Europe’s best kept secret in the Netherlands is just a few hours away from London.

Terschelling, West Frisian Islands is an island north of the Netherlands, offering scenic places and remote cycling routes.

Visitors can head there after a trip to the country’s capital Amsterdam to finish the trip, where city cycling is also popular.

The island is accessible by ferry and has limited accommodation for tourists making it one of Europe’s lesser known destinations.

Here’s what you need to know about the island.

Terschelling

To reach the island, ferries leave from Harlingen to Terschelling and take 45 minutes. Harlingen can be reached from Amsterdam Zuid station which takes two and a half hours or you can drive which takes one hour 20 minutes.

The island is the largest of the Wadden islands and is the home to natural beauty, beaches and quaint villages.

Cycling routes

Terschelling is seen as the island of cycling among the Wadden islands with 45 miles of paths which zigzag across the island’s remote beaches.

The ferry drops you in the main town of West Terschelling where you can rent bicycles or electric bikes. 

You can cycle into the village of Midsland which has independent shops and is a popular spot for cafe hopping.

Beaches and villages 

Groene strand beach is located near West-Terschelling, this beach offers a two hour route through nature. It is also located near the village with cafe’s, museums and attractions for families.

When you stop off to take a coffee break in the village, you can also visit the Vuutroren Brandaris lighthouse, the oldest lighthouse in the Netherlands. 

If you’re looking for somewhere to stay, the Paal 8 Hotel aan Zee offers rooms with a sea view, a spa and a tranquil space for the perfect holiday. One guest said: “We had a perfect stay at Paal 8, the hotel was clean at a fantastic location. We will absolutely come back. The breakfast was wonderful and the staff very helpful. The island stole our heart.”

For dinner, the famous Pura Vida Foodbar is worth visiting after winning the Tripadvisor’s Travellers Choice award. A diner said: “The food is innovative, original and delicious. The staff are super friendly and welcoming. It was a fabulous evening, nice decor and great music. You simply cannot visit Terschelling and not stop here for a nice lunch, dinner or a cocktail.”