Nestled between the mainlands of France and the United Kingdom sits the small island of Guernsey. With a landmass of just 65 square kilometres, the island of Guernsey is largely unknown to the world, and what a hidden gem it is! From the incredible history, fascinating culture, kind and welcoming natives, and stunning, endless beaches, Guernsey is possibly one of the most beautiful places in the world.
With so many golden sands and rocky horizon beaches to choose from, trying to decide which beach is the best for you during your short visit to Guernsey can be tough. This is your complete guide to all of the best beaches in Guernsey to help you decide which is the one for you, including when you should visit them and what to expect when you get there.
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All of the Best Beaches in Guernsey – A Complete Guide
Map of Guernsey
For such a small island, the landscape of Guernsey has a pretty impressive contrast between the northern and southern end of the mainland. To the north, you will find golden beaches with a gentle slope into the sea, perfect for a gentle paddle on a warm summers day.
To the south of the island, the land drops sharply into the sea from the stunning cliffs of Guernsey. Hidden throughout this jagged and towering coastline you will find the gentle relief of Guernsey’s hidden beaches, which are usually more peaceful and secluded than those on the northern side of the island.
This guide divides all of Guernsey’s beaches into the for sides of the island, from North to South, East to West, and will be grouped as shown on the map below.
Beaches on Guernsey’s Northern Coast
To the north of Guernsey, you will find beautiful sandy beaches that are generally much quieter than elsewhere on the island. Due to the popularity of the western coast, it is very easy to find a peaceful place on the northern beaches to enjoy the sea view.
Port Grat, Vale
Bus Routes – 31, 32, 91, 92
Starting at the further west beach in our defined “northern section” of the island, Port Grat sits just to the east of the Rousse Tower. It is a horseshoe-shaped bay that sits hidden along the northern coast, just off of Route du Port Grat, and features both beautiful, golden sand and a treasure trove of rock pools at low tide.
At high tide, Port Grat is a fantastic place for a relaxing bathe as it is easily accessible for a walk-in swim. Parking can be found at either end of the beach, either at the parking spot across the road from the Vardes Quarry or at the Rousse Tower to the east.
If you are looking for facilities, toilets and a kiosk can be found at the Rousse kiosk, which can be reached by turning into the Peninsula Hotel and continuing along the road towards the Rousse Tower. Here there is a toilet block, a kiosk and spectacular views over the Grande Havre Bay.
Le Grande Havre Bay, Vale
Bus Routes – 31, 32, 91, 92
Perhaps one of the most fascinating parts of the island of Guernsey, Le Grande Havre represents the remnants of the body of water that once split Guernsey into two islands. Originally, the island was divided by a marshland that would become a shallow river at high tide, which ran from Le Grand Havre all the way to St Sampson’s.
This area of marshland was known as Braye du Valle and had a huge impact on the way Guernsey residents travelled from the north to the south of the island. At the beginning of the 19th century, the Lt-Governor decided that in order to improve Guernsey’s defences against a French invasion, the Braye du Valle would require filling in to provide easy access between the islands.
French for “large haven”, the bay at Le Grande Havre is a wide area of water which is beautifully Sheltered from the open water beyond. Along the shores of the bay there are several different beaches on the northern coast, each with their own specific charm. These beaches include Rousse Bay, Ladies Bay, Chouet Bay, Les Amarruers, and Le Piquerel.
These are all discussed in more detail below.
One of our favourite kiosks on the islands lies on the shores of Le Grande Havre and is known as the Vale Kiosk. It sits directly across the road from the Vale Pond, the last remaining evidence of the original marshland that once separated the Vale from mainland Guernsey. This kiosk is open all year round and sells very good ice cream and coffee.
There is no toilet at this kiosk, however, the closest ones are either at Ladies Bay to the right or at the Rousse Kiosk to the left.
Rousse Bay, Vale
Bus Routes – 31, 32, 91, 92
Located at the far western side of the bay, Rousse Bay looks out across the entrance to the entrance to Le Grande Havre. East of beaches such as Port Soif, the Rousse headland has opportunities for exploring the shoreline to both the east and the west.
