With a circumference of 40 km and a population of around 60,000, Guernsey is the second-largest of the British Channel Isles. Despite its small size, it has a varied landscape and vegetation influenced by the Mediterranean climate. It has long, flat sandy beaches at the West and North coast and steep cliffs to the South. The island capital of St. Peter Port lies at the East coast and combines Mediterranean flair with the charm of a traditional fishing village. The hilly island is perfect for bike rides and hikes, since there is very little traffic. But fans of traditional sights will not be disappointed either; in addition to prehistoric tombs and blocks of stone towering high into the sky (known as "menhirs") the island also boasts medieval churches and fortresses. The remains of Hitler's Atlantic Wall, meanwhile, bear witness to Guernsey's more recent history.
