TEXEL
Texel is a 25km long and 9km wide island, where you'll find nothing but the "end of Holland". This Frisian hideaway is situated at the north-east of Holland and has a beautiful 30km long sandy beach, stretching from the west over the north to the east. One of the most fascinating features of Texel is the enormous displacement of water during low and high tide. To discover what's under your feet, mud-excursions are offered as well.
This island doesn't contain a lot, but simply picturesque villages, restaurants and cafés. If you're longing for a typical dutch atmosphere, then visit Den Burg, the central town which is also home for the local authorities and all kinds of important institutions.

The nature is not very varied, but the different kinds of the corn- and grass fields, bushes and little trees combine themselves to a gorgeous play of colours. Texel is, despite the common estimation, not only flat - especially near the beaches and in the north-east, you'll find gently hills which just go well together with the blue sea in the background.

On one of the few, totally straight roads on Texel	The color combination of the fields and the sea is wonderful

Transfer:
A double-decker ferry will take you from Den Helder (one hour driving from Amsterdam) every hour to Den Hoorn The whole ride lasts, from purchasing the ticket to finally driving from the boat, under 30 minutes. A return ticket for a car costs around 6 EUR. The boat to Texel leaves every hour, from Texel back to Den Helder every half hour. Island hopping like to Vlieland, the totally car-free island, from De Cocksdorp is also possible during the summer season.
It's very difficult to get lost on the island. The sign postings are clear and easy, the roads new and fully developed.

Accommodation:
Texel offers a lot - from low-budget bed and breakfast hotels and camping facilities to four star hotels such as the Grand Hotel Opduin which is situated directly at the beach in De Koog, at the north coast of Texel. Generally it is advised to book the rooms in advance, as Texel is frequently visited, especially in the holiday seasons.
Be advised that hotels from the lower category often don't meet the international standards. In addition, the room rates are above average - for a single room, two stars hotel with toilet and douche facilities on each level cost around 40 EUR incl. breakfast, a single room in the lowest category of the Grand Hotel Opduin 97 EUR, incl. extensive breakfast buffet.

What to do:
Apart from enjoying the 135km cycling path and the trips around Texel, you can of, of course, swim at almost all beaches, except a part between De Cocksdorp and Vlieland because of the strong current. Kite-surfing is permitted in specially designated areas, so called "Kite Zones", which are situated near Den Hoorn, the north of De Koog and near De Cocksdorp. Wind-surfing is allowed outside of the guarded parts of the beach, as is catamaran-sailing. Diving, beach and cross-country running and riding, among other things, is offered in addition. Fishers must have a license or a permit and are advised to cast their lines outside of the guarded parts of the beach. Water stations at the beaches also offer banana-boat drives or canoe adventures as well.

Texel also holds a little airport, from which you can discover the island not only by a round-tour flight, but also by jumping. Costs for a 45min flight around Texel and Vlieland are around 60 EUR. Last but not least, just driving on Texel, relaxing at the beaches or just wandering on them is very tempting.

Ecomare:
Ecomare lies at the North see in the national park "Dunes of Texel". It not only is a museum which provides information about the nature and the culture of Texel, but also is Holland's first seal-catching-station. An all-day ticket is about 8 EUR, which is absolutely worth it. Every hour, the seals get fed which is always exciting to see. Ecomare also has seals which were cast away after they participated in movies. One seal, for instance, was trained to roar every time he's hungry, another one keeps clapping his flippers and makes all guests wet.

	Feeding time - be advised that you'll get wet...	... when standing close to the action!

Drive to see the wild seals:
Once almost every day at midday, a ship takes you to the preliminary sandbanks and brings you close to wild-living seals. The whole trip takes up to two hours, a reservation of the ticket (9 EUR per person) around 10 am is recommended as well as warm cloths as the blowing wind on the ship can be quite cold.

Overall:
Texel is definitely worth a visit, and if it's just to relax. The nature is amazing, and the silence which ambient you is heavenly.
Tip: For the ultimate Dutch feeling, go to Den Burg which also offers cosy and very good restaurants. The best hotel choice is the Grand Hotel Opduin.