Our Personal Favorites
We are still discovering ourselves so we will regularly supplement our tips.
Spoonbills
In the spring we often take lovely beach walks and regularly meet a group of spoonbills. You see them most on the wide beach where puddles form at low tide and when the beach is nice and quiet. Approach them calmly and keep your distance because they are very shy. There is a lot of year round birdwatching on the island.
Our Favorite Beach
The beach at the lighthouse is one of our favorite places in Ouddorp. It is a more natural beach with no amenities, perfect for a long walk or a sunny beach day. It’s also a great place to watch the kite surfers. There is a small parking lot, but you can also go there by bike (about 30 minutes from the house; bike parking is at the top of the dune).
Fish Auction
Stellendam enjoys national fame for its fish auction. On Friday, the fishing vessels moor in the outer harbor and the catch is traded immediately. Stellendam shrimps are famous!
Tij Bird Observatory
If you like bird watching and architecture then you should definitely go here! This special bird observatory and nature artwork is located in the Scheelhoek, a nature reserve close to the Haringvlietdam near Stellendam. The area consists of a dike with large reed lands inside the dike and a number of islands outside the dike. These islands are foraging and breeding areas for waders such as the Common Tern and, the icon of this area, the Greater Tern. If you go here don't forget to bring the binoculars.
Tulip Fields
The tulip fields of Goeree Overflakkee are in bloom in the months of April and May. Various cycling routes have been mapped out that lead you past the most beautiful areas. Maps can be found online and at the VVV (tourist info center) in Ouddorp.
Flamingo’s
Since 2012, a colony of flamingos has landed in the harbor of Battenoord every winter (from about mid October). From the watchtower you have a great view of this group of pink birds. Don't forget your binoculars!
Fish Market
Close to the house and next to the Jumbo supermarket is an excellent fish market with a wide variety of fresh fish. Hameeteman has existed for more than 60 years and is a household name in Ouddorp. TIP: Their Kibbeling is fantastic and great for lunch.
Beautifull Goedereede
Goedereede was a surprise to us when we first visited. This old, picturesque village with beautiful old streets and its village center on the water is only four kilometers from the house. By bike you will pass beautiful farmland and perhaps also some WWII sites. Then you can enjoy one of the lovely terraces in this lovely village.
Other fun activities
Kitesurfing, Blokarting and much more!
The beaches of Ouddorp are one of Europe’s best spots for kitesurfing. On the widest beach in the Netherlands there is room for a number of action-packed activities. Check the many possibilities that the surf schools provide. They have a great challenge for everyone
Playground de Flipjes
Within walking distance of Bos en Zee you will find Playground de Flipjes. It was founded in 1954 and has been equipped with new equipment over the years. There is a wide choice of playground equipment such as: Swings, Seesaws, Carousels, Slides and Funiculars, Trampolines etc. For the older youth there is also a table tennis table and a table football game!
WWII History
The island is rich in history from WWII and there are many historic markers and larger sites to visit. From the east side (Stellendam) to the west side (the Punt), Goeree had been expanded along the coastal strip with various fortifications and positions in function and size.
Walking
There are many well-marked hiking paths all over the island. The closest one is right at the entrance to our holiday park! There are lovely walks around the dunes of Ouddorp and other routes can be found on the site of Natuur Monumenten.