It wouldn't be a proper holiday without a trip to one of the Island's award-winning beaches - there's a huge variety, including sheltered and sand blue flag beaches in the south and east, with waves and wind for watersports in the west.

Here are our pick of the best;

1Ryde Beach

Ryde's long sandy beach is one of the most popular on the Island. Along the coastline you'll find a funfair, trampolines, amusements and even an ice rink! Head south to Appley Tower and a canoe lake.

2Sandown Beach

Just yards from the town's shops, cafes and pubs, Sandown's huge golden sandy beach with its watersports is as popular now as it was in the Victorian era.

3Ventnor Beach

Sheltered by high cliffs on which the Victorian terraced town is built, the sandy bay acts as a suntrap ensuring the warmest of weather on a sunny day. A backdrop of cafes and restaurants lend it a deliciously Mediterranean feel.

4Steephill Cove

One of the Island's best kept secrets. With only a handful of cottages, lobster pots and an old donkey, a visit to this traditional beach and cove is like stepping back in time. The bay has no road access - park at the Botanic Gardens at Ventnor and enjoy the scenic walk.

5Compton Bay

You'll find this sandy beach off the south-western stretch of the coast road between Freshwater Bay and Brook. The area is a favourite for surfers, windsurfers and kite-surfers, and also popular with fossil hunters. at low tide dinosaur footprints can be seen imprinted in the rocks.