‘Best’ island 50 minutes from the UK has beautiful palm tree lined beaches and a Michelin-starred restaurant

AN island 50 minutes from the UK by plane has been name one of the very best.

Jersey, the largest of the Channel Islands, was named one of the world’s best islands in the Conde Nast Travellers’ 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards.

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Firstly, Jersey beaches are well known for their beauty, with a range of landscapes on offer, from wide, open spaces to secluded coves and lunar-like expanses.

One of its beaches, Beauport Beach, is described as a hidden gem.

It’s close to the busy St Brelade’s Bay but seems like a world away in terms of atmosphere.

Reaching the beach is an adventure in itself with a steep pathway and steps tumbling down the cliff face from the small car park above. 

But the south facing bay, surrounded by granite cliffs, is a renowned sun trap, and the turquoise water is calm and perfect for swimming.

Many of the beaches in Jersey, such as St Brelade’s Bay, are also lined with palm trees, giving them a tropical feel.

Among the many attractions in Jersey is St Aubin’s – a historic harbour town located in the south west of the island, between Portelet Bay and St Helier.

St Aubin’s was originally a fishing village and the island’s economic centre. 

The harbour is a central point to the town’s history, and St Aubin’s Fort a highlight of the town’s historic sites, which you can walk to on foot during low tide.

The harbour is surrounded by many restaurants serving fresh Jersey produce and good views of the boats coming in.

Among the island’s restaurant offerings is one Michelin-starred restaurant – Bohemia Bar & Restaurant at The Club Hotel & Spa in Saint Helier.

With its chic atmosphere, bright linen-clad tables, dark wood walls, and modern European cuisine made with local, seasonal and fresh ingredients, the restaurant has held on to a Michelin star for 19 consecutive years.

Other awards under its belt include four AA Rosettes and a place in the top 1,000 restaurants in the world by LA LISTE in 2022.

Many of Jersey’s restaurants make use of local ingredients, including Jersey royal potatoes, Jersey milk, and seafood.

Jersey milk is used to make butter and ice-cream, which is available from many of the island’s cafes and beaches.

The island can be a budget-friendly holiday destination depending on the type of accommodation and activities you choose.

There’s a variety of budget-friendly accommodation options, including hostels and camping. 

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You can also find good value guesthouses and B&Bs in less crowded areas like Grouville or Plémont Bay. 

St Helier, the main town, also has some cheaper options, including guesthouses, B&Bs, and Airbnbs.

You can also save money by exploring Jersey on foot. Because of its size, you’re never more than ten minutes from the sea. 

The best way to get to the island is by ferry or plane.

The Condor Voyager is a high-speed ferry from Poole to St Helier that takes about four hours. A standard car trip for two can cost from £75 per person each way.

Commodore Clipper is a conventional ferry from Portsmouth to St Helier that takes about 10 hours and 20 minutes. The average price for a foot passenger is £206, and the average price for a car is £436.

And EasyJet offers cheap flights to Jersey starting from £26.99 in November.

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