Holiday Home Zeeland: Enjoy unique cycling stages and historic towns nearby!

Zeeland offers a well-balanced mix of beaches, historic towns, and beautiful cycling and walking routes. From a holiday home in Zeeland, there's always something to explore nearby or a bit further afield. Want to find out if Zeeland truly is one of the most beautiful cycling provinces in the Netherlands? Set off on an adventure and discover which routes pair well with charming cities like Middelburg or Zierikzee. Prefer to relax as much as possible from your holiday home in Zeeland? Then you’ll enjoy your stay in Zoutelande, a lively seaside resort with many terraces and an award-winning beach!

Beaches and Nature

Zeeland is the perfect destination for a relaxing beach holiday. The beaches are generally less crowded and quite wide. The Vrouwenpolder near Breezand is one of the widest beaches in the Netherlands. You’ll also find many beach cabins here, and several beach pavilions serve as starting or finishing points for a stroll along the shoreline. For both beach and nature, head to Westenschouwen, where the beach at domain 2 borders a large nature reserve with forest. The wide beach at Cadzand is vibrant with several beach pavilions and the characteristic wooden beach posts.

Middelburg

The historic provincial capital of Middelburg is a destination well worth visiting. In the past, this city was one of the most prosperous in the Netherlands after Amsterdam, and you can still sense that as you walk through the picturesque city center. Quaint streets and alleys with charming gabled houses alternate with striking landmarks like the Lange Jan abbey tower and the impressive town hall. After a city walk, take a break at a terrace on the large market square, because you could easily spend the rest of the day with a variety of activities. Start with a guided tour of the Gothic town hall and then climb the 90-meter-high Lange Jan. The same abbey also houses the Zeeland Museum, along with a small shop and a restaurant.

Zierikzee

If you think Zeeland's monumental charm ends with Middelburg, think again. There are several other towns that make Zeeland extremely enjoyable. A notable place is Zierikzee, where you’ll encounter picturesque scenes such as a canal with fishing boats and an old city gate with a drawbridge in the background. The New Church is also a striking landmark, as the tower’s architecture is completely different from the nave, which was built in the neoclassical style. One of the most photogenic spots in Zierikzee is Plein Montmaertre. As chic as it sounds, it’s just as beautiful—old houses with the ornate city hall tower rising above the rooftops. Grab a seat on the terrace by the fountain and enjoy the sun and this stunning cityscape!

Follow the Village Route from Your Holiday Home in Zeeland

When thinking of Zeeland, dikes and marshy polders may come to mind. Want to cycle around the Walcheren peninsula near Middelburg? Then expect dune strips and creek ridges dominating the landscape. The village route follows a network of junctions along the western side of Walcheren, skirting Middelburg and passing various villages such as Domburg, Oostkapelle, and Serooskerke. Domburg is a seaside resort on the North Sea with a beautiful forested area behind the dunes. Tip: make a stop at the surprisingly beautiful Westhove Castle, as few castles boast such an authentic medieval appearance as this 13th-century structure. The round towers, moat, and castle garden make for a photogenic scene during a walk around this remarkable site!

Walking Along the Zeeland Coast

No matter where you stay in a holiday home in Zeeland, you'll have easy access to stunning nature. Staying near the Eastern Scheldt? Follow individual day stages of the Oosterscheldepad from Kruiningen and walk along a landscape of creeks and sandbanks. The Drowned Land of Saeftinghe is also a unique nature reserve that draws many walkers. The route partly follows boardwalks, but sturdy boots are recommended if you go on an expedition with a guide. They’ll take you off the beaten path, where it can get quite muddy in places.

There are also several walking options around Lake Veere. For example, hike across the Goudplaat and admire wild horses and cattle grazing in the open grasslands. Another sandbank, the Schotsman, can be explored via two walking routes. One route brings you face-to-face with Highland cattle, while the other leads you along Lake Veere. You could combine both routes and, in addition to grazing animals, spot a variety of birds such as buzzards.

Seaside Resort Zoutelande

Zoutelande is considered one of the most pleasant seaside resorts in the Netherlands. One good reason is that this beach faces south, unlike most others. As a result, temperatures here are slightly higher than elsewhere. Some even claim that the southern exposure creates a more atmospheric light. Expect high dunes and wide beaches awarded with a Blue Flag. Right behind the dunes lies the village of the same name, where it’s easy to interrupt your beach day with a drink on one of the many terraces or satisfy your hunger at a restaurant. Of course, you can also relax on the spacious terrace of beach pavilion De Branding.

Flood Museum

The history of Zeeland is closely linked to the 1953 flood disaster. Anyone wanting to learn more about this dramatic event should definitely visit the museum in Ouwerkerk. You’ll discover how the disaster occurred and what happened during the flood. In addition to educational displays, the museum also features a café and a restaurant for those who want a bite to eat on site. And if you haven’t tried it yet, be sure to taste the Zeeuwse bolus—a typical Zeeland treat known throughout the country!

Rent a Holiday Home in Zeeland

Whether you’re booking a holiday home for a beach holiday, planning cycling trips through beautiful towns and villages, or looking to hike through rare nature reserves—Zeeland has it all. Did you know Zeeland is the sunniest province in the Netherlands? Don’t wait any longer—rent a holiday home in Zeeland and enjoy a rich mix of beach, nature, and picturesque towns!