Guernsey, the second-largest of the Channel Islands, blends coastal landscapes with a deep-rooted history shaped by centuries of outside influence. Though located closer to France than to mainland Britain, Guernsey is a British Crown Dependency with its own government and a distinct identity. The capital, St Peter Port, is a hillside town overlooking a natural harbor, where visitors can explore narrow lanes, stone stairways, and 18th-century buildings. Victor Hugo lived here in exile, and his home, Hauteville House, remains open to the public, offering insight into both his writing and his political ideals.

The island’s coastline offers a different experience every few kilometers. On the west coast, long sandy stretches like Vazon Bay attract swimmers and surfers, while the south is marked by steep cliffs, walking paths, and views toward nearby Herm and Sark. Guernsey’s tidal range is one of the largest in the world. At low tide, visitors can walk across causeways to places like Lihou Island or search for ormer shells, a local delicacy traditionally harvested only under strict conditions a few days a year.