As we head into spring and summer many people start considering a trip to the beach but picking one to go to in Wales can be quite a hard task. From the stunning Gower peninsula to the dreamy sands of Tenby and Saundersfoot and the gorgeous north Wales coast, there are plenty of options.
Now travel experts Lonely Planet have named their top 11 beaches in Wales, in no particular order, to help inspire you. From the best beach for romantics to the best beach for sunbathing, Lonely Planet has selected beaches that are perfect for everyone.
READ MORE: The ten best beaches in Wales according to people on Tripadvisor
Rhossili Bay, Gower
Surfing - Named the best beach for surfers, Rhossili Bay in Gower is a surfer's paradise with miles of golden sand and big waves. There is surf at Rhossili all year round and the beach is surrounded by heather-clad clifftops also making it the perfect place for a stunning walk with views of Worm's Head and beyond.
Porth Iago, Llyn Peninsula
Wild camping - Porth Iago has been named as the best place for wild(ish) camping with its grassy headlands and clear, calm waters. This smaller beach is more sheltered, making it a great place to relax, and local farmers let out their fields and grounds for camping and parking.
Barafundle Bay, Stackpole
Sunbathing - Widely known and crowned as the best beach in Pembrokeshire, and if not Wales, Barafundle Bay can easily be mistaken to be on a tropical island. Only accessible on foot Lonely Planet has named Barafundle Bay the best beach for sunbathing and has recommended going on a weekday to beat the crowds.
Mwnt, Cardigan
Dolphin spotting - At Mwnt you have the chance to spot some dolphins as Lonely Planet has named it the best beach for dolphin spotting or seal spotting during the seal breeding season of August to December. Here you can walk up Foel y Mwnt and admire the great views.
Whitesands Bay, St Davids
Family - If you are looking for a beach to take your family to Lonely Planet has named Whitesands Bay in St Davids as the one. With a buggy and wheelchair-friendly slipway this beach also has toilets and a cafe, making it more accessible for everyone.
Llanddwyn Beach, Anglesey
Romance - For a romantic trip to the beach grab your partner and head to Llanddwyn beach on Anglesey. It is a popular place to propose and allows you to get just get away from it all, with the dreamy views and nearby Llanddwyn Island where the Welsh patron saint of lovers St. Dwynwen once lived.
Castle Beach, Tenby
Island hopping - Named the best beach for island hoppers Tenby is home to three stunning beaches and Lonely Planet has named Castle Beach as the best beach for island hopping. There are two hilltop ruins over-looking the beach and at low tide, you can walk to St Catherine's Island and explore the 19th-century fort. You can also catch a boat to Caldey Island from Castle Beach.
Harlech Beach, Gwynedd
Solitude - Overlooked by Harlech Castle and with Snowdonia National Park in the background Harlech Beach has been named the best beach for solitude seekers. The four-mile-long beach is often empty, other than the sand dunes which are full of wildlife.
Three Cliffs Bay, Gower
Photography - It is no surprise the picture-perfect Three Cliffs Bay in the Gower has been named the best beach for photographers. Pictures are amazing all year round and any time of the day but particularly at sunset. The beach is only accessible by foot and feels wild and rugged.
Cefn Sidan, Carmarthenshire
Shipwreck spotting - The longest beach in Wales, Cefn Sidan in Carmarthenshire, has been named the best beach for spotting shipwrecks and is next to Pembrey Country Park. Along the eight miles of beach there is said to be up to 300 shipwrecks, some nearly 100 years old.
Llandudno Beach, Conwy
Classic - If a classic beach is what you are looking for then look no further than Llandudno beach. Named the best beach for a classic day at the seaside Llandudno beach is home to a pier, amusement arcades, fish and chips, and that typical seaside feel.