In terms of swimming, the beach consists of coarse sand and rocks, which may not sound very appealing, however, it makes up for it with the manmade entrance of the pier. Facing across the entrance to Grande Havre is a long, stone wall, perfect for wading into the water at high tide or jumping from at low tide.
Rousse Bay features an old fortification that stands tall over the bay and dates back to the 18th century. Combined with the kiosk on the shore of Rousse Bay, as well as the multiple boats that bob in the water, this is a beautiful place to explore and chill out whilst you watch the sea. There is also a toilet block that is free to use nearby the kiosk.
To reach Rousse Bay you simply need to drive towards the Peninsula Hotel at Le Grande Havre and then continue past it until you reach the small car park on your right with the kiosk. Continue along the coast past the kiosk and you will reach the ramp leading to the stone wall of Rousse Bay, as well as Rousse Tower and Battery.
Les Amarruers Bay, Vale
Bus Routes – 31, 32, 91, 92
Across the water from Rousse Bay you have the hugely popular swimming area of Les Amarruers Bay. This sandy and sheltered beach is one of the most popular beaches in the region, mainly due to the ease of access and entrance to water. The beach features a long wall that protects the entrance to the bay and prevents any waves from entering. As a result, you can expect calm and tranquil waters no matter what the weather is like.
The bay is very dependant on the height of the tide, however, as at low tide the water sits out beyond the protection of the wall. The best time to visit Les Amarruers Bay is therefore at medium to high tide, as you can walk into the water from the sandy beach or jump in from the wall.
This bay has easy but limited parking that is reachable by continuing along the road to the right of the Vale Kiosk until you reach the toilet block and playpark. The toilet block is usually open during the day every day and the playpark is excellent for children.
Ladies bay, Vale
Bus Routes – 31, 32, 91, 92
Further around the coast to the east from Les Amarruers Bay is the quieter and more isolated stretch of sand known as Ladies Bay. Much less sheltered than Les Amarruers Bay, Ladies Bay has a more natural feel to it, with rolling waves and soft sand that gives an easy entrance to the water.
In order to reach Ladies Bay, the closest car park is at Chouet Bay, from which you simply need to walk 5 minutes to the north with the sea on your right. You can also park nearer to Les Amarruers Bay and walk to Ladies Bay, with the sea on your left.
There is a toilet to use at Les Amarreurs Bay as well as at the Chouet Bay kiosk if you need to use it.
Chouet Bay, Vale
Bus Routes – 31, 32, 91, 92
The last bay in Le Grande Havre bay is known as Chouet Bay, which sits the furthest round to the north of the bay and closest to the open ocean. Situated on the end of L’Ancresse Common, it has been noted that when the wind blows from the north, the smell from the nearby landfill can be overwhelming. Therefore, it is recommended that you avoid this beach if this is the case.
The kiosk and car park for Chouet Bay can be reached by turning off L’Ancresse Road onto Mont Cuet Road and following it till you reach the sea. There is a large car park at the end of the road, beside the popular seaside restaurant Roc Salt.
The beach is mostly sand with large wave-break rocks guarding the shore. This is an excellent beach for relaxing on the soft sand and walking into the water, which delivers a gentle entrance with a gradual slope down the beach.
There are a kiosk, a toilet, and the Roc Salt restaurant at this beach, as well as a portable ice cream van parked on the shore, all of which make it a popular choice during a hot summer’s day.
Pembroke and L’Ancresse Bay, Vale
Bus Routes – 12, 91, 92
One of the largest stretches of sand on the island sits on the northern coast of the L’Ancresse Common and is known locally as Pembrooke and L’Ancresse Bay. With golden sand, a gentle slope into the sea and clear views out to sea, on a sunny day this is one of the most beautiful beaches in Guernsey.
Depending on when you visit Pembrooke beach, the sea will either be lapping on the shore beneath the guard wall or the water will be hundreds of meters down the beach. At low tide, the soft sand stretches far out to sea, making it a popular spot for dog walkers and families to come and relax on. At high tide, the water has a crystal blue look to it that leave you thinking you have travelled to the Caribbean.
Overlooking the shore of the beach is the Beach House cafe and restaurant, which serves a selection of drinks and food for visitors to the common. There is also a kiosk further round to the right of the beach and there are toilets both at the Beach house (inside and outside) and at this kiosk.
