BEACHLIFE

No matter how you spend your time on Jersey, you’ll no doubt want to feel either the sand between your toes or breathe in the fresh sea air as you explore our beaches and coves. They each have their own unique personality. Choose the one that’s right for you...

A quiet and rarely crowded east-facing stretch of sand that catches the morning and midday sun. 2

A winding hill leads down to this steep pebble beach with deep water for competent swimmers. The bay is home to one of Jersey’s scuba-diving schools. 4

This popular beach with an excellent beach cafe is pebbly at first but sandy at low tide when the water stays shallow for some way out. East-facing, Archirondel loses the sun in the late afternoon. 2

A locals’ favourite, this sheltered south-facing beach is a real sun trap where soft sand, rock climbing and rock pool adventures await. The tide goes out a long way, so take care with the swift incoming tide and pick times close to high water to enjoy swimming or paddling. 1

The most popular of the north coast beaches, Grève de Lecq’s sheltered sands and rockpools are ideal for families but lose the sun in late afternoon. Don’t miss the excellent cafes and local pubs close by. 9

A tiny fishing harbour with space to play on the sand, picnic or catch some sun, but not ideal for swimming. Worth visiting for the excellent beach cafe. 4

A real suntrap on the south coast, once you’ve trekked down the steep path from the car park and crossed the pebbles, you’ll reach a sheltered south-facing beach with golden sand and shallow turquoise water, ideal for swimming. 12a

A long stretch of sand that leads to Gorey harbour, with Mont Orgueil Castle as a backdrop. Plenty of parking, beach cafes and kiosks as well as a childrens’ beachside playground and soft sand make Long Beach a local favourite. 1a, 2

This south west facing beach is the wilder contrast to the adjoining St. Brelade’s Bay. The beaches are connected at low tide, or cross the pine-rich headland and walk along the sea wall next to the protected Ouaisné Common towards locals’ favourite, The Smugglers Inn. 12a

A small fishing village lined with beach huts and harbourside cottages, Rozel is more of a fishing harbour than a place to swim. But at low tide, Rozel’s small stretch of white sand is safe for children to play on, just look out for the Rozel geese! 3

Close to the centre of St. Helier, this sandy beach is worth a visit to see the architecture of the art deco pool, filled by the tide each day. The beach is easy to access, and safe for swimmers. 1

A crescent of south-facing sand from St. Helier to St. Aubin, the beach is in full sun for most of the day. With several beach cafes along the promenade front, look out for the softest sand around the Gunsite Café with jet ski hire close by. 12a, 15

A pristine sandy cove reachable by a long flight of steps, where the intrepid are rewarded with a stunning natural playground of rock pools, sea caves and an excellent beach café perched on the cliffs. There’s safe swimming when the sea is calm, and surfing when it’s wilder, and the beach is completely covered at high tide.

The beautiful beach at St. Brelade’s Bay is one of the island’s busiest; a visitor favourite for its soft sand, safe swimming, beach activities and seaside eating. Voted as number three in the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice awards, this stunning south-facing beach is in the sun for most of the day. 12a

Climb down the long flight of steps and you’ll be rewarded with a sunny, sheltered and sandy beach circling Janvrin’s Tomb at the centre. Portelet Bay Beach Café serves excellent pizza throughout the season, and the pub at the top of the steps, the Old Portelet Inn is a family favourite. 12a

A magnificent beach and natural playground for surfers. It’s where one of the oldest surfing clubs in Europe has its home and makes a stunning setting for beach walks. Swimmers should take care in the strong currents and stick to the flagged zones. Patrolled by RNLI in high season. 22

Jersey’s main shopping area centres around King Street/ Queen Street. We’ve highlighted featured stores to check out.