Texel is the largest and south westernmost of the Dutch Wadden islands. It's at 80 train/car>ferry kilometres north from Amsterdam and separated from the mainland by the 4 km/2.5 mi wide Marsdiep canal. A ferry, sailing every hour, brings you from Den Helder harbour on the mainland to Den Burg harbour in Texel. From Amsterdam it will take you less than 2,5 hours to get there.
It's a good idea to go on a daytrip but Texel has so much to offer that you won't regret making an excursion for several days.  Though relatively close to the mainland, Texel island has preserved much of its original character just because of its age-long splendid isolation.
Go e.g. to the unique tidal areas of De Muy and De Slufter NE from De Koog, to experience the fascinating interplay between land, sea and wind. Or visit Eierland (Egg Land) in the northern part of the island, a breeding ground for thousands and thousands of (migration) birds.
Den Burg is the largest town in the island. It's a well equipped shopping centre. Sun-worshippers can go to De Koog, Texel's best known seaside resort or visit Calluna sub-tropical leisure pool.
Don't miss EcoMare, a very instructive visitor's centre, offering all information about local nature and environment; it includes a bird shelter, a wild-life museum and a unique rehabilitation centre for seals (see Webcams section).
Sports lovers can let themselves go in Texel: swimming, canoeing, windsurfing, catamaran sailing, 120 kilometres of cycling path, even parachute jumping... to much to mention!