Ameland

There are six beach clubs along the beaches. The average rating comes out at 4.3 out of 5. The choice runs from breakfast and brunch to lunch and dinner, so you can arrive early and stay on for an evening meal too. The atmosphere varies from one venue to the next: some are lively and busy, while others aim for a quieter, more spacious visit.

Ameland can only be reached by ferry, from Holwerd. Cars can come along, but many visitors leave the car on the mainland and hire a bike on the island. The distances between the villages are short and the network of cycle paths is extensive. The nearest station is Leeuwarden, on the far side of the ferry harbour.

The beach itself is wide and shelves gently. At the guarded access points by the four villages you will find lifeguards and facilities in season; beyond these the beach quickly becomes quieter, particularly towards the eastern tip. Anyone walking or out with the dog has plenty of space on the unguarded stretches.

Besides the beach, the Wadden character defines the island. On the south side lies the mudflats, with the option of guided mudflat walking and views of the neighbouring islands. Schiermonnikoog is about 25.8 kilometres away and Terschelling around 32.4 kilometres, both reachable only via the mainland. Lauwersoog lies a comparable distance away on the shore.

For a day out or a longer stay, the beach works well as a fixed point: a beach club as a base, with room around it to cycle, walk or swim. The combination of four separate villages and one unbroken beach means you can choose where to settle down on each visit.