Wales boasts a stunning coastline, with dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and idyllic stretches of golden sand. Whether you’re seeking a haven for building sandcastles with the family or a secluded spot for surfing waves, Wales has a beach for you. But for those seeking guaranteed quality and pristine waters, look no further than the beaches recognised by the prestigious coastal awards.
This year, Wales has once again secured a collection of the instantly recognisable international awards of Blue Flag, Green Coast and Seaside Award beaches. These accolades represent the crème de la crème of Welsh beaches, meeting stringent criteria for cleanliness, water quality, safety and environmental management.
For a full list by area of the Blue Flag Beaches and other awards in Wales for 2024, read on.
Blue Flag Beaches
The coveted Blue Flag award is the international gold standard for beaches, marinas, and sustainable tourism operators. Earning this prestigious recognition signifies a beach with exceptional water quality, excellent facilities and a strong commitment to environmental education.
Wales has 24 Blue Flag Beaches for 2024.
Bridgend
- Rest Bay
- Trecco Bay
- Porthcawl Marina
Carmarthenshire
- Cefn Sidan
Ceredigion
- Borth
- Llangrannog
- Tresaith
- Aberystwyth South
Denbighshire
- Prestatyn Central
Pembrokeshire
- Newgale
- Saundersfoot
- Dale
- Whitesands
- Coppet Hall
- Tenby South
- Tenby North
- Tenby Castle
- Poppit Sands
- Broadhaven North
Swansea
- Caswell Bay
- Langland Bay
- Port Eynon
- Swansea Marina
Vale of Glamorgan
- Penarth Marina
Green Coast Award
The Green Coast award recognises beaches of high environmental quality. To achieve the award, beaches must have excellent water quality and have effective and appropriate management to ensure the protection of the natural environment. The award is for beaches which have excellent water quality, but which are also prized for their natural, unspoilt environment.
We feel this award is especially fitting for some of the more remote and unspoilt beaches in Wales which do not have facilities such as toilets which are necessary for the Blue Flag award. These beaches are often havens for wildlife and boast a natural, unspoiled beauty.
13 beaches in Wales have achieved the Green Coast Award for 2024.
Anglesey
- Silver Bay
Ceredigion
- Cilborth
- Llanrhystud
- Mwnt
- Penbryn
Swansea
- Bracelet Bay
Pembrokeshire
- Abereiddy
- Freshwater East
- Manorbier
- Penally
- Caerfai
- Druidston
- West Angle Bay.
Seaside Award
And the final set of accreditations is the Seaside Award, which ensures visitors are guaranteed to find a clean, safe, attractive and well-managed coastal stretch, whilst celebrating the diversity of the coastline. The Seaside Award is presented by Keep Britain Tidy and celebrates the best beaches across Wales. These beaches may not meet the strict Blue Flag criteria but offer excellent facilities, cleanliness, and a safe environment for families and beachgoers.
12 Welsh beaches have achieved the Seaside Award for 2024:
Ceredigion
- Aberystwyth North
- New Quay Harbour
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- Aberporth
- Clarach
- Traeth y Dolau
Denbighshire
- Rhyl Central
Neath Port Talbot
- Aberavon
Vale of Glamorgan
- Whitmore Bay
- Jacksons Bay
- Cold Knap
- Llantwit Major
- Penarth
With such a wealth and diverse selection of award-winning beaches catering to every taste, Wales promises an unforgettable seaside experience. So, grab your swimsuit, pack a picnic, and get ready to discover the best beaches Wales has to offer!
