Volendam, Netherlands Hotels, Vacations, Tourism

Larger but not nearly as quaint as Marken, the old fishing village of VOLENDAM has had, by comparison with its neighbour, some rip-roaring cosmopolitan times. In the early years of the twentieth century it became something of an artists' retreat, with both Picasso and Renoir spending time here. The artists are, however, long gone and nowadays Volendam is crammed with day-tripping tourists bobbing in and out of the souvenir stalls that run the length of the main street. Quiet places, never mind pretty ones, are hard to find, but narrow Meerzijde , one street back from the harbour, does have its moments in its … more »