the middle of the west coast of Texel. It is surrounded by a pine forest, giving it a unique landscape. There is also a nice beach pavilion where you can relax and enjoy the view. From the village of Den Burg there is a beautiful cycling route to this beach through the forest and the dunes.
Pole 17 - De Koog
This is one of the busiest and most vibrant beaches on Texel. It is located near the tourist village of De Koog, making it easily accessible and has many amenities, including various beach pavilions. Here you can practice various water sports such as surfing and kitesurfing.
Pole 20 - De Koog
This beach is north of De Koog and is a bit quieter than Pole 17. It is wide and clean, ideal for long walks, kite flying or just relaxing and enjoying the sun. There is also a beach pavilion where you can get something to eat or drink.
Pole 28 - De Cocksdorp
At the northern tip of the island, near De Cocksdorp, is the beach at Pole 28, close to the famous Texel lighthouse. The beach is usually less crowded than the other beaches and offers a magnificent view of the lighthouse and the surrounding dunes. It is a perfect spot for a quiet picnic or a long beach walk.
Pole 33 - De Slufter
This beach is part of a unique nature reserve, where the sea penetrates a large stream deep into the mainland. Although it's not a typical beach, it offers a unique opportunity to experience the island's natural flora and fauna. It is particularly beautiful when the sea floods the area at high tide.
Texel has something for everyone, from bustling beaches with lots of activities to quieter, more secluded areas where you can relax and enjoy nature. All the beaches are easily accessible by bike, on foot or by car and most have parking facilities and other amenities nearby. Don't forget that the beaches on Texel are marked with pole numbers, so it's easy to find your way around and discover your favourite beach!
The beaches, with showers to rinse of the salt seawater, will be cleaned everyday. Besides the rescue brigade will guard the beaches and warns when there is a dangerous current or wind; a pleasant and safe feeling.
Facilities
A sunbath or a walk along the beach, playing fun or water sports. The very well maintained, white beaches of will offer you peace and quietness. Optimum facilities will tribute to the comfort and with that the holiday pleasure of the guests. It starts with accessible beach crossings and parking places. Then there are the lifeguards and the rescue brigade whom watch over the well being of the guests, with a First aid post nearby. Furthermore the many cafes, terraces and restaurants near the beach will take care of the needs for serving drinks and snacks or lunch and diner.
Flags and Their Meanings
On the beaches of Texel, you will find various information signs and beach flags to inform and warn swimmers, water sports enthusiasts, and other beachgoers about the risks associated with swimming in the sea. Below you will find the meanings of these flags:
Red-Yellow Flag
Supervised beach zone. Lifeguards present Lifeguard station is open, and qualified lifeguards are monitoring the area within the lifeguard brigade's working area.
Red Flag
No swimming! Very dangerous sea Warns of serious danger and is raised when swimming conditions are very dangerous. Swimming, bathing, and other activities in or on the sea are strongly discouraged.
Yellow Flag
Be careful when swimming! Dangerous sea Warns of dangerous conditions in the sea. Extra caution and vigilance are required.
Orange Windsock
Be careful when swimming! Do not use floatation devices! Warns against the use of (inflatable) floatation devices due to offshore winds.
White Flag with Blue Question Mark
Child found! A child has been found who is missing their parents/guardians. Parents/guardians are asked to report to the lifeguard station.
Green Flag with White Cross
First Aid Post First aid personnel are present at the lifeguard station.
Black and White Chequered Flag
Water sports allowed In the zone between the two black and white chequered flags, water sports are allowed.
Pay attention to these flags and always follow the instructions of the lifeguards for your safety and the safety of others on the beach.
Dogs at the beach
The beach is the ideal destination for many dogs to enjoy. A Frisbee, a stick or a ball can fetch give great pleasure. And what is more fun than making a beach walk with your dog? However, on various beaches are dogs, loose or on a leash, not allowed all year.
On the guarded beaches on Texel are only leased dogs allowed during the period March 1 till September 1. More information on: the Dogmap of Texel
Outside these abovementioned time periods are dogs (both free-running and leashed) allowed on the beaches of Texel.
Please read the information boards carefully, which are at each beach (entrance).
Beach tips
At low tide there is a strong current towards the sea, than stay close to shore. In case you get pulled in by the current do not try to swim straight against it, but swim slanting to the shore with the current. Also be aware of floating devices like air-beds, boats or other swimming devices.
Do not get to close to the poles, piers or other obstacles.
Watch your children carefully, do not let them alone near the water. Are there recognition signs on the beach, tell it to your children.
On the guarded beaches on Texel are only leased dogs allowed during the period March 1 till September 1. More information on: the Dogmap of Texel
On the guarded