The path that leads around the headland of the Vale is a beautiful walk stretching from the tower of Fort Pembroke all the way around to the Beaucette Marina. This is a lovely place to enjoy a walk on a warm summer’s day or to admire the sun as it sets beneath the horizon to the west.
Bordeaux Beach, Vale
Bus Routes – 11, 12, 91, 92
Heading around to the Northeast side of the island, the next stop is the rocky shores of Bordeaux Harbour. This is a hugely popular area for dog walkers and beach-goers alike, with spectacular views across the narrow stretch of water to the islands of Herm and even Sark on a clear day.
You have a choice of car parks to choose from when accessing this beach, however, we would suggest parking close to the Bordeaux kiosk. This car park is large enough to fit over 30 cars and will give you access to Bordeaux Beach, the Vale Castle, as well as the kiosk and toilets.
The coastal walk at Bordeaux stretches from the kiosk all the way around to the Guernsey Sea Farms and takes you around the cute lanes and cottages in the area. In addition to this beautiful walk, the kiosk at Bordeaux sells the best coffee on the island and even offers a discount if you bring a reusable cup!
Beaches on Guernsey’s Eastern Coast
Further to the east is Guernsey’s most populated coast, following the promenade from St Sampson’s down to St Peter Port. This primarily rocky coast is most popular for fishing both from the road at high tide and from the rocks and beaches at low tide.
Belle Greve Bay, St Peter Port
Bus Routes – 11, 12, 13, 21, 31, 51, 91
Just north of the town of St Peter Port lies the harbour of Belle Greve Bay, a popular spot for fisherman to hang out. The bay stretches from the La Salerie car park and stretches all along the promenade to St Sampsons, one and a half miles to the north.
At high tide, the small harbour area beside the car park becomes a popular spot for swimming and jumping in and out of the sea. The staircase leads directly into the water, making it an easy place to swim out from. You may also see people jumping from the top of the stairs, off of the promenade wall, however, we must highlight the dangers of this if you are not familiar to the hazards that lie beneath the water.
Havelet Bay, St Peter Port
Bus Routes – Short walk from the town terminus
Further to the south, Havelet Bay sits at the bottom of the winding road known as the Val des Terres, beneath the shadow of the beautiful Castle Cornet. This bay is hugely popular with morning and evening swimmers, as well as fishermen casting off from the sea edge at high tide or from the bay itself at low tide.
Sitting between the manmade sea defence of the Castle Pier and the natural outcrop of land where the La Valette Bathing Pools, this bay is more sheltered than the open ocean further around the coast. However, on a stormy day at high tide the waves at Havelet Bay can still prove quite dangerous, so take care in this area.
This bay is surrounded by easily accessible bars, cafes and restaurants, and is easily reached from any car park in town. The Octopus bar and restaurant is the closest place for food or drinks and has beautiful views of the castle and bay.
Fermain Bay, St Martins
Bus Routes – 91, 92, 93, 94, 95
This is probably one of the most popular hidden beaches in Guernsey, mainly because of its easy access and onsite cafe. The Fermain Beach is not as affected by the tide as some of the other beaches in Guernsey, meaning it is accessible all day long. At high tide, the water is almost directly beneath the wall and at low tide, it can be reached by a short walk along the sandy shore.
Reaching Fermain Bay can be quite difficult during the peak hours, however, due to the lack of parking at the bottom of the hill. Officially, there is no parking allowed at Fermain Bay at any time of day, with multiple warning signs stating this on the way down the hill.
This means that the only way to access Fermain Bay is either by parking at one of the bars at the top of the hill, such as Buho or the Fermain Tavern, and then walking down the hill, or by making your way along the coast from Jerbourg to the south or from Fort George to the north.
At Fermain Bay, you will find a small cafe that serves cold drinks and delicious food from 10am till 6pm, 7 days a week from April to September, and then weekends only the rest of the year. There is also a toilet block and a water fountain at the bottom of the hill, which are both free to use.
There are a lot of picnic benches and open space for a blanket on the grass or the beach if you fancy bringing your own packed lunch to Fermain Bay, so it is an excellent place to bring children.
