Isle of Man Tourist Information & Attractions

Isle of Man Events, Exhibitions & Shows for 2011

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Isle of Man Holidays / Isle of Man Tourist Information / Beaches

Isle of Man Beaches

The Isle of Man features 100 miles of stunning coastline and there are some fine sandy beaches scattered about the island ideal for a number of activities.

Port Erin

Port Erin is a quiet, small town of the south of the island, yet it is the largest seaside resort in the South. Port Erin has been a tourist resort since the Victorian days and today still enjoys a strong tourist trade as visitors enjoy the promenade, safe golden sandy beaches and rocky inlets.

The excellent hill walk to Bradda Head offers views over Port Erin and is ideal excercise. Beaches in Port Erin include Spaldrick, a small pebble beach around the corner from the main sandy stretch.

The much photographed Port Erin is an ideal destination for those seeking a relaxed holiday with superb coastal scenery, fine walks and superb beaches in a quiet environment. There are fishing trips and excursions to the Calf of Man from the small harbour.

Peel Bay

Peel is the Isle of Man's only city and can be found on the west coast of the island. Fishing has a long history in Peel as it once was the island's main fishing port and even today the harbour is filled with fishing boats.

There are two beaches in Peel which are nicely sheltered by hills and one of them, Fenella, a small sandy beach, is towered over by the impressive Peel Castle.

In the evening a stunning sunset can be seen over the beaches which is why Peel is also known as the Sunset City.

Castletown Bay

Castletown is on the South of the Isle of Man and the main beach area is to the East of the town towards Derby Haven. The horseshoe shape Castletown Bay is large and sandy and has perfect windsurfing conditions and sailable in many wind directions.

Castletown Bay is situated very close to Ronaldsway Airport and means that there can be some low flying aircraft across the bay - ideal for plane spotting.

There are plenty of nice walks to Dreswick Point or along the rocks of Scarlett Point to the South West of Castletown. Parking is available all along the beach as well as a small car park at Hango Hill.

Niarbyl Bay

Niarbyl is a settlement along the southwest coast of the island between Port Erin and Peel and borders the Irish Sea. It is one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the Isle of Man and is known for its spectacular sea views which includes the Calf of Man and even the mountains of Ireland on clear days.

'Niarbyl' means 'the tail', referring to Niarbyl's unique tail of rocks jutting out into the Irish Sea. The small rocky cove is ideal to sit on the cliffs and relax and enjoy the panoramic views and marvel at a magical sunset.

Things to do include the Niarbyl Cafe and visitor centre, discover the quaint thatched cottages at the seashore, enjoy rock pooling or go for a walk along the coastal footpath to discover an 8th Century Chapel and the secluded beaches beyond.

Douglas Bay

The capital of the Isle of Man and the largest town, Douglas boasts a magnificent 2 mile crescent and a long promenade (complete with Horse-Drawn tramway) runs nearly the entire length of beachfront. Popular with families, the sandy beach is ideal for all types of activities and you will see plenty of yachts on the water from the local Yacht Club. Visible landmarks from Douglas Bay include the staircase turret of Castle Mona.