GOES IS another attractive old town which is well worth a visit. Access is from the Oosterschelde where you will find the entrance to the long Havenkanaal opposite the starboard-hand buoy O 13. The canal is entered through a lock and there is a good two miles before you get to Goes (for anglophones, pronounced something like “Hoos”).

The municipal moorings (Stadshaven) are in an attractive tree-lined basin in the middle of town amid gabled buildings which makes for a fun stay. Best to arrive early if you can, but if not you should still be able to find somewhere, though it will almost certainly be a case of rafting up and there is not much room for manoeuvre. In season the harbourmaster will probably be on hand to give directions and take your money, otherwise moor up wherever you can. There is an alternative option at the small yacht club WV De Werf whose entrance off the canal is marked by a miniature lighthouse.

Once safely attached you can easily while away a morning or an afternoon strolling through the narrow old streets, some of which have an attractively bohemian feel. Among the better restaurants are Het Binnenhof (De Bocht van Guinea 6, T 01 13 22 74 05) and De Stadsschur (Schuttershof 32, T 01 13 21 23 32).

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