Twenty five beaches in Wales have been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag status for 2023. Drawn up by Keep Wales Tidy, the flag scheme awards water cleanliness and quality meaning the coastal areas are of exceptional standards.
The Blue Flag is a world-renowned eco-label owned by the Foundation for Environmental Education. While the number of Blue Flag zones in Wales has stayed the same, Southerndown has lost its status on the list and has been replaced by Aberporth.
Fourteen Welsh beaches have also been given the Green Coast award - up from 13 last year - meaning they are considered “hidden gems” along the Welsh coastline that are “exceptional places to visit and enjoy diversity and rich coastal heritage”. 12 beaches also won the seaside award - down from 23 - meaning they are known for their standard of water quality and facilities.
Read more: Everything scientists know so far about a sperm whale washed up on a Welsh beach
Keep Wales Tidy Chief Executive Owen Derbyshire said the results show that “some of the world’s best beaches are on our doorstep”. “These awards are a tribute to the hard work and dedication of those who strive to maintain and enhance the natural splendour of our coastline,” he said.
“However, with the privilege of enjoying these breathtaking landscapes comes the responsibility to protect and preserve them. Let us all pledge to do our part by respecting the environment and keeping our beaches clean and litter-free. Together, we can ensure that future generations have the opportunity to experience the wonder of Wales' coast.”
Blue Flag beaches in Wales in 2023
Bridgend
- Rest Bay
- Trecco Bay
- Porthcawl Marina
Carmarthenshire
- Cefn Sidan
Ceredigion
- Aberporth
- Aberystwyth South
- Borth
- Llangrannog
- Tresaith
Denbighshire
- Prestatyn
Pembrokeshire
- Amroth
- Newgale
- Saundersfoot
- Dale
- Whitesands
- Coppet Hall
- Tenby South
- Tenby Castle
- Poppit Sands
- Broadhaven North
Swansea
- Caswell Bay
- Langland Bay
- Port Eynon
- Swansea Marina
Vale of Glamorgan
- Penarth Marina
Green Coast beaches in Wales in 2023
Anglesey
- Silver Nay
Ceredigion
- New Quay Traeth Gwyn
- Cilborth
- Llanrhystud
- Mwnt
- Penbryn
Swansea
- Bracelet Bay
Pembrokeshire
- Abereiddy
- Freshwater East
- Manorbier
- Penally
- Caerfai
- Druidston
- West Angle Bay
Seaside Award beaches in Wales in 2023
Ceredigion
- Aberystwyth North
- New Quay Harbour
- Traeth y Dolau
Denbighshire
- Rhyl Central
Neath Port Talbot
- Aberavon
Vale of Glamorgan
- Whitmore Bay
- Jacksons Bay
- Cold Knap
- Penarth
- Llantwit Major
- Southerndown
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