A patch of islands nestled in the English Channel, off the Normandy coast, Guernsey is a tiny gem in the Atlantic Ocean and an appealing travel destination with plenty to see and do. With scenic harbors and picturesque seafront marina, beautiful valleys and fascinating countryside, plus the subtropical feel and mild climate of the island, visiting Guernsey is like falling into a beautiful giant flowerbox, where everything is in bloom. Here are 5 great reasons to visit this friendly island, which is virtually one big picture postcard.
Superb Unspoiled Beaches
Over 100 miles of coastline is the setting for superb unspoiled beaches and dunes, concealed coves and amazing sea cliffs, rugged harbors and numerous bays, so it’s no wonder why Guernsey’s ever-changing environment is a haven for lovers of great outdoors. There are 25 beaches scattered in different parts of the island, all with great offerings in terms of land and water activities.
For those interested in surfing and windsurfing, Vazon Beach is a truly good spot, while family holidaymakers will find Cobo a great place with plenty of facilities for people of all ages. Another fantastic beach is Grandes Rocques, backed by seafront dunes and rich in rock pools; and if you’d like to combine your visit to a beach with learning something about the island’s history, then head to the Soldier’s Bay.
Keep in mind that some of the Guernsey’s best beaches are extremely close to St. Peter Port, the island’s capital, which is considered one of Europe’s prettiest harbor towns, famous for its many restaurants, boutiques and hotels, as well as numerous banks, where you can take advantage of an offshore bank account.
Endless Attractions
Guernsey Aquarium – a top family favorite, the amazing Guernsey Aquarium is the location of 47 separate displays, from local sea fish, such as bass, to European freshwater fish and finally to tropical marine fish, anemones and aquatic invertebrates of various kinds.
Little Chapel is another main curiosity of the island, possibly the smallest chapel in the world- a miniature version of the famous grotto and basilica at Lourdes, which was built by Brother Deodat, who started work in March 1914. The chapel is beautifully decorated with seashells, pebbles and colorful pieces of broken china and has become an important landmark on Guernsey’s tourist trail.
Hauteville House – the home of the world-famous French writer Victor Hugo from 1859 to 1870, the stunning Hauteville House is something not to be missed. Today a museum maintained by the city of Paris, the Hauteville House has been left untouched and still you can admire its rooms the way the poet had decorated himself. The site also boasts a large garden, overlooking St. Peter Port, and filled with trees and flowers.
Tax Free Shopping
Guernsey still has a thriving independent retailer scene, which offers visitors a unique shopping experience. Like all the other Channel Islands, Guernsey is exempt of VAT, therefore many shops and department stores are often cheaper than you’d expect. If you want to treat yourself to a new wardrobe of clothes, the best shopping destination is St. Peter Port with many small shops and big stores, like Marks & Spencer, Burton, or Warehouse. For designer fashion or artwork, the Mill Street and the Commercial Arcade are the best venue. Many goods are priced extremely competitively in Guernsey, as here excise duty rates are lower than those in Britain.
Fine Dining & Food Festivals
Another reason people take into account while planning a visit to Guernsey is its amazing dining scene with many options from the island’s only Michelin-starred restaurant to a beach café serving authentic seafood. Guernsey is abundant in quality fresh produce, fish and meat, which provide inspiration to the island’s chefs in creating a wide range of wonderful dishes to suit all tastes. There are a large number of excellent restaurants found in St. Peter Port, serving various cuisines, but what you should definitely try in Guernsey is the seafood – crab lobster, bass, mussels and scallops found on many restaurant menus.
Guernsey is also rich in food festivals, including the Tasty Walks Festival, showcasing the best of the island’s scenery and food, and Guernsey Tennerfest, during which for 6 weeks, from the 1st of October, local restaurants across Jersey and Guernsey create special, all-inclusive menus that provide foodies fixed-price dinners.
Nightlife Scene
With several night clubs featuring live music, discos, bars and multi-screen cinema to choose from, the island’s night scene is truly welcoming. Evening entertainment is simply unrivaled in St. Peter Port – the venue for clubs, music and cabaret, while nightlife fun is also offered in some of Guernsey’s hotels, especially during the summer season.
Planning a beach vacation or a family holiday to Guernsey is a truly great idea but merely hoping that you own enough money when you take your holiday may require an unplanned traveler to rely upon credit cards, which may carry extra fees if used overseas. So, why not open an offshore savings account in Guernsey, a fascinating island, which is considered one of the world’s largest and oldest financial centers.
