Renesse Beach

Renesse is the best-known beach resort on the island of Schouwen-Duiveland, in Zeeland, in the south-west of the Netherlands. The beach faces the North Sea and runs along the island's western coast, a broad strip of fine sand backed by a belt of dunes, and it ranks among the most popular beaches in the country. In summer the village fills with holidaymakers, and the sand is dotted with beach pavilions, windbreaks and kites, while in winter it empties and becomes a place for long, windy walks.

The beach is usually described as having different sections for different tastes. Near the village centre, the busy family stretch has pavilions with cafes and restaurants, lifeguards in the season and shallow water, which makes it popular with children. Further along, the sand becomes quieter and more natural, with the dunes close behind and fewer facilities, a good choice for those who prefer to be left alone. Other parts are favoured by sports enthusiasts, with space for beach volleyball, kitesurfing and similar activities. The layout of the zones and the facilities varies from year to year, so check the current arrangements locally.

The sea is a part of the fun, though caution is needed. The North Sea has tides and currents, and swimming is safest in the areas watched by lifeguards. Flags on the beach indicate conditions, and parents should keep an eye on young children. Water temperature is cool for much of the year, and a wetsuit helps for surfing. Shell collecting is a favourite activity, especially after a storm, and the long, flat beach is excellent for flying a kite.

Behind the beach, the village has shops, restaurants, ice-cream stalls and a lively evening scene in summer. The dunes are a nature area with paths for walking and cycling, and the surrounding island has more to offer. Haamstede and Burgh to the north have a lighthouse and a castle, the town of Zierikzee has a fine historic centre, and the great storm surge barrier on the Oosterschelde, part of the Delta Works, can be visited. Renesse's tourism goes back to the early twentieth century, when simple campsites and summer cottages appeared among the dunes.

The beach suits families, couples, sports lovers and walkers. It is free to enter and open all year, though facilities operate seasonally. Bring sun protection and windbreakers, and arrive early on hot days, as parking fills quickly. Sunsets over the water are often spectacular.