Goeree-Overflakke features in the Top 100 Sustainable Destinations.
Goeree-Overflakkee
Why visit Goeree-Overflakkee
On Goeree-Overflakkee, the holiday feeling immediately creeps up on you as soon as you drive onto the island. A feeling that you won’t let go of as long as you’re there. Nowhere else in the Netherlands will you find a place with so many kilometres of beach, unspoilt nature and cultural heritage so close together. A place where one view flows so seamlessly into the next. “A bit of you or kiekke”, they say.
On the island where the elements have been defied for decades, you can enjoy and have fun on and around the water. The elements, water, wind, sand and sun, combined with the space, ensure that you will find everything you need to challenge yourself athletically, but also to relax.
Destination’s sustainability performance
Nick and Hannah were born and raised at Goeree-Overflakkee. They normally travel the world for their travel blog Salt in our Hair. A while ago they already made a blog and a beautiful film about Goeree-Overflakkee: The Beauty of Home. In this video they show their favorite places on the island. Watch and enjoy!
Culture & Local Life
Immerse yourself in the local island culture marvel at art, dream away at beautiful musical sounds or dance until the sun goes down. Stroll through the cosy and authentic villages, mingle with the locals at one of the weekly markets. Or grab a terrace by the harbour or on a village square. Enjoy freshly caught fish on your plate during Goereese Fish Week.
Sustainability
Goeree-Overflakkee is committed to a sustainable future. A future in which less and less energy is consumed on the island and the energy that is needed is generated from clean, sustainable sources. A future in which raw materials and natural capital are used sparingly. A future in which life is also enjoyable for generations to come. The goal is to work together with residents, entrepreneurs and other parties to achieve an energy-neutral and climate-strong Goeree-Overflakkee.
Good Practice Story
The Dutch beaches are part of the European protected Natura2000 nature reserves and are a
major touristic destination at the same time. Tourism creates the need for a lot of maintenance, which is at the expense of nature and biodiversity. Our challenge is to improve and preserve the
balance between tourism and nature. In order to do that, collaboration between partners is
essential. Municipalities, nature organizations, volunteers and of course the locals and tourists
play a part. Without an active local “beach community”, there is a risk that it is unclear which initiatives are being carried out on the beach.
GOOD BUSINESSES
Discover accommodations, restaurants, shops and attractions that are commited to responsible development
Historic and cultural heritage
In addition to the beaches, take the opportunity to visit the Casa de Taipa Museum and the Church of São Miguel do Arcanjo.
PROMO CODE:
Historic and cultural heritage
In addition to the beaches, take the opportunity to visit the Casa de Taipa Museum and the Church of São Miguel do Arcanjo.
PROMO CODE:
Historic and cultural heritage
In addition to the beaches, take the opportunity to visit the Casa de Taipa Museum and the Church of São Miguel do Arcanjo.
PROMO CODE:
Historic and cultural heritage
In addition to the beaches, take the opportunity to visit the Casa de Taipa Museum and the Church of São Miguel do Arcanjo.
PROMO CODE:
Nature & Wildlife
Feel free on Goeree-Overflakkee, where there is something beautiful on the horizon for every nature lover. When land and water meet, breathtaking landscapes emerge. From dynamic dunes and woody polders to savannah-like marshland that changes colour with the seasons. An oasis for the outdoorsman. You can come face to face with deer, fjord horses and heck cattle. Discover the delta nature on your own or during an excursion. Book a seal safari or go in search of special birds such as the European sea eagle, spoonbill or sandwich tern. Spot them in the countryside, from one of the bird huts on the birdboulevard Hellegatsplaten, on bird island Bliek or the bird observatory ‘TIJ’.
Getting there
Are you coming by car? Parking is free throughout Goeree-Overflakkee. In addition, you can charge electric cars at various locations. You can also use public bus transport from train and underground stations in Rotterdam and Breda. From Rotterdam Zuidplein, you can reach the centre of Middelharnis in 30 minutes. There are also a few hydrogen buses running between Rotterdam and Goeree-Overflakkee. Check 9292 for information about connections and bus times.
Getting around
Make use of the extensive network of walking and cycling routes in Goeree-Overflakkee. Step on the pedals and discover the island. Cycle to picturesque villages and cosy marinas, rest in between on a terrace while enjoying lunch or dinner. Ride through or along the nature reserves and enjoy the breathtaking views. Or take a walk in the dunes or on the beach. You can hire a bicycle at various places. At most accommodations, you can reserve a bicycle when you book. At the VVV Inspiration Point in Ouddorp, you will find maps and theme routes, such as the Best of Nature cycle route! Or take a look at visitgo.nl
Travel tips from our editors
Visit Brouwersdam
Go to the Brouwersdam and enjoy the sight of surfers, kitesurfers and free style foile surfers. Here you can book a surf or sup clinic.
Learn about the seals
Make a visit to A Seal a seals shelter in Stellendam! And learn more about seals and their habitat.
Experience the Grevelingen
Sail across the Grevelingen and dock at one of the little islands there and enjoy the nature, wild horses and birds.
Sustainability Recognitions
Nijmegen has participated in the Green Destinations program since 2018 and was immediately awarded with a gold award. Additionally, Nijmegen won the European Green Capital Award in 2018.
Social and environmental sustainability is part of Nijmegen’s DNA.
Goeree-Overflakke received the Quality Coast Platinum Award. The beaches were declared the cleanest in Holland (2018-2019).
In 2020 Goeree-Overflakkee received the ITB Earth Award, after winning the Best of Nature award in 2019 and the Best of Seaside award in 2018.
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