We visited this bay multiple times throughout summer for a sunrise swim and never had an issue with parking at the bottom of the hill, so long as we were away by 7am. If you fancy a morning dip, just ignore the signs and bring your vehicle down to the bottom of the hill.
Marble Bay, St Martins
Bus Routes – 91, 92, 93, 94, 95
One of Guernsey’s hardest to reach beaches, but also one of its most beautiful, is the small cove known as Marble Bay. This hidden beach lies midway along the coast between Jerbourg Point and Fermain Bay. It is not accessible by car and will require a 10-15 minute walk wherever you decide to park your car, along a rather demanding coastal path.
Similarly to Le Jaonnet Bay, Marble Bay is completely inaccessible at high tide, so prior planning is required to ensure that you visit at the correct time.
When we visited Marble Bay, we parked a the bottom of Fermain Bay (as we visited at sunrise), from which we hiked along the cliffs to approach Marble Bay from the north. It should also be possible to reach Marble Bay from Jerbourg Point if you park at the Jerbourg Kiosk and walk along the cliff with the sea on your right.
Keep an eye out for the small stone signposts along your route and you will eventually find one pointing downhill towards Marble Bay (with a view rather like the one below). Follow the staircase all the way to the bottom and you will eventually reach the soft, sandy shore at the bottom.
Marble Bay is one of our favourite beaches in Guernsey due to its remote location and the resulting solitude, as well as how beautiful the beach looks at low tide. It has received its name due to the “marble-like” rocks that decorate the beach at low tide. Once again, we visited this beach at sunrise and were treated to a beautiful light show of sun rays over the distant island of Sark.
Beaches on Guernsey’s Southern Coast
The southern coast of Guernsey is entirely cliffed, with narrow passages and footpaths leading to the hidden beaches that reside along the coast. This is our favourite part of Guernsey, due to the beautiful cliff views, the isolation of the many beaches, and the fantastic opportunities that the beaches provide for swimming.
Petit Bot, St Martins
Bus Routes – 11, 91
Saving possibly the best till last, the small beach of Petit Bot combines the best of all the above beaches to produce an incredible place for swimming, dining out and relaxing with a view. Petit Bot is the furthest west beach on the southern coast of Guernsey and features parking, a cafe, a stony beach (no sandy feet!), and a multitude of caves to explore,
The easiest way to reach Petit Bot is by following the Rue de Croise from the main road nearby the airport (you will see a small sign directing you down the road). Follow this winding and narrow road until you reach the Petit Bot car park, where you will find the cafe, kiosk and toilet block.
There are about 10 parking spaces at the Petit Bot cafe, so if you visit at a quiet time of the day you should have no problem parking here. The beach itself is also easily accessed, with a sloping ramp leading down onto its stony shore. We recommend you bring water shoes for accessing this beach and the water, however, as there is little to no sand on the beach.
To the right of the beach, at low tide, you will be able to find a collection of huge caverns, dug into the side of the cliffs. These are accessible by foot at low tide and possibly by swimming at high tide, however, extreme caution is advised at all times due to rock-fall and currents of water.
Moulin Huet Bay, St Martins
Bus Routes – 81
Hidden on the south coast of Guernsey, nestled at the bottom of the lanes in St Martins is Moulin Huet Bay. Follow the road down Rue du Moulin Huet until you reach a parking area. You will then need to walk around 10 minutes downhill to reach the beach. Make sure you are wearing comfortable shoes as you will also need to walk back up the hill. There is also access to Moulin Huet from both the Petit Port and Saints Bay direction.
Before you reach Moulin Huet, you will pass the Moulin Huet tearooms, the perfect place to stop off for refreshments. The view from the tea room looks over the sea.
The beach is unrecognisable at different tides. At high tide, there is not much beach left and the water comes right up to the stairs that lead down onto the sand. At low tide, however, the beach stretches way out to sea and is the perfect place to come and relax, with spectacular views of the southern tip of Guernsey.
Petit Port, St Martins
Bus Routes – 81
Petit Port beach lies right on the southeastern point of Guernsey. This beach is accessed by a steep staircase that winds its way down the side of the cliffs to the beach below.
