Renowned for its beautiful sands and clear waters, the Island’s beaches have been earmarked as some of the cleanest in Europe … which is why their one of my top 5 reasons to visit Jersey.
All round the island, great pockets of seaside fun can be found which, due to Jersey’s topography, vary greatly.
From mini deep-water harbours, to long stretching sandy beaches with rolling waves, there really is a beach to suit every occasion here.
As an Islander and keen beach go-er, I’ve got a great level of local knowledge, so have picked out my best beaches in Jersey, Channel Islands to make things easier for you!
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#1 Beauport
Straight in at Number 1, is probably my all time favourite beach in Jersey.
The picturesque setting of this quiet and remote bay, make it ideal on a beautiful sunny day and it’s a great choice if you’re looking to get away from the crowds.
A series of steep steps down to the bay, as well as a lack of facilities (no toilets, no cafe etc), make it a wonderfully peaceful haven.
The top of the beach is stony, but as soon as the tide starts to go out there is lots of lovely white sand to enjoy.
Swimming is good at this south-facing bay, as its horseshoe shape keeps things calm and the sea a little warmer!
Beauport is the place I always take visitors to the Island first – it never fails to impress!
#2 Bonne Nuit
Not far from where I grew up, this cute little harbour beach is full of character.
A nice pit stop if you are enjoying the north coast cliff paths, Bonne Nuit can be found at the bottom of a steep hill.
Parking is tight, but there is always plenty of action going on here, from the coming and going of fishing boats to pier-jumping kids.
The beach is very small, but has some nice sand at the top, before getting stony as the tide ebbs its way out.
Due to its northern positioning, the water can be a bit chillier at Bonne Nuit, but lying against the sun-baked stone harbour walls after a swim, makes for a great way to warm up after.
At night, Bonne Nuit maintains its great sense of character with a lovely Thai Café that opens on the slip. Enjoy BYO alcohol over some spicy Thai food as you watch the lapping waves of the rising tide.
#3 Grève de Lecq
The beautiful red-yellow colour of its sand makes Grève de Lecq quite iconic and one of the best beaches in Jersey, Channel Islands.
Up in the northwest corner of the Island, it’s popular with families due to its ample parking and great facilities.
Swimming here is safe and easy with on duty lifeguards during the summer season and there is a flat promenade, featuring some bunkers and an out looking pier, to stroll up and down on.
There are also a couple of cafes here, Colleens being a firm favourite, as well as a number of nice pubs.
One of them, the Moulin de Lecq, initially dates back the 12th century, when it was one of Jersey’s ancient watermills and still retains some wonderfully traditional features.
Grève de Lecq is a calm, flat beach and has nice access to the Jersey’s north coast footpaths as well.
#4 Plemont
A great beach for exploring, Plemont’s main claim to fame is its cave network and natural waterfall, which provide something quite different on the Island.
Apparently, now unsafe to enter, that never stopped us as kids, when we used to love exploring this new world of underground excitement!
Plemont sits at the end of the headland, so there is a steep walk down to this sandy beach, but a handy café, perfectly situated at the top of the steps, can help you on your way.
I love Plemont, because the view of the green and purple heather headland, set against the blue sea and the golden sand of a summer’s day make for a stunning setting.
The area’s rocky cliffs are also a breeding ground for the endangered puffin bird, but were thankfully recently reclaimed by the National Trust for Jersey as an area to be protected from development.
#5 St Ouens
The Island’s main surfing beach, this Atlantic facing, long stretch of sand spans almost the entire west coast of Jersey.
As such there are a range and places to eat, drink, park, play, swim and sun yourself the whole way along this few miles of coastline.
This bay is also a great place to hang out, with a real sense of community and happening going on here, from live music at the Watersplash to local seafood at fantastic prices.
St Ouens is where we would always go as a family to the beach when we were young and then later where I would always go as a teenager with friends.
As such, and like many Islanders, St Ouens bay holds a special place in my heart and why its made it onto my list of best beaches in Jersey.
Oh and its also THE place to catch a stellar sunset, which is definitely one of the best free things to do on the Island!
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How to Visit Jersey on a Budget
Getting Here: Flying from the UK can be done cheaply through the airline EasyJet. Check out Skyscanner for some great deals. Otherwise catch the Channel Islands Ferry – Condor – from France or Guernsey.
Getting Around: Walking is free or there is a good local bus service – Liberty Bus – which has a cost-effective set of Hop-On Hop-Off passes! Sadly Uber hasn’t reached Jersey yet, so you’d be better to hire a car if you’re looking for some independence when it comes to transport.
Eating: Supermarkets such as Waitrose and the Coop are found on the Island, but if you want to buy local for your picnic, then look out for roadside stalls and farm shops as a more ethical option. When it comes eating out, there is a great BYO Thai restaurant at Bonne Nuit Bay or Portlet Bay Café is another good one with great pizzas and beach views.
Staying: Campsites are the cheapest accommodation option on Jersey with Rozel Camping Park and Beuvelande Camp Site both getting good reviews. Otherwise, there is a hostel available within the delightful grounds of Durrell Wildlife Trust (which gets you free entry too) or self-catering lodges at Les Ormes. Another great option, especially if you’re travelling as a group, is to rent out a Jersey Heritage property.
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Just remember that there are huge tidal movements in Jersey, so whichever beach you’re heading to, always check the tide timetable before setting off and do take care when swimming, fishing, rock pooling or surfing.
So those are my top 5 beaches in Jersey.
What are yours?
Wonderful island
The joy of a morning dip at Rozel Bay, then breakfast at Hungry Man. Try a HM special.
Joy of kayaking in a safe small harbour or finding the wonders of sea life in the rock pools.
Sounds delightful Anne! Yes, definitely thinking about expanding this list to include Rozel -it’s a small bay, but there is so much to enjoy there 🙂
I didn’t realise you were from Jersey! I’m going back there this weekend for the second time and I can’t wait! I’m binge reading all of your posts to get me even more excited!!
Ha ha that’s so fun to hear Ellie! So exciting to hear you are heading to the island again – do you really like it? In summer it is a lovely place. Fingers crossed you get some nice weather and can hit up one of these beaches!
I’m an escaped islander too Steph, but last time I looked Greve de Lecq was on the North West coast not the south west! Lovely photos in your article
Ha wonderful to hear from another one that made it out Coralie! And blimey, you are Greve de CORRECT! Changing now post-haste – damn those late night, two beer, writing sessions and their serious slip-ups!