Located in the North Sea just off the northeastern tip of the Netherlands, Texel is a 30 minute ferry ride from the port town of Den Helder. Small enough to drive across in the same amount of time, it's actually the largest of the West Frisians Islands.
Although Dutch and German families have been frequenting Texel's main town of De Koog for a number of years, it seems that this hidden gem of a summer holiday resort is yet to be popular further afield in Europe and beyond.
Beaches and Sand Dunes
Whilst Texel may be small, it’s certainly not lacking when it comes to beautiful scenery. Ringed by wide sandy beaches and wedges of forest, it has remained unspoiled despite the regular tourist traffic to the island.
Unlike many seaside spots in Europe, there are no high-rise hotels and neon lights along the edge of the dunes, just beach huts and campsites.
The sea itself is relatively safe and there are no rocks to create hazards, just plenty of scope for swimming as well as boarding or surfing on windier days.
De Koog
Texel, however, is unspoiled in more ways than one. Unlike Amsterdam (which is less than two hours away), many residents don’t speak English and signs and menus around De Koog are not all displayed in English - a welcome change from the backpacking crowds and tourist-orientated cafes of the capital.
Nonetheless, De Koog is a busy resort town, with a number of small guesthouse and hotels providing friendly accommodation to visitors. Many include a fantastic Dutch breakfast in the rate, with a spread that typically includes boiled eggs, ham and ginger cake.
There’s even a good range of restaurants and bars on offer, with both sides of the main street lined with venues. In addition to the more traditional brasseries which serve fresh local fish and specialty Texel lamb, there are also a handful of interesting international eateries, including an excellent Argentine grill.
Many of the continental-style cafés serve snacks and drinks late into the evening and there are (rather surprisingly) three nightclubs in the town, all with decent sound systems. Although not as chic or sophisticated as can be found in some Dutch cities, they’re still a fun night out.
Family Fun
Both in De Koog and beyond, there is plenty of entertainment for the whole family. At the resort itself, there is a bowling alley that's often packed late into the evening and a mini-golf course. In addition, the wildlife center just south of De Koog has a resident seal population which visitors can marvel at during feeding times.
At the northern end of the island, De Cocksdorp has several further mini-golf courses as well as go-karting and pony trekking facilities.
Cycling on Texel
Like much of Holland, Texel is very cycle-friendly and there are hire shops on the island for visitors who choose not to bring their own. The terrain is relatively flat, making it easy for every member of the family to enjoy and there are excellent cycle paths across the island helping holidaymakers to explore the more remote corners of Texel.
All in all, Texel makes a great destination for families looking for an old-fashioned seaside vacation in Europe away from the neon lights and binge-drinking culture which now tends to be associated with such resorts.
What’s more, there's also plenty of entertainment available for adults and young people searching for a relaxed holiday and some uncomplicated fun.
Alice Woolliams - Alice Woolliams studied English at Durham University before working as a travel journalist and contributing to a range of film, music and ...
