The landscape of the island is remarkably diverse, leading to its oft-quoted description of "England in Miniature". The West Wight is predominantly rural, with dramatic coastlines dominated by the famous chalk downland ridge, running across the whole island and ending in The Needles stacks - perhaps the most photographed aspect of the Isle of Wight. The highest point on the island is St Boniface Down, at 791ft, which is also a Marilyn.  The island landscape also has great diversity, with perhaps the most notable habitats being the soft cliffs and sea ledges, which are spectacular features as well as being very important for wildlife, and are internationally protected. The River Medina flows north into the Solent, whilst the other main river, the River Yar flows roughly north-east, emerging at Bembridge Harbour on the eastern end of the island. Confusingly, there is another entirely separate river at the western end also called the River Yar flowing the short distance from Freshwater Bay to a relatively large estuary at Yarmouth. Where distinguishing the two becomes necessary, each may be referred to as the eastern or western Yar. The south coast of the island adjoins the English Channel. Without man's intervention the island may well have been split into three with the sea breaking through at the west end of the island where a bank of pebbles separates Freshwater Bay from the marshy backwaters of the Western Yar east of Freshwater and at the east end of the island where a thin strip of land separates Sandown Bay from the marshy basin of the Eastern Yar east of Sandown. Yarmouth itself was effectively an island with water on all sides and only connected to the rest of the island by a regularly breached neck of land immediately east of the town. Island wildlife is remarkable, thought to be the only place in England where the red squirrel is flourishing, with a stable population.

Unlike the rest of England, no grey squirrels, as yet, are to be found on the island, nor are there any wild deer but, instead, rare and protected species, such as the dormouse and many rare bats, can be found. The Glanville Fritillary butterfly's distribution in the United Kingdom is largely restricted to the edges of the crumbling cliffs of the Isle of Wight.

Cowes, at the northern tip of the island is divided by the River Medina into West Cowes and East Cowes. West Cowes, as a yachting centre, enjoys international status during Cowes Week. Osborne House, just south of East Cowes, was the home for Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Further inland towards the centre of the island, and at the navigational bottom of the River Media, lies Newport, the largest town and 'capital' of the island. Newport, over the years, has been developed into the main shopping centre for island residents but still retains many pleasing 18th century houses, a roman villa and the church of St Thomas contains the grave of Princess Elizabeth, daughter of Charles I.  Carisbrooke, originally the principal town of the island has an interesting church but is better known for its fine Norman castle that dominates the skyline.

Alum Bay, at the extreme tip of the island, is famous for its coloured sands; nearby the Old Battery has been recently restored by the National Trust to provide splendid views of the famous Needles. Freshwater, a small village has long been associated with the poet, Tennyson; a memorial is located on Tennyson Down. Yarmouth, an attractive small ferry port and yachting centre provides vehicular access to and from the mainland.

At the east of the island tourism is concentrated between the towns of Ryde, Sandown, Shanklin and Ventnor. Ryde is a large resort containing many attractive 19th century buildings. Sandown, with its fine sands, is home to the Isle of Wight Zoo where Bengal Tigers are bred in captivity. Nearby Shanklin is more serene and attractive where Shanklin Chine, a deep ravine, contains many species of rare plants. Ventnor, possibly the most attractive resort on the island, is home to the Botanical Garden that contains a large collection of sub-tropical plants and a museum on smuggling history. Godshill, is the show village of the island attracting tourists during the summer months to admire the thatched cottages grouped round the church.