Guernsey

Quick Facts

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Local name

Guernesey

Capital

St. Peter Port

Government

British Crown Dependency

Population

65,228

Languages

French, English

Religions

Christianity (Protestant, Catholic)

Currency

Pound Sterling

Calling Code

+44-1481

Time Zone

GMT

Daylight Saving

UTC+1

Introduction

Moulin Huet, South Coast

© All Rights Reserved Mikey B

Located in the English Channel close to Normandy, Guernsey is smaller and less touristy than Jersey, but still offers a wonderful holiday destination. Sunsets and sunrises are rendered stunning against the Guernsey backdrop. St Peter Port, the capital and largest town, is a laidback, sunny spot alongside a peaceful bay. The town highlights Guernsey's cultural makeup, which is a combination of English and French influences.

Though it is geographically closer to France, the Bailiwick of Guernsey is a British Crown dependency. It is not part of the UK, nor of the EU. The UK is responsible for its defence and external relations. English is the only official language, although a French dialect known as Guernésiais is spoken by a minority. For native English-speakers, this makes Guernsey a good option for those in search of an island destination with cultural and historic interest.

The Bailiwick of Guernsey also includes Alderney, Sark, and a few other islands.

Parishes

Guernsey is divided into 10 parishes

• Castel
• Forest
• St. Andrew's
• St. Martin's
• St. Peter Port
• St. Pierre du Bois
• St. Sampson
• Saviour's
• Torteval
• Vale

Cities and Towns

• St. Peter Port, the capital
• St. Sampson
• St. Anne

Events and Festivals

• St Peter Port Carnival

Getting There

By Plane

Guernsey Airport (GCI) is the only airport in Guernsey. Aurigny Air Services, a state airline, is based here and has flights to and from Alderney, Bristol, Dinard, Jersey, London and Manchester. Blue Islands flies to Alderney, Bournemouth, Geneva, Isle of Man, Jersey, Paris, Southampton and Zurich. Flybe has flights to Birmingham, Exeter, London, Manchester, Norwich and Southampton. Seasonal flights from the Netherlands are also available from Lufthansa and VLM Airlines.