Not a white sand beach. The Northern side of the island is rocks. But that means less tourists, and in my opinion a better experience. Get some swimming shoes for the rocks and you can swim as long as the waves aren't too aggressive. Great place, quiet, with a neighborhood grocery store and if you rent a car you can see everything on the island. Air B&Bs can be good, but there are no resorts and you should plan to feed yourself. If you want silence (except waves), quiet neighbors, and a place to get away from it all then go to Fornells.