Ouwerkerk || Zeeland

Ouwerkerk is the oldest village of the former island of Duiveland which is a part of the island Schouwen-Duiveland these days. It will probably not surprise you that there is not only an “Ouwerkerk” but also a “Nieuwerkerk”. Both villages owe their name to the construction of the new church in what is now called Nieuwerkerk.

Ouwerkerk has a harsch history in which the medieval church tower was blown…

Burgh-Haamstede || Zeeland

Did you know that Burgh and Haamstede are in fact two separate villages? Although the villages are now practically fused with one another, the two original village centres are still clearly recognisable.

Burgh-Haamstede is part of the municipality of Schouwen-Duiveland in the province of Zeeland and is located on the west side of the island. The area is also known as “de Kop van Schouwen” (the head…

Nieuw-Haamstede || Zeeland

Did you know that Nieuw-Haamstede was originally built as a holiday village? The neighbourhood was built early 20th century, when tourism became an increasingly important source of income for the village of Burgh-Haamstede. Originally, only wooden holiday cottages were built, but they were gradually replaced by stone houses later on.

Nieuw-Haamstede is part of the municipality Schouwen-Duiveland…

Bruinisse || Zeeland

Did you know that a mussel can only survive above water for about 6 hours? That a mussel can become up to 18 or even 24 years old? Or that it takes about two years for a mussel to become suited for consumption?

The mussel is the symbol of the village of Bruinisse in Zeeland, better known as ‘’Bru’’ among the Zeeuwen. The big mussel on the harbour platform as well as the many coloured fishing boats…

Holten || Overijssel

The village of Holten in the province of Overijssel is situated on the border of the regions Twente and Salland and the province of Gelderland. The well-known site and highlight of the municipality Rijssen-Holten is of course the Holterberg, locatedright in the middle of the magnificent area of natural beauty of “National Park Sallandse Heuvelrug”. Do not be daunted or discouraged by the word “berg”…

Renesse || Zeeland

Renesse is one of the oldest seaside resorts of Zeeland, after Domburg. When tourism started to grow rapidly from 1900 onwards, local entrepreneurs responded to that cleverly. On a small scale, arrangements were made for the tourists. One example of this was the opening of the first “verversingstent” (refreshment tent), the predecessor of the present beach pavilions. In the verversingstent people could,…

Westenschouwen || Zeeland

“Westenschouwen, ’t zal u rouwen dat ge heeft geroofd mijn vrouwe, Westenschouwen zal vergaan, alleen de toren zal blijven staan.” – A Dutch ancient saying that can be translated as "Westenschouwen, you will grieve for taking away my wife, Westenschouwen will be destroyed, only the tower will remain". According to this ancient saga about the old Westenschouwe, a merman is supposed to have pronounced…

L'Alfàs del Pi || Alicante

The village and municipality of L’Alfàs del Pi are part of the province Alicante. The village is situated on the so-called Costa Blanca, not far from the Mediterranean Sea. Although this tranquil village is not specifically known for its tourism, it does have one of the highest rates of European immigrants. Especially Norwegians, British and Dutch, massively left to enjoy the sun in the 1970s.

The…

Ouddorp || Zuid-Holland

The most famous building in Ouddorp is probably “Het Blaeuwe Huus” (the Blue House), which is presently occupied by the tourist office. You will see the building on many postcards and on one of the famous works of well-known artist Rien Poortvliet. But did you know that there used to be several “Blaeuwe Huusjes” in the village? This, due to the fact that people used to paint the farms in Ouddorp blue…

Brouwershaven || Zeeland

We all know that Zeeland is well-known for its magnificent North Sea coast and that the province has the highest number of sunshine hours in the country, but did you also know that flamingos live in the wild here? Each year, between January and April, a flock of flamingos touches down in the Grevelingenmeer (Lake Grevelingen). A rather strange phenomenon, seeing these tropical birds between water sports…

Altea || Alicante

Altea, the cultural capital of the region Valencia, is part of the province of Alicante and is situated at the so-called Costa Blanca, on the Mediterranean coast. The old town centre is situated on a hill. The picturesque church rises high above the bright white houses with its typical blue domes. The “Nuestra Señora del Consuelo” is also referred to as being the business card of the town.

The Costa…

Calpe || Alicante

Did you know that Calpe has the smallest nature reserve of Spain? El Penyal d’Ifac: this 33-metre high limestone rock takes up an area of approximately 50,000 m2. The rock seems to rise from the Mediterranean Sea, but when climbing it, it doesn’t seem to be so small after all, especially during hot summer days.

The Costa Blanca naturally is the place to be for sun-, sea-, and beach lovers. The various…

Benissa || Alicante

Away from the hustle and bustle of the Costa Blanca, and high and dry at about 275 metres above sea level, the authentic Spanish town Benissa is located. The warm Mediterranean creates a year-round pleasant temperature and diverse landscape.

The Costa Blanca naturally is the perfect destination for sun-, sea- and beachlovers. The various coastal villages all have their individual Spanish charm with…

Polop || Alicante

Rolling valleys, long-stretched footpaths. Authentic Spain, where never-ending quietness can still be found here and there. Welcome to Polop! This small, picturesque village in inland Spain, is surrounded by outstanding natural beauty and is perfectly suited for those who like quietness and for hikers and cyclists.

The Costa Blanca naturally is the place to be for sun-, sea-, and beach lovers. The…

Noordwelle || Zeeland

“Strao-rieen”? As a non-resident of Zeeland, you have probably never heard of this. In Zeeland, and on the island of Schouwen-Duiveland in particular, this is an actual understanding. For the village of Noordwelle it is even one of the most special highlights of the year.

Ever since 1643 this event returns annually. Every spring, young farmers and servants drove their draught horses to the beach…

Schuddebeurs || Zeeland

The historic hamlet Schuddebeurs was formed in the Golden Age when lots of capital houses were built in the sandy hinterland of Zierikzee. Besides this, beautiful forests were planted and parcs were created. Unfortunately, most of these were destroyed during the Second World War.

Now that the natural areas have recovered fully, these areas have become very popular among nature lovers and peace seekers.

Schuddebeurs…