The walking trail begins just down the road from the Jerbourg Kiosk car park, nearby the Doyle Column. The best place to park is either at the column itself or if there are no spaces, at the small car park that sits across from this. If you really struggle to get parked, continue on the Jerbourg Hotel and park beside the kiosk. It is only a 5-minute walk back to the column from here.
Walking towards the sea from the column, you will pass a small toilet block on your right and eventually meet a fork in the road. To the left, the tarmac road continues on, but to the right, a small, dirt path opens up. Take this right and begin a slow descent through the bushes.
Soon you will reach another path and will continue to the left towards the sea. Keep following the path downhill until you see the Petit Port Beach below and notice the beginning of the staircase. From here, it will be another 5-minute descent to the bottom of the stairs.
The best feature of Petit Port is the unique cave that can be found in the rock face to the side of the beach. If you visit here at low tide, it is possible to climb up on the rocks to enter the small cave and appreciate the beautiful beach from a whole new perspective.
There are no facilities at the bottom of Petit Port, with the only toilets in the area being those beside the Doyle Column or at the Jerbourb Kiosk. The staircase down to the beach and the rocks at the front of the beach are very slippery and require appropriate footwear to ensure safe access. Don’t do what we did and wear flip flops or you might injure yourself.
La Jaonnet Bay, St Martins
Bus Routes – 81
Possibly one of our favourite hidden beaches in Guernsey, Le Jaonnet Bay is definitely the most dramatic and difficult bays to access along the southern coast. Only accessible at low tide, this bay is completely hidden by the sea when the tide comes in. This, of course, means timing is everything when it comes to visiting Le Jaonnet Bay.
In order to reach the bay, the easiest way to get here is to park at the car park near to Saints Bay Hotel. Driving along Icart Road, once you reach the hotel you need to keep right and follow the road till you reach the car park at the end. From here it is a right along the cliffs, keeping the sea on your left, and a 10-15 minute walk along the winding path.
The path leading to Le Jaonnet Bay separates from the general cliff path at a small wooden bridge, where you make a right turn towards the bay and continue down the hill. The path gradually turns to stairs, which slowly increase in steepness until you are pretty much descending vertically down the cliff to the bay below.
At the bottom of the stone steps, you will reach a metal ladder, which is bolted into the cliffside and sits about 4-metres in length. This sturdy access point is the only way to get down onto Le Jaonnet Bay, and once you are on the ground it is a bit of a clamber over rocks to access the soft sand of the beach.
On this note, it is important to wear appropriate footwear when walking to Le Jaonnet Bay as it is incredibly difficult to do so in flip flops or sandals.
Saints Bay, St Martins
Bus Routes – 81
Similarly to Fermain Bay, Saints Bay is a beach that is easy enough to access at the quieter times of the day. Saints Bay is also accessible at both high and low tides, meaning you are able to enjoy the beauty of the bay throughout the day.
Unlike Fermain Bay, there is a small amount of parking at Saints Bay that is available all day long as well, meaning it is a lot more accessible to those unable to walk long distances. In order to reach the car park, simply continue along Saints Bay Road, past La Barberie, all the way to the bottom of the road. Here you will find enough space for maybe 5 or 6 cars.
The car park sits directly above the Saints Bay Harbour, offering beautiful views to the east over the crystal blue water and rocky cliffs of southern Guernsey. If you wish to visit the beach at Saints Bay, you are going to need to walk for about 5-10 minutes back up the road that you came down.
About 300m along the road from the car park, you will see Saints Bay Tower. From here, take a right down the winding staircase the takes you beneath the tower on the cliffside. Walk all the way to the bottom of the stairs you will come out beside the Saints Bay Kiosk and a free to use toilet block.
Despite it being accessible all day long, we would suggest you aim to visit Saints Bay at low tide so that the golden sands are not hidden by the high tide. Due to its eastern vantage point, we also suggest visiting the Saints Bay Harbour at sunrise for a spectacular view of the surrounding cliffs in the golden light of dawn.
Beaches on Guernsey’s Western Coast
When it comes to sunsets, the west coast of Guernsey is the only place that you should be heading to enjoy the daily spectacle. The sunsets in Guernsey have been some of the best we have witnessed in the world, from crashing waves and dramatic scenery, to calm water and incredible, fiery reflections. Make the most of your Guernsey visit and head west at the end of the day for sunset.
