Guernsey Beaches and Coastline

(Guernsey, Channel Islands, British Isles)



Coastal viewThe many beaches on Guernsey are the main reason that this island is such a popular tourist destination. Complemented by year-round sunshine and a spectacular rocky coastline, the Guernsey beaches number more than 25 in total.

Some of the best beaches on Guernsey are extremely close to St. Peter Port and often contain their own kiosks, with both the bays of Belle Greve and Havelet being highly regarded locally. Vazon Bay is amongst the island's biggest beaches and home to the impressive Fort Hommet, which stands proudly on the northern side of the bay. Also deserving a mention are Guernsey's award-winning beaches of Grandes Rocques, Fermain and l'Eree.


Belle Greve Bay

Location: east, St. Peter Port
A rocky beach near to St. Peter Port town centre, holiday makers come to Belle Greve to enjoy the spectacular views, which stretch as far as some of the other Channel Islands.

Bordeaux

Location: east, Vale
A small and characterful fishing harbour, Bordeaux has no less than two sandy beaches. The ruins of Vale Castle are close by and can be easily reached on foot.

Chouet Bay and Ladies Bay

Location: north, Vale
These two adjoining bays provide fine white sand, good windsurfing opportunities and a pleasant outlook. Children will enjoy the nearby playground, while the historic dolmens are often of interest to grown-ups.

Photo of Cobo Bay

Cobo Bay

Location: west, Castel
The beautiful beach of Cobo is popular with all ages. Families enjoy the fine sand and scenery, while others come here for the excellent windsurfing conditions. A number of handy village shops are just a short walk away.

Grandes Rocques Bay

Location: west, La Saline
Sited alongside Cobo Beach and facing in a westerly direction, Grandes Rocques Bay offers fine sand, numerous rock pools, beachfront refreshments, toilets and an adjacent car park.

Picture of Fermain Bay

Fermain Bay

Location: east, St. Martin
A sandy cove with nothing short of a picture-postcard setting, Fermain Bay offers a beachfront cafe and toilets, although it can only be reached by the steep cliff pathway.

Havelet Bay

Location: east, St. Peter Port
In close proximity to La Vallette pools, Havelet Bay is amongst the best locations on Guernsey for both yachting and snorkelling. There are always plenty of parking spaces here.

Image showing L'Eree beachfront

L'Eree

Location: west, St. Peter
A family beach with sand, rock pools and several cafes, l'Eree is a particularly clean and popular beach. Lihou Island can be accessed from here along the causeway, at times of low tide.

Le Grand Havre

Location: north, Vale
A large and imposing bay, Le Grand Havre comprises a charming harbour, with plenty of nearby places of interest, such as gift shops and the local landmark, the Rousse Tower.

Marble Bay

A pebbly beach with a number of natural caves, Marble Bay can only beach reached by using the cliff path, meaning that it is often extremely quiet and extremely uncommercialised.

Moulin Huet

Location: south, St. Martin
Moulin Huet is an especially famous bay on Guernsey, since it is known that world-famous artist Renoir painted a series of landscapes here in the mid-1880s.

Pembroke and l'Ancresse Bay

Location: north, Vale
One of the biggest bays on Guernsey, Pembroke / l'Ancresse Bay backs directly onto a links-style golf course and faces north. This spot is highly suitable for a spot of windsurfing, surfing, sailing, sea kayaking and even fishing. Equipment can be hired at the onsite watersports centre.

Petit Bot picture

Petit Bot

Location: south, St. Martin
Petit Bot is a glorious sandy bay, with high cliffs providing good shelter from any winds, a rather dramatic waterfall, and a coffee shop serving hot and cold snacks.

Petit Port

Location: south, St. Martin
Enjoying endless southerly sunshine, the sandy bay of Petit Port is close to the Jerbourg Monument and contains a good cafe. However, this beach is only suitable for those prepared for a climb, since the steep cliff face has more than 270 steps to the sand itself.

Port Grat

Location: north, Vale
Situated on the northern shoreline of Guernsey, Port Grat is a peaceful and secluded bay, often completely empty. This beach is perfect for those in search of respite.

Port Soif

Location: north, Vale
The U-shaped Port Soif boasts an extremely popular, clean and sandy beach, suitable for swimming, building sandcastles and general beach fun. However, when the tide is out, it can be a long walk to actually find the sea for a paddle.

Portelet and Rocquaine

Location: west, Torteval
Portelet and Rocquaine is a westerly beachfront complete with harbour, highly suitable for families. Facilities here are good and include both toilets and refreshments.

Portinfer

Location: north, Vale
Portinfer beach is a small and sandy bay, situated alongside Port Soif. Although there are no actual beach facilities here, there are plenty of parking spaces. If you have the time, you may wish to take a stroll around the neighbouring nature reserve.

Saints Bay

Location: south, St. Martin
Home to a pretty and extremely sunny harbour, Saints Bay is easy to reach and often features a number of interesting rock pools, perfect for children to explore. Parking spaces are close by on the adjacent road.

Soldiers Bay

Location: east, St. Peter Port
Soldiers Bay lies on the eastern side of the island and this rocky stretch is accessible from the scenic cliff path.

Vazon Bay

Location: west, Castel
Perhaps one of the most scenic and largest bays on Guernsey, Vazon Bay is home to an award-winning Blue Flag beach, which stretches for around 3 km / 2 miles and features good facilities. The strong Atlantic waves are often highly suitable for surfing.