With more than 60 miles of beaches, this small island in the Solent off the south coast of England has been a perfect holiday retreat for generations. From the picture-postcard villages of Bembridge and Seaview to scenic beaches like Freshwater Bay, there’s an invitation here to lose yourself in a quieter past, be it beachcombing on the shore at Yarmouth or hunting for dinosaur footprints and fossils at Compton Bay. Dramatic cliffs and unspoiled interior offer spectacular walking, but there’s a thriving social life, too, as displayed in the famous annual sailing week at Cowes. Water sports can be found all around the island, from surfing at Shanklin to paddleboarding at Totland. Family-friendly entertainment includes fun theme parks like Blackgang Chine and Robin Hill.

Good news: The Isle of Wight is officially one of the sunniest places in the UK. It averages 37 hours of sunshine a week, with the south of the island faring particularly well thanks to its sheltered position beneath the cliffs: this microclimate is one of the reasons the town of Ventnor enjoys a thriving botanic garden. Do not expect high temperatures, however — summer averages between 55 and 68 Fahrenheit, and you’ll want to pack layers and a waterproof jacket to be prepared for windy and rainy spells, which can arrive at any time. Fall tends to be the wettest season, and in winter temperatures drop to the high 40s.

The Needles

This series of chalk stacks rises from the sea at the island’s westernmost point like a set of static icebergs. You can admire their jagged forms and the Victorian lighthouse that protects ships from them on a clifftop walk, or from a ride on the nearby chairlift. They’re overlooked by the Old Battery, a defensive fort built in the 1860s, which you can still visit today.

Ryde Beach

Miles of soft sand and plenty of nearby amenities make this spot on the northeastern part of the island one of its most beloved bits of shoreline. The dog-friendly beach is so wide that its pier — constructed in 1814, and nearly half a mile in length — is the second-longest in the country. You can see Portsmouth from its end.

Ventnor

The town tucked away at the south of the island became famous as a health resort in the 19th century. It’s still a beautiful spot thanks to its parks, gardens, and sea views, and in Steephill Cove it has one of the best secret beaches on the coast.