Largest Cities in Guernsey

Facts about Guernsey

Official languages: English, French
Capital: Saint Peter Port
Area: 78 km²
Population: 65,228 residents
Population density: 836.26 people per km²
Currency: GBP
Internet TLD: .gg
ISO codes: GG, GGY, 831
The telephone code for Guernsey is + 44-1481

Guernsey (officially Bailiwick of Guernsey ; English Bailiwick of Guernsey, French Bailliage de Guernesey) is the second largest of the British Channel Islands. The Channel Islands are neither part of the United Kingdom nor a crown colony, but as crown possession (English crown dependency) directly under the British crown. They are separate legal entities and therefore not part of the European Union.

In addition to the main island of Guernsey, the bailiwick also includes the islands of Alderney, Sark, Herm, Jethou, Brecqhou, Burhou and other small islets.

The island has a mild, almost Mediterranean climate due to the influence of the Gulf Stream and due to its sheltered location in the Gulf of Saint-Malo. Temperatures below zero degrees Celsius are extremely rare, on the other hand, even in midsummer, seawater hardly ever reaches temperatures above 20 degrees.

The ancient name of the island was Sarmia (or sarma, armia, sarnia). Despite the difficult navigation conditions due to a tidal range of almost twelve meters, the port of St. Peter Port was an important trading center as early as Roman times.

The island is a hilly country with cliffs, especially in the south. They are particularly suitable for livestock and horticulture. Guernsey is a major tourist destination for nature and bird lovers. About a third of Guernsey’s gross national product is generated by financial service providers (banks, insurance companies, investment companies). Traditional sources of income such as tourism, mechanical engineering and horticulture, mainly tomatoes and cut flowers, are on the decline. Low taxes have made Guernsey popular as a tax haven.

Population

St. Peter Port is the largest city in Guernsey and the capital of the island. Located on the east coast, St. Peter Port is renowned for its picturesque harbor, which has been an important port for centuries. The city is home to a range of attractions including the Castle Cornet, which was built in the 13th century, and Hauteville House, the home of French author Victor Hugo during his exile from France. Visitors can also explore St. Peter Port’s narrow cobbled streets and quaint shops or take a ride on one of its colorful horse-drawn carriages.

Second on the list of largest cities in Guernsey is St. Sampson’s with a population of around 3,500 people. Located on Guernsey’s east coast, St Sampson’s has many attractions including Fort Grey which was built in 1780 to protect against Napoleonic invasion and now houses an interactive museum about shipwrecks and maritime disasters that have occurred around Guernsey’s shores over the years. Visitors can also explore St Sampson’s vibrant harbor with its colorful boats and picturesque views or take a stroll along one of its tranquil beaches where they can relax and enjoy some peace and quiet away from it all.

Third on our list is Vale with a population of approximately 2,000 people located south west of St Peter Port. This charming village boasts many attractions such as Saumarez Park which was once owned by Sir John de Saumarez who fought at Trafalgar as well as numerous churches including Old Church Vale which dates back to 1140 AD making it one of Guernsey’s oldest churches still standing today! A visit to Vale wouldn’t be complete without sampling some local delicacies such as bean jar (a traditional stew) or sipping some cider at one of its popular pubs!