Portinfer Beach, Vale
Bus Routes – 31, 91
One of the best beaches in Guernsey when it comes to surfing, Portinfer is located on the northern half of the island. The rocky outcrops in Portinfer Bay make for an incredibly dramatic backdrop to the swells of the bay. Due to the hidden rocks and crags that sit beneath the surface of the inner bay, using this beach for swimming or surfing at mid-tide can be very dangerous.
Nearby facilities include the Surfside Kiosk at Port Soif, where you will find toilets and a popular kiosk that sells food and drink. The walk along the coast here is also a beautiful route and is popular with dog walkers.
Port Soif Beach, Vale
Bus Routes – 41,91
Port Soif is one of our favourite beaches in Guernsey. However, the trick is to visit this beach at medium to high tide to get the best experience. When the tide is low, there is basically no water and only rocks. Port Soif lies on the western coast of Guernsey, therefore it is a great place to watch the sunset.
The crescent-shaped sandy beach is sheltered by sand dunes making it a great beach for swimming and sunbathing.
There is a great amount of parking that sits just above the beach and also a kiosk with toilet facilities. The Surfside kiosk serves both hot snd cold foods as well as buckets and spades etc for the beach.
There are a small number of steps leading down onto the beach, therefore it would not be the easiest beach to access for those with impaired mobility. Winding around the back of the sand dunes is a gravel path that leads around the coast towards the west coast.
Grand Roques Beach, Castel
Bus Routes – 41, 91
Around the coast from the popular Cobo Bay sits the unmissable silhouette of the Grandes Rocque Fort, which overlooks the stretch of sand known as Grandes Rocques Beach. This beach actually connects to Cobo Beach, with not much to noticeably separate them apart from the large rocks that can be seen sitting above the waves at high tide.
Grandes Rocques Beach is less popular than Cobo Bay, mainly due to the distance from the bars and restaurants that sit above the shoreline of Cobo. However, the beach is still very busy during the warmer months of the year, with the soft sands being lined with beach-goers during the day and dog walkers in the evenings.
The Grandes Rocques Beach has its own kiosk and toilet block that sits right at the northern end of the beach, closest to the fort. There are also two choices of car parks, one that stretches parallel to the beach along the road and one that sits at the northern end of the beach, which also leads up to the Grandes Rocques Fort.
This is one of our favourite places to watch the sunset on the island of Guernsey, sitting at the top of the fort that overlooks the stunning shoreline to the west. Pack a blanket and a flask of hot tea and settle into the cliffs at Grandes Rocque for the sunset of a lifetime.
Cobo Bay, Castel
Bus Routes – 41, 42, 91
Cobo Bay is one of the most popular beaches in Guernsey. The white sand and crystal clear water sit beside plenty of amenities including The Cobo Bay Hotel, the Rockmount restaurant and a kiosk. There is also a supermarket, the Cobo tearooms and a toilet block nearby.
There is plenty of parking beside the Rockmount Hotel, however, in the summer months you will see just how popular this beach is and it will be difficult to find a parking space.
During the summer months in Guernsey, head round to Cobo Bay on a Sunday for an afternoon full of live music and fun. Cobo Hotel balcony turns into a stage where live bands perform to the crowds that gather on the beach and the closed off-road area. Bring a picnic and some drinks and chill out the beach on a sunny Sunday afternoon listening to the local talent.
Vazon Bay, Castel
Bus Routes – 42, 91
Around the corner from Cobo Bay sits the beautiful stretch of sand that is known as Vazon Bay. One of Guernsey’s longest beaches, Vazon is hugely popular with swimmers and surfers, as well as general beach-goers and sunbathers. The sand of the beach gently slopes into the sea, which means that at low tide the water seems like it is miles away.
Due to the unique shape and length of the beach, this is the most popular beach in Guernsey when it comes to surfing. In fact, it is so good that the Guernsey Surf School sits right on the shores, perfectly situated for anyone wishing to rent a board or taking some surfing lessons.
In addition to the surf school, there are a couple of restaurants and cafes situated right on the shoreline of Vazon Bay, including Crabbie Jacks and Vistas Cafe. These cafes are both an excellent choice for any post-swim munchies or a hot drink to heat back up. There are also toilets available to the side of the Vistas Cafe that are free to use.
