Europe’s coolest coast

Swimmers enjoying the sunset at a beach in The Hague, the Netherlands. — Ilvy Njiokiktjien/The New York Times

A WOMAN sprawled on a lounger under a beach umbrella sips from a pitcher of sangria. Sailboats dot the bright horizon, and steel drum music streams from a nearby restaurant. The tang of coconut sunscreen lingers on the salty breeze.

Just down the beach, tourists zip-line, sunbathe and eat soft serve on a pier. A surf school attracts visitors from around Europe.