Texel

The largest of the Wadden Islands, where a dune national park, long beaches and sheep pastures link up into cycling loops, with boat trips to see seals.

Texel is the largest of the Dutch Wadden Islands and the closest to the mainland. Part of North Holland province, it covers about 160 km² and stretches some 25 km from north to south, with the UNESCO-listed Wadden Sea to the east and the North Sea to the west. The island has seven villages: the main town of Den Burg in the centre, the seaside resort of De Koog on the west coast, the fishing port of Oudeschild on the east coast, Den Hoorn in the south and De Cocksdorp in the north. Main areas to explore: the dune national park and beaches stretching about 30 km along the west coast, including the De Slufter salt marsh, the De Muy dune lakes and the Hors sand plain at the southern tip; the sheep pastures and traditional sheep barns of the Hoge Berg in the centre; the harbour at Oudeschild on the east coast, the Kaap Skil museum and seal-watching boat trips; and the Eierland Lighthouse in the north and the Ecomare seal centre south of De Koog. The climate is temperate maritime: May–Sep is best for cycling and the beach, sea lavender blooms at De Slufter in Jul–Aug, spring brings lambs and nesting birds, and autumn and winter are windy but good for migrating birds and seals. Getting there: take the train from Amsterdam to Den Helder (about 1 hr 15 min), then a bus to the ferry terminal; TESO ferries run hourly and take about 20 minutes to reach 't Horntje at the island's southern tip. Buses serve all the villages, but renting a bike is the top recommendation, with around 140 km of cycle paths across the island. Plan to stay 1–3 days, and book accommodation early in the summer high season. Be sure to try Texel lamb, sheep's cheese and local beer.

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