Village by village
Den Burg is the main town in the middle — most shops, best restaurant choice, farmers' market on Mondays. It's the smart pick if you want to eat well and don’t mind being 4 km from the nearest beach. De Koog is the tourist hub on the west coast: family hotels, beach clubs, ice cream, some crowds. Oudeschild is the working fishing harbour on the east side, with the Kaap Skil maritime museum and calmer wadden-side beaches.
De Cocksdorp at the northern tip is remote and gorgeous — near the lighthouse, best for cycling and birdwatching, thin on restaurants. Den Hoorn is the prettiest village (white church, wildflower fields in spring). De Waal and Oosterend are tiny farming villages for people who want silence.
What a night costs
Expect €150-220 in Den Burg and De Koog in July-August, €110-160 in shoulder season, and €90-130 in winter. The wadden side (Oudeschild, Oosterend) is 15-20% cheaper than the North Sea side. Book six months out for high summer — the island fills.
Questions answered
Do I need a car on Texel?
No, if you cycle — the island has excellent bike infrastructure and rentals at the ferry. Yes, if you’re travelling with small children or want to see multiple villages daily.
Which village is best for a first visit?
Den Burg for the practical base or De Koog if beach is the priority. Both have good hotel choice and easy bus links.
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