Very popular soccer
Soccer is, of course, the most popular sport on the islands. Here, it is played on immaculately manicured stadiums and "consumed" in pubs, all of which, with a few exceptions, are equipped with giant screens showing Premier League or Champions League matches. Soccer fans can be divided into four groups: Arsenal, Manchester United, Glasgow Rangers and Glasgow Celtic. In the archipelago, Jersey and Guernsey have their own league.
Muratti Vase. Under this name, inspired by a famous cigarette brand, lies the most popular inter-island soccer competition (Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney). The cup was created in 1905. Unsurprisingly, Jersey and Guernsey share all the titles with one exception... Alderney's historic 1-0 victory over Guernsey on April 29, 1920.
Sailing and boating
The Channel Islands are a popular destination for sailors from Brittany and Normandy. They offer magnificent landscapes, sheltered bays and pretty harbors. But island sailing requires real know-how. Here, there's no question of not knowing how to read a nautical chart or being unable to anticipate the whims of the wind, at the risk of crashing into the sharp rocks of the coast. The marinas of Jersey and Guernsey offer a perfect welcome.
Surfing, diving and water sports
With 60 km of beaches, you can enjoy all the water sports you can dream of. Beware, however, of the region's strong currents. Be careful and swim in areas marked with red and yellow flags. The more inexperienced can take advantage of the seawater pools lining some beaches.
Surfing - Windsurfing - Kitesurfing. Jersey's Saint-Ouen beach boasts one of Europe's best surf spots. In Guernsey, head for Vazon Bay and L'Ancresse. You can enjoy this sport all year round, but beware: the water is cold in winter! Don't forget that the tides here are enormous.
Water sports. Windsurfing, sea scootering, water skiing... the choice is vast. You'll find water sports centers on the most popular beaches. Some also offer courses.
Scuba diving - snorkelling. The archipelago's waters are clean, clear and rich in underwater life. You can even explore shipwrecks (especially in Alderney) or old buildings that have been overrun by water. Equipment can be rented on site and tanks filled in the clubs. Novices can take courses and try to obtain a PADI certificate.
Sea fishing. Fishing is one of the most popular leisure activities on the islands. You can fish from the mainland, from rocks or a jetty, or from the sea, hiring a boat to take you out at high tide to catch the fish. If you haven't brought your own fishing rod with you, you can easily hire one from a specialist store.
A thrill ride
Adventure and extreme sports. A wide range of activities are on offer, particularly on the island of Jersey. These include abseiling, rock climbing, canoeing and kayaking along the coast, sand yachting... The various agencies offer not only activities but also individual or group stays, for children and adults alike.
Aviation. If you linger around the airports of Jersey, Guernsey or Alderney, you'll soon notice that there are plenty of small tourist planes. Amateur and professional pilots from France and England frequently visit the islands, not only for the pleasure of flying, but also to fill up their tanks with tax-free petrol. Of course, it's also possible to enjoy first flights over the islands, and even take flying lessons.
Beautiful walks on the program
Hiking. This is the best way to discover the islands, and probably one of the most popular activities. The paths are remarkably well-maintained and well signposted. There are parking lots (in Jersey and Guernsey) close by where you can leave your vehicle. Buses (in Jersey and Guernsey) also stop at the main trail entrances. Along the way, viewpoints and benches are conveniently located for pleasant stops. On the busiest stretches of the two large islands, the wooden steps, which are slippery in wet weather, are fitted with nails to reassure the less comfortable hiker. Coastal paths aren't the only ones you can take. Small rural roads, seldom used by motorists, allow you to discover the interior. They are narrow, and when they cross inhabited areas, rarely equipped with sidewalks, you need to be a little careful. Remember that on Sark and Herm, you'll be on your own on the roads, as all vehicles except tractors are prohibited. Tourist offices also offer themed walks (nature, agriculture, cliffs, gardens...). Find out more!
Cycling. The islands and their rural roads are ideal for cycling. Tourist offices publish guides to cycling routes, with very pleasant circuits of varying levels and lengths. Electric bikes are very much in vogue, and virtually all the agencies in Jersey and Guernsey have been offering them for some years now. It has to be said that the islands are particularly well-suited to them.
Horseback riding. Riding schools offer lessons in riding schools and arenas, as well as accompanied or unaccompanied rides. It is forbidden to ride on the beaches between May and September, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Long live the little yellow and white balls!
Golf. Alderney, Guernsey and Jersey have golf courses. The 18-hole courses are open to players with a membership card for a recognized club. There are also practice greens and driving ranges. Most golf courses are close to the sea and offer superb scenery.
Tennis and squash. These are very popular sports in the Channel Islands. Many private owners have tennis courts. Some hotels even have courts available for non-residents. Last but not least, you'll want to take advantage of the centers open to the public.