Overlooking the beautiful Vazon Beach are the remains of Fort Hommet, one of Guernsey’s many fortifications that are a fascinating reminder of the turbulent history of the island.
L’Eree Beach, St Pierre du Bois
Bus Routes – 61, 91, 93
As you travel south down the western coast of the island of Guernsey, you will eventually reach the final stretch of sand on the west side of the island known as L’Eree Beach. This huge length of beach goes from the outcrop known as Lihou Island to the kiosk at the southern end of the beach.
In terms of history and sights, L’Eree Beach has more than any other beach in Guernsey. At the northern end, looking over the causeway to Lihou Island, you will find a collection of WWII bunkers that remain in incredible condition. Just down the hill from the bunkers, you can explore an ancient, Neolithic tomb that sits hidden underground (Le Creux es Faies), and if you continue south along L’Eree Beach, you will find the unmissable silhouette of Fort Grey, also known as the “cup and saucer”.
The fortification of Fort Grey was once used to defend the long stretch of L’Eree Beach, however, it is now used as a museum to the maritime history of the island.
In terms of food and drink, there are a few options for you to check out in the L’Eree region. Beginning at the northern end of the beach, there is the Taste of India, one of our favourite Indian restaurants on the island. Continuing south you will reach the Guernsey Pearl, which is a small and cosy cafe that overlooks the beach at Fort Grey.
Further to the south, you have the Imperial Hotel, a popular bar and restaurant for locals to come and unwind at the weekend and take part in the weekly “meat draws”. Sitting beside the Imperial Hotel, you will find the L’Eree kiosk, which sells hot food and drinks, ice cream, and a selection of cold drinks.
Portelet Bay, Torteval
Bus Routes – 61, 91, 93
The final beach in this guide is the small, quaint and slightly hidden solitude of Portelet Bay. This short stretch of sand is still used as an active fishing harbour, maintaining a very traditional Guernsey feeling to the surroundings. There is an old, stone harbour leading out over the water that sits hidden at high tide and is used daily by fishermen to board and dismount their boats.
In addition to this, the dozens of small fishing boats that lie bobbing in the bay make Portelet Bay a peaceful and beautiful place to relax on a sunny day. The sandy cove that lies to the east of the harbour is also the perfect place to enjoy the sun and watch the planes flying overhead.
In terms of facilities, there are a number of options for food and drink in the immediate area, including the Portelet kiosk that sits overlooking the bay, as well as the Imperial Hotel further down the lane. There are also toilets that are free to use at the kiosk and inside the hotel.
Before You Leave for Guernsey
Before you leave on your trip to the beautiful island of Guernsey, there are a number of things you will need to organise to ensure a smooth and stress-free trip. These include what to pack, where to stay and what is the best travel insurance for Guernsey.
How to Get to Guernsey
Given that Guernsey is an island, you really have two choices of transport for getting there: plane or boat. Both of these transport methods are available from the UK, France and from the neighbouring Channel Islands.
Ferry to Guernsey
Condor is the best option for ferries to and from the Channel Islands from the mainland. Leaving from the mainland UK ports of Poole and Portsmouth, the French port of St Malo and the Channel Islands port of Jersey, there are two main ferries that will bring you to Guernsey.
The faster boat, known as the Liberation, takes 3 hours to get from Poole to Guernsey, while the slower boat, known as the Clipper, takes 7 hours from Portsmouth. From St Malo, it will take you just under 2 hours aboard the Rapide to reach Guernsey.
Browse all of Condor’s ferries and routes on their website here.
Fly to Guernsey
Flying to Guernsey can be done from multiple airports across the UK with the Channel Islands airline, Aurigny. This is the quickest and easiest way to get to the island if you are only coming for a short period of time.
You can browse all of the available flights and routes on the Aurigny website here.
What to Pack for Guernsey
What you need to pack for Guernsey will rely highly on when you make your trip to the Channel Islands. During the Spring and Autumn months, temperatures and weather patterns vary wildly between beautiful sunny skies and storming gales.
