Vacation in North Holland

If you are planning a holiday in the Netherlands, North Holland is the most versatile province for those who love variety. During a holiday in North Holland, you can effortlessly combine the tranquility of wide sandy beaches with the dynamic energy of world-class cities and authentic fishing villages. Whether you choose an active week by the sea, a family holiday in North Holland, or a romantic weekend getaway, a holiday home offers the freedom to discover both the coast and the hinterland at your own pace.

Get inspired by the iconic lighthouses of Den Helder, the colorful tulip fields in the north of the province, and the charming cheese market in Alkmaar. Thanks to its central location, you can easily plan a day trip to Amsterdam or the Zaanse Schans, allowing you to tailor your stay in North Holland exactly to your wishes.

Discover our holiday homes on the North Holland coast, browse luxury apartments in Egmond aan Zee, or choose a stay in a characteristic "stolp" farmhouse. Start planning your trip today with Leisure Time.

A holiday rental in North Holland provides the ideal base for exploring both the North Sea and the IJsselmeer. With your own cottage, you have plenty of room for the whole family, along with the luxury of privacy near the most popular attractions. Many travelers specifically look for a holiday home with a fenced garden in North Holland for their dog, or a luxury villa near the dunes. Unlike a hotel in the busy city, here you can enjoy the fresh sea air and walk straight from your garden onto the beach.

During a beach holiday in North Holland, there are countless activities for all ages:

• Fresh air on the coast: Visit popular seaside resorts like Bergen aan Zee, Schoorl, or Zandvoort for a day of sunbathing or surfing.
• Culture and History: Discover the historic harbor of Enkhuizen, the traditional fishing cottages in Volendam, or the world-famous windmills at the Zaanse Schans.
• Discover Nature: Hike through the highest dunes in the Netherlands in Schoorl or explore the water-rich landscape of the Beemster (a UNESCO World Heritage site).
• Urban Charm: Go shopping in Haarlem’s "Gouden Straatjes" (Golden Streets) or opt for a stay near Amsterdam to visit the world-renowned museums.

For families, a child-friendly holiday park in North Holland is the perfect choice, often equipped with facilities such as bicycle rentals, playgrounds, and direct beach access.

While searching for accommodation in North Holland, you can choose from various regions:

• The North Sea Coast: For true beach lovers, Callantsoog, Julianadorp, and Egmond are the absolute top destinations.
• The "Kop" (Top) of North Holland: A region full of peace, panoramic views, and the most beautiful bulb fields in spring.
• Waterland & West Friesland: For those who love sailing, fishing, and historic towns like Hoorn and Medemblik on the IJsselmeer.
• Amsterdam & Haarlem Region: The perfect mix of culture, top-tier restaurants, and vibrant city life.

In need of a spontaneous weekend by the sea? Last minute North Holland deals are regularly available at Leisure Time. Whether you are looking for a cheap seaside cottage for a midweek break or a luxury penthouse in Zandvoort for the summer holidays, booking flexibly ensures you benefit from our best price guarantee. Even outside the peak season, the coast is wonderful for an affordable getaway.

In North Holland, you experience every season in a unique way:

• Spring (March – May): The peak season for bulb fields and visiting the Keukenhof (just across the border). Ideal for a cycling holiday along the coast.
• Summer (June – August): Warm beach days, cozy beach pavilions, and plenty of water sports on the North Sea.
• Autumn (September – November): The perfect time for long beach walks with the dog, followed by warming up in a holiday home with a sauna or fireplace.
• Winter (December – February): Enjoy the serene peace of the coast, visit Christmas markets in the cities, or relax in a luxury wellness home.

A driving holiday to North Holland is ideal for visiting the various villages and cities. While train connections between the cities are excellent, a car gives you the freedom to discover hidden beach entrances and nature reserves.

• Cycling: North Holland is very flat and has a fantastic network of cycle paths through the dunes. E-bike rentals are available in almost every seaside resort.
• Pets: North Holland is very dog-friendly. Please note: during the summer season, time restrictions for dogs apply on some beaches.
• Parking: In popular resorts, parking can be expensive in the summer; therefore, choose a holiday home with private parking.

What are the best seaside resorts in North Holland for families? 

Egmond aan Zee and Julianadorp aan Zee are at the top of the list for families. These villages have wide, clean beaches and a friendly atmosphere. Julianadorp is known for its many child-friendly coastal holiday parks, while Egmond aan Zee has a cozy village center with many shops and ice cream parlors within walking distance of the beach.

Can dogs run off-leash on the beach in North Holland all year round? 

This varies by municipality, but generally, dogs are welcome everywhere during the low season (October to April). In the high season (May to September), daytime restrictions often apply, but your dog can run free before 09:00 and after 19:00. However, there are special dog beaches in North Holland, such as in Bloemendaal or at Parnassia, where dogs are allowed off-leash year-round.

What is the best place to stay near Amsterdam but still in nature? 

For those who want to combine the bustle of the city with peace and quiet, Haarlem, Zandvoort, or the Waterland region are ideal. From Zandvoort, you can reach the heart of Amsterdam in 30 minutes by train. Looking for an authentic atmosphere? A holiday cottage in Volendam or Marken offers the perfect Dutch experience with the capital within easy reach.

Where can I find the most beautiful flower bulb fields in North Holland? 

While many think of Lisse, the largest contiguous flower bulb area in the world is located in the Kop van Noord-Holland (between Alkmaar and Den Helder). In April and May, the region around Julianadorp and Schagen turns deep red, yellow, and purple. This is the perfect spot for a cycling holiday along the tulip fields.

What to do in North Holland when it rains? 

North Holland has excellent indoor activities. Visit the historic Cheese Market (indoor museum) in Alkmaar, the Zuiderzeemuseum in Enkhuizen (partially indoor), or the Navy Museum in Den Helder. Of course, the museums in Amsterdam, such as the Rijksmuseum or NEMO Science Museum, are perfect outings for bad weather.

Is North Holland suitable for a holiday without a car? 

Yes, North Holland has some of the best train connections in the Netherlands. Seaside resorts like Zandvoort and cities like Alkmaar, Hoorn, and Haarlem are easily accessible. For the smaller coastal villages in the north, such as Callantsoog, a car is more convenient for exploring the surroundings. Many vacationers also choose a holiday home with bike rental to explore the region.

What are the parking costs at North Holland beaches? 

In popular resorts like Zandvoort, Bloemendaal, and Bergen aan Zee, parking rates can rise significantly during high season. In Julianadorp and Den Helder, parking at beach entrances is often still free.

 Tip: Book a holiday home in North Holland with its own parking space to save on costs and stress.

Whether you choose a modern seaside apartment in Egmond, a luxury villa in the dunes of Bergen, or a cozy cottage near the Zaanse Schans: at Leisure Time, you will find your perfect match.

Book your ideal holiday home in North Holland today and enjoy a versatile holiday full of beach, nature, and culture!