Texel

The long North Sea beach running the whole west coast of the island, marked by numbered poles (paal) that serve as meeting points. Broad stretches allow off-leash dogs out of season; in summer, from 1 May to 15 September, some sections become regulated, but several beaches stay open to dogs all year.

The Dunes of Texel National Park protects a belt of dunes, heath and woodland along the west coast, rich in nesting birds. Dogs are allowed on the marked trails when leashed; in spring the leash is essential to protect ground-nesting birds, and some strict reserve zones are closed.

The island's main town, with its market square, shopping lanes and Gothic church, the lively heart of Texel where the Monday market is held in summer. It is easy to stroll here with a leashed dog, and many terrace cafes gladly welcome pets with a bowl of water.

The island's fishing harbour, lined with cutters and seiners, with its fish auction, the Kaap Skil maritime museum and a restored windmill facing the Wadden Sea. You can wander the quaysides with a leashed dog, and it is the departure point for seal-watching and shrimp-fishing trips.

The nature centre and rescue for seals and porpoises at De Koog, showcasing the wildlife of the Wadden Sea and North Sea. It is an indoor visit with pools and an animal sanctuary: dogs are not admitted, so plan to leave your companion at your lodging or take turns.

The red lighthouse of De Cocksdorp at the island's northern tip, an iconic sentinel standing between dunes and the North Sea. The surroundings, the nearby beach and the dune paths can all be walked with a leashed dog; the climb up the tower, indoors, is not open to pets.