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Jersey is the largest of the Channel Islands, lying approximately 100 miles south of the coast of England and 14 miles from the coast of Normandy in France . The island is roughly 9 miles by 5 mile and covers an area of 44.9 sq miles. The island slopes from north to south and often appears to visitors to be largely composed of pink granite. Jersey has over 20 bays, many small harbours and magnificent beaches all bathed by the warm waters of the Gulf Stream.
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St Helier is the capital and is by far the largest town on the island. The most famous landmark is Elizabeth Castle which withstood Oliver Cromwell and his army for seven weeks in 1651, and was later used by the occupying German forces during World War II.
The best beach in the north is at Plémont, with its sheltered bay, rock pools and caves and the coast of France can be seen on a clear day from this side of the island. The main beach in the south is at St Brelade's Bay which is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches on the island and the two main beaches in the east cover almost the whole of the eastern coast. The west coast consists almost entirely of a 5-mile beach on St Ouen's Bay. This area of the island is known for its locally made crafts – decorative candles, leatherwork and pottery.
The island has an enviable reputation for good cuisine whether in small pubs, wine bars or high-class restaurants. Seafood is very popular and there's a wide selection of home-grown produce available; scallops, oysters, spider crabs and lobster are particularly good. Fresh seafood can be bought from the local fish market. Jersey cows are renowned for their rich and creamy milk and cream tea with strawberries is a speciality and available in Jersey 's many tea rooms.
The island is also a haven for shoppers due to its tax free status with King Street-Queen Street in St Helier being the main luxury shopping area on the island. As well as St Helier there are shopping areas such as Red Houses, St Brelade and Gorey, St Martin . Luxury items such as spirits, cigarettes, jewellery and perfumes are popular buys. Local products such as knitwear, pottery, woodcrafts and even flowers are also good value.
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