Sat in the English Channel, between the south coast of England and the coast of mainland Europe is Guernsey. Along with its neighbouring Jersey, the tiny archipelago makes up the Channel Islands.
The Bailiwick of Guernsey is a group of islands, called Guernsey, Alderney, Sark, Herm, Jethou, Brecqhou and Lihou, offering travellers the opportunity to indulge in an island-hopping experience without journeying too far.
Flights from England take as little as 40 minutes, transporting travellers to blue waters and soft sand waters which are said to “rival the Caribbean”.
The largest island of the archipelago, Guernsey is home to some of its most striking coastline, inspiration for J.M.W. Turner and Pierre-Auguste Renoir. From
surfing at Vazon Bay to digging into fresh seafood at Fermain Bay, each coastal spot has its own secrets to discover.
Recently, Fermain Bay, tucked away in the Fermain Valley Guernsey was described as a “hidden gem” with vistas which could have you thinking you were much further away from the UK.
Posting a review to Tripadvisor in May 2024, one visitor said: “This bay will make you doubt if you’re in the British Isles as it could easily be a place in the Mediterranean or the Caribbean.”
However, that’s not the only stunning stretch of sand with postcard-worthy views. “The Islands of Guernsey are just a stone’s throw away from the UK but feel a world away during the summer months,” said Visit Guernsey.
“With soft, sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and warmer temperatures than mainland Britain, travellers to Guernsey truly can enjoy a slice of laid-back island lifestyle.”
According to a 2024 report on Guernsey’s bathing waters, the water quality is improving year-on-year and is of a high-quality standard, making it the perfect escape for wild swimmers looking for clean and clear waters this summer.
A number of airlines operate flights to Guernsey from regional and international airports across the UK and Europe including London City and Gatwick, Dublin, Paris, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Exeter, and Southampton.
Alternatively, you can hop on a ferry with a number of routes from Condor Ferries transporting people from mainland UK to the archipelago.
Ferries depart from Poole and Portsmouth to Guernsey year-round, meanwhile, on the islands, ferries depart from Guernsey’s St Peter Port to Sark, Alderney, and Herm at multiple times throughout the day during the summer.