The whole coastline of both islands is essentially one continuous beach — long stretches of pale sand sloping gradually into very shallow water. You can walk a hundred metres out from shore in some places before it reaches your knees.
The most popular and accessible beach is at Sidi Frej, where most of the hotels are concentrated. Ouled Ezzeddine on the northern coast of Chergui has a wilder feel and is often deserted. Sidi Founkhal in the south-east has good swimming and a few simple beach cafés in summer. None of the beaches have lifeguards; the shallow water makes most safe, but the open Mediterranean side can be choppy when the wind picks up.