Surroundings

This title was not only bestowed as a result of its geographic location, because Schouwen-Duiveland is the most northern isle of Zeeland, but also and primarily because of the sheer beauty of Schouwen-Duiveland.

Schouwen-Duiveland has dazzling beaches with unspoilt beauty stretching over several miles. Nearby is a unique dune landscape, which also includes Zeeland's largest forest. And if that in itself was not enough, this area gets more sunshine hours than any other spot in the Netherlands!

Behind the dunes and the embankment lies the polder of Schouwen-Duiveland with its lively small towns and typical villages, some of the most beautiful places of the Netherlands. Since the island led an isolated existence for many years, it retained its own identity. There is no heavy industry. The countryside is still as peaceful and spacious as it was famous for centuries ago.

Schouwen-Duiveland is surrounded by water, which presents a wide range of opportunities for fun and entertainment. Water offers an unrivalled feeling of freedom and it is the ultimate for a sparkling holiday or a refreshing day trip. In 2005, the town Schouwen-Duiveland was again awarded the blue flag for its marina and beaches. The flag vouches for a good quality swimming environment, provisions to combat pollution and proper toilet facilities near the beaches.

The harmony between the land, wind and water throughout the centuries has given nature in Schouwen-Duiveland an extremely varied character. The stunning nature reserves and countless coves, springs, dikes, mud flats, salt marshes and dunes form a unique combination.

Briny Zeeuwse Delicacies, anyone exploring the kitchen of Schouwen-Duiveland neemt, will acknowledge that people can rely on a rich tradition and a comprehensive selection of dishes. The highly rated restaurants pride themselves on offering as much local produce from in and around the Oosterschelde and the Grevelingen as possible, because they make the cuisine of Schouwen-Duiveland so extraordinary.

A stay in Schouwen-Duiveland is not tied to one season, the region stimulates the senses throughout the year. The landscape varies in colour and structure from season to season. The harmony between the sun, wind and clouds above land and sea lend Schouwen-Duiveland the famous “Zeeland light”. And every season has its own events.

Come and experience Schouwen-Duiveland in your own way. You will look back at the experience for years to come. Schouwen-Duiveland deserves a warm place in your heart.

In the spring time, you can enjoy the grassland birds, the blossoms, the ‘bulb fields’ and the young cattle. In the summer, the beaches and the water form the main attraction point. The autumn lends itself to viewing the historic sites, to watch the harvesting in the countryside and see the seagulls chase the tractors. The forest shows its autumn splendour and harbours many mushrooms. As the cold descends in the winter time, the geese occupy the space of the grassland birds and a walk on the beach is immensely invigorating; even then, Schouwen-Duiveland has an enchanting atmosphere.