Zandvoort: Amsterdam’s Gay Nude Beach (2026)
Golden sand, sweeping dunes, and one of Europe’s most open-minded gay beach scenes — Zandvoort is Amsterdam’s go-to gay nude beach and a summer essential. Just a short train ride from the city, it offers the rare combo of wild coastal nature, easy logistics, and an inclusive, social vibe that feels uniquely Dutch.
Below is your complete, no-nonsense guide to Zandvoort — how to get there, where the nude gay section is, what the vibe’s really like, where to eat and drink, when to go, and where to stay in Amsterdam.
Below is your complete, no-nonsense guide to Zandvoort — how to get there, where the nude gay section is, what the vibe’s really like, where to eat and drink, when to go, and where to stay in Amsterdam.
What Makes Zandvoort So Special?
Zandvoort stands out among Europe’s gay nude beaches for its balance.
What you’ll love:
- Clothing-optional freedom in an officially designated zone
- Big dunes that create natural terraces and privacy
- Welcoming, social energy — relaxed, not aggressive
- City-to-sand ease — train, walk, beach
The beach attracts locals, travelers, couples, and solo visitors who come to sunbathe, socialize, and enjoy the coast without pretension. It feels free, friendly, and refreshingly normal — nudity included.
AMSTERDAM TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
Planning your trip to Amsterdam? These travel tools and services will save you money and make your visit stress-free:
🌟 Pro tip – Some links on this post are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you book through them—at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting our travels and helping us create more content like this!
Planning your trip to Amsterdam? These travel tools and services will save you money and make your visit stress-free:
- Travel Insurance – Don’t leave home without it! SafetyWing offers super affordable travel insurance with straightforward pricing and flexible extensions—even if your trip is already underway. Protect yourself from unexpected medical expenses and travel mishaps while you explore Amsterdam and beyond.
- Hotel Discounts – Score unbeatable deals with Booking.com, our preferred website to book hotels when traveling in Europe. Create a free account to instantly unlock savings of 10% or more on over 100,000 hotels worldwide. You’ll also find member perks like free breakfast, early check-in, or even surprise room upgrades—perfect for elevating your stay.
- Tours & Experiences – Book unforgettable adventures in Amsterdam with Viator. Whether you're exploring more than 800 years of Dutch history at the Rijksmuseum or relaxing on a Canal Cruise, Viator makes exploring the city easy and fun.
🌟 Pro tip – Some links on this post are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you book through them—at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting our travels and helping us create more content like this!
How to Get to Zandvoort (It’s Easy)
By Train from Amsterdam Centraal (Best Option)
- 30 minutes to Zandvoort aan Zee (final stop)
- Trains run frequently; tap-to-pay works with your phone
- From the station, the main beach is a 5-minute walk
Getting to the Gay Nude Section
- Face the sea and walk left/south along the shoreline
- Walking time: 30–40 minutes
- Biking option: Rent near the station (10–15 minutes), but note shops may close before sunset
Follow the promenade to the end, then continue to Avenue Fosfor. Park bikes here and cross the dunes toward the southernmost beach club — Fosfor Zandvoort — which marks the official nudist zone.
🌟 Pro tip – If walking, stay on the beach for a flatter route; if biking, use the paved bike path that runs behind the dunes.
What's the Vibe?
Zandvoort is social and cruisy-adjacent without being intense.
Expect:
- Predominantly gay, nude crowd
- Easy conversation and friendly energy
- Dune paths offering privacy if you want it
- Calm afternoons that build gently through the day
It’s more about sun, connection, and freedom than spectacle.
🌟 Pro tip – We share behind-the-scenes photos and videos as well as the spicier details from Zandvoort (and all our nudist travels) over on Patreon.
Food & Drink Nearby
Fosfor Zandvoort — Beachfront & Easygoing
This secluded beach restaurant anchors the nudist zone and is the natural refuel stop.
What to expect:
- Fresh seafood, salads, simple mains
- Cocktails, cold drinks, and sea views
- Cozy interior if it’s windy
Menus are typically in Dutch — Google Translate’s camera mode works perfectly.
When to Go
Zandvoort is best in summer.
- Best season: Late May–September
- Peak: July–August (busiest and liveliest)
- Weekdays: More relaxed, still social
LGBTQ+ Events
- Pride at the Beach usually the week before the Canal Parade
- 2026 brings EuroPride + WorldPride to Amsterdam — expect big energy
Where to Stay
Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht — Best Design-Forward Luxury Base
Housed in a former public library on the canals, Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht is our favorite Amsterdam hotel and a perfect base for a Zandvoort beach day.
Why we love it:
- Central canal location near top nightlife
- One of the closest design hotels to Club Church
- Spa with sauna and a double shower (yes, really)
- Early arrival? Spa access while you wait
- Welcome drinks + complimentary gin-based cocktails at happy hour
Rooms feature playful local art, modern bathrooms, and fully included minibars — take it all, and they’ll restock on request. It’s creative, indulgent, and quietly sexy in a very Amsterdam way.
Final Thoughts
Zandvoort delivers one of the best gay nude beach experiences in Europe — easy to reach, beautifully natural, and genuinely welcoming. Whether you’re working on a perfect tan, meeting new friends, or simply soaking up the freedom of the dunes, it’s an experience that pairs effortlessly with Amsterdam city life.
If you’re visiting Amsterdam in summer, put Zandvoort at the top of your list.
🌟 Pro tip – Planning a trip to Amsterdam? From the best LGBTQ+ hotels to must-visit attractions, dining, and travel tips, find it all in our Gay Travel Guide to Amsterdam.
Found this post useful? The easiest way to support Two Gay Expats is to subscribe (free!) to our YouTube channel and tell your friends and family about us to help us grow (also free)! And if you find our content helpful and/or entertaining, please consider joining our Channel Membership on YouTube to directly support our videos or Patreon to gain access to exclusive behind-the-scenes content.
Did we get something wrong? Has a business we highlighted closed or perhaps something new and fabulous opened? Are you interested in working with us? In all cases, we'd love to hear from you! Email us at hello@twogayexpats.com.
