Portelet Beach, Saint Brelade Travel Guide

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Discover Portelet Beach: Jersey's hidden paradise with golden sands, clear waters, and a historic island tomb. Perfect for a tranquil escape.

Portelet Beach, a hidden gem on Jersey's south coast, offers golden sands, clear waters, and dramatic cliffs. Accessible via a steep set of steps, this secluded bay is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. Janvrin's Tomb, a historic tower on a small island in the bay, adds to its unique charm.

A brief summary to Portelet Beach

Jersey, JE

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Portelet Beach.

Check the tide times before visiting to ensure you can walk to Janvrin's Tomb at low tide.
Be prepared for a steep climb down (and up!) the steps to the beach.
Arrive early, especially during peak season, to secure a parking spot.
Enjoy a meal at the Portelet Bay Cafe on the beach or the Portelet Inn at the top of the steps.

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Explore Portelet Beach on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Portelet Beach, mapped for you.

Getting There

Bus

The LibertyBus routes 12 and 12A serve Portelet Bay. The bus stop is located near the top of the bay, followed by a short walk to the steps leading down to the beach. A single bus fare is approximately £2.50.
Car

Portelet Bay is accessible by car, with a car park located at the top of the cliff. Parking is free, but spaces are limited and fill up quickly during peak season. From St. Helier, follow the A3 and A13 to St. Brelade, then follow signs to Portelet Bay. Be aware that the car park is also used by patrons of the Portelet Inn.
Walking

For keen walkers, Portelet Bay is accessible from St. Brelade's Bay via the cliff path. Walk past Ouaisne Bay and follow the path over the common, then down the steps to Portelet Bay. The walk offers scenic views of the coastline.

Discover more about Portelet Beach

Portelet Beach is a beautiful, secluded bay on Jersey's south coast, known for its golden sand, clear turquoise waters, and dramatic granite cliffs. The beach is a suntrap, sheltered from the wind, making it ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. Access to the beach is down a long set of steep steps, which helps keep the crowds away, especially during the summer months.The bay's most recognizable feature is L'Île au Guerdain, a small island in the center of the bay, topped by Janvrin's Tomb. This circular tower dates back to the 1720s and is named after Philippe Janvrin, a local sea captain. Legend says that when Janvrin returned to Jersey in 1721, his ship carried the plague. He was denied permission to land and died on his ship shortly after. His body was buried on the island, hence the name Janvrin's Tomb. At low tide, it's possible to walk to the island, but visitors should be mindful of the tide to avoid getting stranded.Portelet Bay is also a Marine Conservation Society Recommended beach. The beach is ideal for families, with plenty of rock pools to explore. The Portelet Bay Cafe, located on the beach, serves wood-fired pizzas, seasonal fish, and salads. At the top of the steps, the Portelet Inn offers meals and drinks with scenic views. Portelet Bay offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance.