Katwijk aan Zee has a promenade for seeing and being seen, with plenty of terraces and restaurants. It is ideal for long walks and bike rides, and both on the promenade and in the atmospheric streets of the historic centre you will find appealing shops, from familiar chains to local boutiques. Katwijk radiates calm and space, with plenty of beach pavilions and accommodation within reach.
The beach
Beach, promenade and dunes are inseparable in Katwijk, and that makes this one of the finest beaches on the coast.
One of the cleanest in the Netherlands: the beach at Katwijk is known for its clean sand, marked out by the characteristic beach huts and the atmospheric beach pavilions.
Four and a half kilometres: the beach is 4.5 kilometres long, with several good pavilions open from March to October.
Safe for the family: in season lifeguards watch over the beach and first aid is on hand, so children can play safely.
All year round: in summer it is mainly families who come to enjoy the sun and sea, while in winter the beach is a wonderful place for a walk with the dog.
The fishing past
Unlike many resorts, Katwijk has never lost its old fishing soul, and you feel it everywhere in the town.
The old fishermen's court: just behind the church on the promenade lies a courtyard of old fishermen's houses, where you can still sense the atmosphere of times past.
The church by the sea: on the promenade stands a striking white church, said to be closer to the sea than any other in the Netherlands. A popular spot for weddings.
The Katwijk Museum: at the museum you can see, through model ships, costumes and paintings, how people here lived from fishing, and how Katwijk grew into a seaside resort.
Statues on the promenade: along the coast stand various sculptures on themes of sun, sea and beach, telling the story of the town.
The Vuurbaak
The oldest beacon on the coast stands right in the middle of Katwijk, and it is more than worth a visit.
One of the oldest in the Netherlands: the Vuurbaak is, after the Brandaris on Terschelling, the oldest surviving lighthouse building in the country.
A rich history: for centuries this beacon showed the fishermen the way home, and it is an important monument in Dutch maritime history.
A striking landmark: the squat white tower on the Vuurbaakplein has become one of the symbols of Katwijk.
More heritage: in and around the town you will also find various monuments and museums worth a visit.
The town and shopping
Katwijk combines a modern coastal town with the cosiness of a village, and it works surprisingly well.
Two kilometres of promenade: the seafront walkway is around two kilometres long and equipped with every facility, ideal for a relaxed stroll by the sea.
Covered shopping: just behind the promenade lies the modern, partly covered Zeezijde shopping centre, handy for a rainy day.
Atmospheric streets: in the historic part of Katwijk you will find cosy streets full of shops, from familiar chains to local boutiques.
For the whole family: Katwijk is a traditional family resort, with plenty of facilities and activities for children and their parents.
Sport, nature and water sports
Cyclists, walkers and water sports enthusiasts are well catered for in the surroundings of Katwijk.
The marina: Katwijk has a lively marina with open access to numerous water sports areas, both nearby and further afield.
Water in abundance: water sports enthusiasts can let loose on the North Sea or the nearby Valkenburgse Meer, and swimmers are well served at the subtropical swimming pool.
Cycling through the dunes: a lovely cycle path takes you through the Meijendel dune area from Scheveningen to Katwijk in less than an hour.
More sport still: you can also play tennis and table tennis, football, golf, or a game of boules here.
Food and drink
From a fresh fish snack on the promenade to an elaborate dinner with a sea view, Katwijk knows how to handle a hungry visitor.
Terraces by the sea: the restaurants and beach pavilions along the promenade offer something for everyone, with the sunset over the sea as a backdrop.
North Sea fish: as a fishing village Katwijk is proud of its fresh fish, with a herring or a portion of kibbeling as a true Dutch classic.
Winter treats: in winter especially Katwijk surprises with a refreshing culinary offering and plenty of cosiness in the streets.
Inland too: in the historic centre you will find atmospheric addresses, just a little out of the wind from the promenade.
With children in Katwijk
Katwijk is very much a family destination, where there is plenty to do beyond the beach as well.
Safe paddling: the wide, supervised beach is perfect for sandcastles, kite flying and playing at the water's edge.
Pan van Persijn: in this much-loved wood you will find a deer enclosure, a goose and duck pond and plenty of play facilities, with a pancake house to finish.
Neighbours by the sea: to the north lies flower-filled Noordwijk, to the south lively Scheveningen, both reachable along the coast.
Into the bulb region: in spring the Bollenstreek turns millions of shades just behind the dunes, with the bulb fields as a classic.
Nature along the coast: the Hollands Duin nature reserve links Katwijk with the dunes further along the coastal strip.
Staying in Katwijk
From an apartment on the promenade to a tent by the dunes, there is an option here for every budget.
Apartments by the sea: the most popular choice on this coast. An apartment on the promenade means waking up to a view of the surf.
Holiday homes: anyone coming with the family or a larger group has plenty of room in a holiday home, often surrounded by greenery and within cycling distance of the beach.
Hotels: Katwijk has various family-friendly hotels where you quickly feel at ease, ideal for a short weekend away.
Camping by the dunes: at the campsites nearby you sleep with the sound of the sea in the background. Have a look at the last minutes too for a sharp deal.
Practical information
A few things are handy to know before you set off for the coast.
Getting there: Katwijk is easily reached by car via the A44 and the N206, with Schiphol and Leiden close by.
By public transport: Katwijk has no station of its own; get off the train at Leiden Centraal and take the bus, which brings you to the coast in around twenty minutes.
Parking: on sunny days finding a space near the promenade takes patience, and charges apply. Come early, or park a little further out and walk or cycle the last stretch.
Best time to visit: summer is about beach and terraces, spring about the nearby bulb fields, and in autumn and winter a bracing beach walk comes highly recommended.
Clearing your head: blowing away the cobwebs on a long beach walk is the finest way to leave the bustle behind.
Beach, a fishing past and the second-oldest lighthouse in the Netherlands: Katwijk is surprisingly versatile, and that is exactly why it keeps drawing you back.
