Ouddorp
In the village of Ouddorp with it's 6,000 inhabitants and the immediate surroundings you will find everything for a pleasant stay. The rural character of the region is unique. Here you still come across geniality, imagine yourself in the peaceful nature of the past, but you are in the present with a variety of possibilities for aquatics. This region has the most sunshine hours in the Netherlands and Ouddorp has been voted the most beautiful seaside resort in the Netherlands. Even in lesser weather conditions there are plenty of activities in the immediate area that you can choose from.
The picturesque Ouddorp lies on the "island" of Goeree-Overflakkee, province of South Holland and borders the province of Zeeland in the south. With the realization of the Delta Works, after the flood disaster in 1953, Goeree-Overflakkee is connected with dams to neighboring island Schouwen-Duiveland and the mainland of South Holland. Just an arrival on the island through these flood barriers is an experience (more information about the Delta Works can be found under Activities).
The idyllic, historic village center in the southern Dutch ring village style around the village church dating from the 14th century invites to a pleasant detour and the possibility of a snack in one of the restaurants or cafes on the Ring. And despite the relatively large selection of various shops and eateries, the mood always remains calm and relaxed.
Whoever climbs the stairs of the 33-meter high church tower (the tower is open to the public in the summer months) has a wonderful view of the village and the surrounding area, even up to the Grevelingenmeer.
The climb of the church tower (open from April to the autumn holidays) in Goedereede, 5 kilometers away, is also worthwhile. The viewing tower in the dune area must also not be forgotten in this list. This freely accessible tower offers great views of the surrounding nature reserve and the sea in every season.
When you cycle or walk along the many nice winding roads, you will be enchanted by the charming little old houses. Also many old farms, rebuilt, without violating the original style of the region, into attractive mansions are a real eye-catchers. Today, people not only occupy the small main house, but use the total surface of the building, while the atmosphere of the old days is maintained through the typical wood finish.
With its 3-meter raised and 30-meter-extended dyke "Het Flaauwe Werk" (between the beach poles 10.5 and 13.25) in 2009/2010, Ouddorp offers a very special attraction for lovers of beautiful views and pleasant hiking trails. Just 500 meters from the entrance to the North Sea Park is an entrance that provides access to the more than 2 kilometer long walking and cycling path. The "Hollandse Delta" water board understood well how to integrate storm surge protection into the landscape. From the dike you can reach the flat sandy beach behind it via several beach entrances
The 52-meter-high and manned lighthouse "Westhoofd" (from 1947) on the tip of the island cannot be overlooked. His light signal (light intensity 5,200,000 dca) spreads the strongest light in the Netherlands. Unfortunately, the tower cannot be visited, but it is a photogenic structure in the middle of the dunes that was declared a national monument in 2007.
Another attraction is the "Blaeuwe Huus", a historic farmhouse from 1659 where the tourist information office is now located. The blue paint layer was also renewed during the renovation in 1991. A color that used to keep the flies at a distance.
TOURIST OFFICE, Bosweg 2, 3253 XA Ouddorp ZH
http://www.vvvzeeland.nl/nl/eilanden/goeree-overflakkee
And what is a Dutch place without mills! There are 2 copies in Ouddorp. Mill "De Hoop" (1845) and mill "De Zwaan" (1846). Mill de Hoop is still in operation today as a flour mill. It cannot be viewed, but the various types of milled flour can be purchased in the associated store. Molen de Zwaan allows visitors to enter the mill when it is running. You are more then welcome! You can also visit a mill in the neighboring village of Goedereede.
The old port of Ouddorp is a marina nowadays and is not located on the North Sea, but on the Grevelingenmeer, which was created after the construction of the Grevelingendam and Brouwersdam. It is the largest saltwater inland lake in Europe (11,000 ha). The visitor center "Inspiration center Grevelingen" (approx. 5 km from the village) informs you about the history and the flora and fauna around the Grevelingenmeer: https://www.staatsbosbeheer.nl/english. Also on this calm water there are many recreational opportunities: For example, you can walk there, there is a beach and there are many opportunities for practicing water sports.
https://www.staatsbosbeheer.nl/natuurgebieden/grevelingen/english
Stores
In the center of Ouddorp you will find various nice shops and boutiques for clothing, decorations, souvenirs and toys. Two large supermarkets, different (pastry) bakers, a butcher, drugstores, a very well-known fishmonger, pet shop, perfumery, liquor store, takes care of your need for the necessity of life, but also for those things that make life more pleasant without leaving the village. Even a pharmacy is not missing. And for those who want to arrange money matters, there are ATMs from 2 different banks (Rabobank, ING).
The weekly market can also be added to this offer (every Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.). Even garden centers and hardware stores can be found within the village limits.
But in addition to the range in the shops, you can also go to many farmers in the village and the surrounding area for the products they grow. It can't be fresher than that. Ouddorp asparagus and strawberries are not to be missed in the season
The goat farm De Mekkerstee tempts you with refined, organic products from its own farm, but also with other regional delicacies. Even if you do not like goat products, a tour of the stable and the dairy is certainly worth a visit. Then try an ice cream made from fresh goat milk. This does not taste like goat at all and is simply very tasty.
https://www.demekkerstee.nl/en/
