Katwijk aan Zee is a charming seaside resort on the South Holland coast, with a wide sandy beach – ideal for families, walkers, and sun lovers.
Long and wide sandy beach: The beach of Katwijk stretches over 4 kilometres, from Wassenaar to Noordwijk. There's plenty of space to sunbathe, play, or enjoy a long walk along the shore.
Lively summer atmosphere: From March to October, the beach is lined with white beach huts, colourful windbreaks, and a wide variety of cosy beach pavilions.
Seaside promenade: The two-kilometre promenade is perfect for a relaxing walk with sea views. You'll find cafés, kiosks, benches, and terraces.
Marina: The modern marina is situated along an open waterway and serves as a great base for water sports enthusiasts and boating tourists.
Zeezijde shopping area: Just behind the promenade is the welcoming Zeezijde shopping centre, offering a wide range of shops, eateries, and ice cream parlours.
The beaches of Katwijk have been recognised several times for their excellent quality, cleanliness, and sustainable management.
Blue Flag: In 2025, the beach of Katwijk received the 18thBlue Flag – the international label for clean swimming water, good facilities, and safe beach supervision.
Quality Coast Award: Awarded in 2017 for the high standard of sustainable, people- and nature-friendly tourism.
These awards confirm that the beach of Katwijk offers a well-maintained, safe and environmentally conscious coastline – ideal for a carefree beach holiday on the Dutch coast.
Facilities & Safety on the Beach
The beaches of Katwijk are clean, well-maintained and equipped with all the conveniences for a relaxing day by the sea.
Daily cleaning: Every summer day, the beaches are cleaned so you can enjoy a fresh and tidy spot on the sand.
Showers: Showers are located throughout the beach to rinse off sand and seawater – ideal after swimming or playing.
Supervision & First Aid: During the summer season, lifeguards and beach patrols look after your safety. First aid stations are available at the busier entrances.
Comfort for Everyone
Whether you come to sunbathe, walk, play or enjoy watersports – the wide beaches of Katwijk offer peace, space and comfort for all ages.
Accessibility: Many beach entrances are suitable for prams and wheelchairs. Nearby parking areas make your beach visit even easier.
Food & drink nearby: Along the beach you'll find cosy pavilions and terraces for an ice cream, lunch, drink or dinner with a sea view.
Beach Supervision in Katwijk
At the main beaches of Katwijk, lifeguards ensure a safe day by the sea. This way, you can enjoy the sun, sea, and sand without worry.
When: Daily from 10:00 to 18:00 in July and August, and also on weekends between 15 May and 15 September if the weather is good.
Qualified lifeguards: Trained in first aid and equipped with communication tools and rescue gear.
Lifeguard stations: Spread along the beach, clearly marked with flags and lookout points. These manned stations provide constant supervision.
Danger warnings: In case of strong currents or bad weather, you will be warned in time via flags.
The beach of Katwijk is approximately 5 kilometres long and has two permanent lifeguard stations. Both are located in the busier section near the Boulevard.
North Station: Located at the Watering, on the south side of the Uitwatering. This post can be accessed via the beach entrance next to Villa Allegonda. The beach police station is also located here.
South Station: Situated on the southern side of the Boulevard, near the second-to-last beach entrance.
Flags and Their Meanings
On the beaches of Katwijk, 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 on the Beach
For many dogs, the beach is the ultimate place to run, play, and swim. Whether it’s a seaside walk in the fresh sea breeze or a cheerful game with a frisbee or ball – dogs clearly enjoy a day by the sea. But please note: on many beaches, seasonal rules apply regarding dogs.
Dogs are prohibited on the beaches of Katwijk during the period 1 April till 1 October between 09:00 till 19:00.
Outside of the above mentioned period and time are dogs allowed (both loose and leased) on the beaches of Katwijk.
However, at a temperature lower than 18°C and/or rainfall free-running dogs are allowed on the beaches of Katwijk during the abovementioned time periods.
Further, we also recommend reading the information board, with the local beach rules, which is often placed near every beach (entrance).
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.
parking areas make your beach visit even easier.
Dogs are prohibited on the 
However, at a temperature lower than 18°C and/or rainfall free-running dogs are allowed on the 
Leashed dogs are allowed all year from