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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 .

a large body of water with a sandy beach in the foreground
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Beauport Beach may be difficult to get to, but its secluded location and calm turquoise waters are worth itCredit: Getty
a row of palm trees on a sunny day with a beach in the background
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Many of the beaches in Jersey are lined with palm trees giving them a tropical feelCredit: Alamy

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. 

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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.

Steep Holm, a 60-acre limestone island in the Bristol Channel, is home to a variety of wildlife

Among the island's restaurant offerings is one Michelin-starred 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 20 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

a row of boats are docked in a harbor with houses in the background
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St Aubin's Harbour is full of history and surrounded by many restaurants serving local produceCredit: Getty
a dining room with plates and glasses on the table
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Bohemia is the island's only Michelin-starred restaurant, serving up modern European foodCredit: Instagram/@bohemiajersey

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 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.

READ MORE SUN STORIES

The best islands in the world - Conde Nast Traveller Readers' Choice Awards 2024

Winner Caribbean and the Atlantic: Bahamas

Winner Asia: Bali, Indonesia

Winner Central and South America: Fernando de Noronha, Brazil

Winner Australasia and the South Pacific: Fiji

Winner North America: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, USA

Winner Europe: Madeira, Portugal

Winner Africa and the Indian Ocean: Maldives

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.

a cow with a tag on its ear looks at the camera
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Jersey milk is world famous and used to make butter and ice creamCredit: Getty
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