Hey everyone, Alyssa here! Summer in Jersey is truly kicking off this week, and the island is rapidly transitioning into a vibrant season of outdoor music, theatre, and heritage events. We have Ibiza-style sunset DJ sessions starting up at Mont Orgueil Castle, and the massive Out-There electronic music festival at Val de la Mare is just around the corner. But as much as I love a lively summer event, sometimes the ultimate weekend treat is a quiet, salty escape to the coastline.
Finding that perfect balance between a refreshing sea breeze, a bit of physical exertion, and a rewarding plate of local food is an absolute art form here in the Channel Islands. When the sun is shining and the tide is right, there is nowhere else I would rather be. If you are currently plotting your weekend itinerary and searching for the best beach walks Jersey has to offer, paired with some genuinely brilliant lunch spots, you have come to the right place. Let's lace up our walking boots, check the tide tables, and dive right into my favourite coastal routes!
Jersey's coastline is incredibly diverse. In the space of a single day, you can wander across vast, lunar-like tidal flats, scale rugged, gorse-covered cliffs, and stroll along pristine white sands. Here are three distinct routes that showcase the very best of our shores.
If you love dramatic views and do not mind a bit of a climb, this is the route for you. We start at Ouaisné Bay (pronounced 'way-nay' for those visiting!). While it physically connects to the highly popular St Brelade's Bay at low tide, Ouaisné has a wonderfully wild, rugged, and slightly secluded feel. From the sea wall, head east towards the pine-clad headland. You will find a steep set of steps leading up onto Ouaisné Common, a beautiful nature reserve covered in purple heather and yellow gorse.
The path winds around the coastal cliffs, offering sweeping views across to Noirmont Point. Eventually, the path reveals Portelet Bay below you—a breathtaking, almost perfectly circular cove that feels like a pirate's hideaway, complete with a tiny tidal island in the middle known as Janvrin's Tomb. Be warned: the descent down to the beach involves quite a few steps, but the crystal-clear water at the bottom makes every single one worth it.
For something flatter and more expansive, head to the island's east coast. The Royal Bay of Grouville is famous for its oysters and its dramatic tidal shifts. At low tide, the sea retreats for miles, leaving behind a firm, rippled sandy beach that is an absolute joy to walk on.
You can start your walk anywhere along the coastal road near Fauvic or the Royal Jersey Golf Club, simply heading north along the sand. The defining feature of this walk is the view ahead: the magnificent Mont Orgueil Castle slowly grows larger and more imposing as you approach the picturesque fishing village of Gorey. It is a fantastic, breezy stroll that is particularly stunning first thing in the morning when the sun rises over the French coast in the distance.
This is less of a traditional cliff path and more of a unique historical stroll. St Aubin's Bay arcs gracefully from St Helier all the way to St Aubin's village. However, the most exciting walk here happens when the tide drops completely, revealing the cobbled causeway leading out to a historic fortress in the middle of the bay.
Starting from West Park in St Helier, you can walk straight across the seabed. It is a surreal experience, smelling the ozone and listening to the crunch of shells underfoot, all while the capital's skyline sits behind you. Always, always check the tide times before attempting this, as the water comes in surprisingly fast! If you would rather leave the navigation to an expert and learn some fascinating history along the way, booking a guided outing with Stroll In Jersey is a fantastic way to uncover the island's hidden coastal and urban paths with brilliant local insight.
Alright, you have put in the miles, breathed in the sea air, and built up a serious appetite. Here is the second half of our perfect day out: the beach lunch. Jersey's food scene is deeply connected to its coastal setting, and these are my top picks for refuelling nearby.
If you conquered the Ouaisné to Portelet cliff path and navigated those steep steps down to the sand, your reward awaits at the Portelet Bay Cafe. Nestled right on the beach, this lovely spot is famous for its authentic wood-fired pizzas and relaxed, bohemian atmosphere. They are brilliant at accommodating dietary requirements, offering fantastic gluten-free and dairy-free options. The scallop salad is also a brilliant choice if you want something lighter. You simply cannot argue with the view here—sitting on their terrace with a cold drink and a hot slice of pizza while looking out over the bay is pure magic.
Perhaps you prefer to end your walk back where you started at Ouaisné Bay. In that case, you must visit the Old Smugglers Inn. This is a proper, historic local pub that oozes character and warmth. The staff are incredibly welcoming to walkers, and it is the ideal spot to relax after a coastal hike. Whether you are after a satisfying local IPA or a crisp glass of dry rosé alongside a classic packet of salt and vinegar crisps, the vibe here is wonderfully laid back. They serve hearty, comforting pub fare that hits the spot perfectly before you stroll back to your car or catch the bus.
If you took the long, sandy walk up the Royal Bay of Grouville, you will end up at Gorey Pier. Here, I highly recommend finding a table at The Moorings Hotel & Restaurant. It offers an informal but elevated dining experience with stunning views over the channel and the bustling harbour. It is a fantastic place to sit back, order some fresh local seafood, and watch the small fishing boats bobbing on the incoming tide.
Since you are already out and about exploring the coast, why not tie in a little bit of Jersey's incredible history? Many of our best walks finish right at the foot of some iconic landmarks.
If you are in Gorey, you simply cannot miss exploring Mont Orgueil Castle. It has cast its imposing shadow over the port for more than 800 years and is a maze of staircases, hidden rooms, and turrets. As I mentioned earlier, this summer they are hosting evening 'Summer Night Sessions' with local DJs—bringing a picnic and watching the sunset from a medieval fortress is an absolute must-do.
If you tackled the St Aubin's Bay causeway walk, your destination is Elizabeth Castle. This summer is a particularly brilliant time to visit, as they are hosting the 'Vraiqu'sie' exhibition, a unique showcase of art, film, and Jèrriais song exploring Jersey's traditional seaweed-gathering heritage. It perfectly complements a day spent exploring the coastline.
If you are visiting the island and want a strategic basecamp that offers easy access to all these glorious coastal walks, staying centrally in St Helier is often the best bet. The Pomme d’Or Hotel is a brilliant choice. Located right on Liberation Square, it offers modern quarters with harbour views. More importantly, it is just a stone's throw from Liberation Station, meaning you can easily hop on a LibertyBus to Gorey, Ouaisné, or St Aubin without needing to worry about parking. After a long day of walking, returning to the hotel's dining room or treating your tired muscles to a session in their sauna is pure bliss.
So there you have it—my ultimate guide to stepping off the beaten path, exploring the best beach walks Jersey has to offer, and treating yourself to a well-deserved coastal lunch. Remember to pack your sunscreen, double-check those tide times, and take plenty of photos. I'll see you out on the trails!
Join 10,000 subscribers and never miss out on events happening in Jersey again!