The temperatures generally vary from 10 oC to 25 oC during these months, with a mixture between cold, northerly winds and warmer southerlies. There is a small amount of rain, with maybe 1 in 7 days receiving rainfall, which makes it perfect for days out exploring the beautiful island.
During the Summer months in Guernsey, temperatures tend to range from 20oC to 30oC, with some days topping 35oC. Summer days in Guernsey are perfect for the beach, with many locals and travellers alike sending their day soaking up the sun and playing in the sea.
If you need more inspiration on what to pack for your trip, check out our full packing guides for all-weather conditions over here.
When it comes to toiletries, we recommend that you don’t forget to pack sunscreen. The sun in Guernsey can be strong, especially in the summer months.,
Given the beautiful sights and scenery that you will see in Guernsey, we highly recommend packing a good camera for your trip. If you want to read more about the cameras we use and why we love them, check out the link below.
You can read what else we keep in our camera bag over here.
Photography Equipment
Main Photography Camera – Sony A7 Mirrorless Camera
Main Lens – Sony FE f/2.8 16mm-35mm GM
Zoom Lens – Sony F3.5-5.6 28mm-70mm
Camera Stand – Neewer Portable 177cm
Vlogging Camera – Sony HX90v
Action Camera – GoPro Hero 8 Black
Drone Camera – DJI Spark
Camera Bag – Yahan Camera Bag
What is the Best Travel Insurance for Guernsey
Regardless of what type of trip you are heading on, one thing that is essential for everybody is a good travel insurance. Accidents can happen anywhere and at anytime and unexpected hospital bills will ruin a holiday. Remove the stress from your next adventure and get covered for the worst.
World Nomads Travel Insurance provides budget reliable travel insurance that will keep you covered for any level of adventure.
You can get your quote before you leave on your trip right here.
Where to Stay in Guernsey
When it comes to accommodation on Guernsey, you are simply spoiled for choice with a huge range of hotels, B&Bs and even campsites to choose from. No matter what your preferred level of luxury is, there is the perfect place for you.
Luxury – Spend your time on Guernsey in true luxury at the Old Government House Spa and Hotel in St Peter Port. This hotel has beautiful views over the harbour of Guernsey’s capital, as well as access to a luxurious spa, an outdoor terrace and a heated, outdoor pool.
Book your stay at the Old Government House Spa and Hotel here.
Mid-range – If you would like a taste of luxury at an affordable price, then the Auberge du Val Hotel is perfect for you. This 19th-century farmhouse sits on the west coast of the island and offers cosy, ensuite rooms, complete with tea, coffee and tv. The hotel is just a short walk from the beautiful nature reserves in St Saviour, perfect for a romantic trip away for the weekend.
Book your stay at the Auberge du Val Hotel here.
Budget – Situated just 2-miles from Guernsey airport in the heart of St Martins, the Carlton Inn is the best value hotel in Guernsey. With free parking and wifi, as well as access to the Wicked Wolf pub that sits in the same building.
Book your stay at the Carlton Inn here.
Camping – If you are up for a more adventurous stay on Guernsey, Fauxquets Valley Campsite offer a range of glamping safari tents, glamping pods and sites for your own tent if you bring one. Visit their website for a full price list of tents and campsites.
So there you have it, your complete one-day itinerary to Guernsey! This is just some of the many great things to do in Guernsey, and we would recommend that if you spend a little more time on this gem of an island if you have the time.
If you enjoyed your trip to Guernsey, let us know what your favourite sight on this amazing island was in the comments section below. We love chatting you guys about this kind of thing, so let’s share our top experiences with everyone else! What beach was your favourite? Did you try any of the kiosks? How good is a Guernsey sunset?!
Also, make sure you share this article with your family and friends to show them how beautiful the Channel Islands can be. Sharing is caring and we want to inspire as many people as we can to visit this unbelievable part of the world.
If you are planning a trip to Guernsey soon then check out our other Channel Islands content right here. Come and find us on social media to see where we are currently exploring. Tag us in your photos from Guernsey and we will share them with the rest of our community of explorers and backpackers on our social channels!
Now Read:
- Things to do in Guernsey – A Guernsey Guide
- Sunset Spots in Guernsey – Best Places to Watch the Sunset
- Eating Out in Guernsey – Best Restaurants in Guernsey
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