Beaches in Rotterdam
Best Beaches in Rotterdam for a Relaxing Seaside Getaway
Here is the list of 6 Beaches in Rotterdam
1. Hoek van Holland Beach
The closest true beach to Rotterdam, Hoek van Holland has a wide stretch of golden sand and a lively promenade. It’s perfect for swimming, kitesurfing, and long seaside walks, with beach bars and restaurants along the shore.
Location: Hoek van Holland, ~30 km west of Rotterdam
Getting There: Metro Line B direct from Rotterdam (~40 minutes)
Best For: Swimming, kitesurfing, day trips
Facilities: Beach bars, restaurants, showers, rentals
2. Nesselande Beach
A man-made urban beach on Lake Zevenhuizerplas, Nesselande offers sandy shores, shallow water, and a relaxed atmosphere within the city. It’s popular with families and locals looking for a quick swim without heading to the coast.
Location: Nesselande district, east Rotterdam
Getting There: Metro Line B to Nesselande
Best For: Families, swimming, picnics
Facilities: Playground, cafés, shallow swimming areas
3. Rockanje Beach
Set within a nature reserve, Rockanje Beach is quieter and surrounded by dunes and forests. It has two main beach areas: one lively with beach clubs and another more natural and peaceful.
Location: Voorne-Putten island, ~45 minutes from Rotterdam
Getting There: Car or bus from Spijkenisse
Best For: Families, nature lovers, quiet seaside escapes
Facilities: Beach clubs, restrooms, walking trails
4. Ouddorp Beach
A long and open stretch of sand, Ouddorp is often named one of the best beaches in the Netherlands. It’s great for water sports like windsurfing and kitesurfing, as well as for families who want space to spread out.
Location: Goeree-Overflakkee, ~1 hour from Rotterdam
Getting There: Car recommended; buses run from Rotterdam via Hellevoetsluis
Best For: Watersports, long beach walks, families
Facilities: Rentals, surf schools, restaurants
5. Maasvlakte 2 Beach
This newer beach area lies west of Rotterdam near the city’s industrial port expansion. It has a wilder, less-developed character and is known for kitesurfing, windsurfing, and its dramatic setting near massive ships.
Location: Maasvlakte, west of Rotterdam
Getting There: Best reached by car (~45 minutes)
Best For: Surfing, quiet nature, dramatic views
Facilities: Few — bring your own supplies
6. Zevenhuizerplas (Other Lake Beaches)
Besides Nesselande, the Zevenhuizerplas lake has smaller sandy and grassy beaches dotted along its shore. These are popular with joggers, swimmers, and families in summer.
Location: East Rotterdam
Getting There: Metro B to Nesselande, then walk around the lake
Best For: Casual swims, local families
Facilities: Lawns, picnic areas, playgrounds
Rotterdam may be a port city, but it’s also well connected to some of the Netherlands’ best beaches. Hoek van Holland is the most accessible seaside escape, while Rockanje and Ouddorp provide quieter, more scenic options. Within the city, Nesselande and Zevenhuizerplas offer quick sandy getaways, making Rotterdam a great mix of urban life and coastal leisure.