Simonshaven(Netherlands) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Simonshafen, the top choice for sea views is Hotel De Kromme Watergang, a boutique hotel nestled along the canal with direct access to the North Sea coast. Its large windows frame panoramic ocean vistas, especially stunning at sunrise. Nearby, De Hooiberg B&B offers cozy rooms with private balconies overlooking the harbor and beach. Both properties provide easy walking access to the lighthouse and seaside promenade, making them ideal for travelers seeking tranquility and scenic beauty. They also emphasize sustainable design and local craftsmanship, enhancing the authentic Dutch coastal experience.

The town center of Simonshafen is the ideal base for first-time visitors. It’s centrally located near the lighthouse, beach promenade, and old fishing docks, offering easy access to all major attractions. The area features charming cobblestone streets, family-run cafes, and artisan shops selling local crafts. With its low-key charm and welcoming atmosphere, it’s perfect for exploring on foot. Plus, many accommodations here offer free Wi-Fi and bike rentals, ensuring a convenient and immersive experience in this picturesque South Holland village.

Visitors to Simonshafen should not miss the Annual Lighthouse Festival, held every summer, celebrating maritime heritage with boat parades, traditional fishing demonstrations, and live folk music. Explore the Lighthouse Museum, which showcases the town’s role in North Sea navigation and coastal defense. On Saturdays, the local market brings together artisans, farmers, and food vendors offering fresh Dutch cheese, pickled herring, and homemade pastries—perfect for tasting authentic regional flavors while engaging with locals.

Yes, Simonshafen is highly suitable for families with young children. The sandy beach has shallow, calm waters ideal for toddlers and kids to play safely. Facilities include shaded picnic areas, playgrounds, and rental services for bikes and paddle boats. The Family Beach Park offers interactive nature trails and guided wildlife spotting sessions. Parents can relax at nearby cafés while children explore the dunes and tidal pools. The town’s low traffic and friendly locals make it one of the safest and most welcoming destinations in South Holland for family vacations.

Simonshafen offers a peaceful, low-key nightlife perfect for relaxation. Local favorites like De Vissenkoker serve craft beer and fresh seafood, often featuring acoustic performances by local musicians. The sea wall walkway is beautifully lit at night, ideal for evening strolls with sea breeze and distant lighthouse beams. While there are no clubs or bars open late, the town’s quiet charm and starlit skies make it an excellent spot for couples or solo travelers seeking serenity after sunset.

Photography enthusiasts should head to the Simonshafen Lighthouse and surrounding coastline. Capture golden-hour shots of the red-and-white tower reflecting on calm waves. The old fishing pier at dawn offers dramatic silhouettes of fishermen and seabirds against soft gradients. The dune paths leading to the beach provide natural framing and seasonal textures—wildflowers in spring, golden grasses in autumn. Bring a wide-angle lens to fully capture the expansive sky and sea horizon, creating breathtaking landscape compositions unique to this Dutch coastal gem.

Public transport in Simonshafen is efficient and traveler-friendly. The town is just a 30-minute train ride from Rotterdam Central Station, with frequent connections via local electric trains. Within the village, a circular bus service links key sites including the lighthouse, beach, and town center. Bike-sharing stations are available at major stops, and dedicated cycling paths follow the coastline. Many hotels offer complimentary shuttle services, making it easy to explore without a car—ideal for eco-conscious and independent travelers.

Must-try dishes in Simonshafen include fresh herring (haring) served raw with onions, a classic Dutch street food. Visit Oosterschelde Seafood for expertly prepared mussels, oysters, and grilled fish caught daily from the North Sea. Don’t miss frikandel—a spiced meatball served in a bun with mayonnaise. For dessert, sample Amsterdam-style stroopwafels or almond cakes from Bakkerij de Zee. Some restaurants even offer seafood cooking workshops, where you can learn to prepare traditional Dutch fish stew using local ingredients.

Absolutely. Simonshafen is a top destination for solo travelers seeking peace, connection, and inspiration. The town’s small size fosters a warm, inclusive community where strangers often exchange smiles and stories. Enjoy quiet mornings at the lighthouse viewpoint, read by the sea, or join a local walking tour. The lack of nightlife pressure allows for deep introspection. Many guesthouses welcome solo guests with communal breakfasts and travel tips, creating organic social opportunities without feeling forced—perfect for those looking to recharge and reflect.

The best time to visit Simonshafen is between May and September, when temperatures range from 15–22°C and daylight hours are long. Summer (July–August) brings lively festivals and vibrant energy, though crowds peak. For quieter visits with blooming landscapes, aim for late May to early June. Winter months (December–February) are chilly and rainy, but offer a serene, almost cinematic solitude—especially at sunrise over the foggy sea. This is ideal for photographers and those seeking a contemplative escape.