Wales has more beaches per mile than anywhere else in the UK. Keep Wales Tidy has today announced the recipients of the Wales Coast Awards for 2023, unveiling the 51 coastal areas achieving the exceptional standards required to receive the prestigious Blue Flag, Green Coast Award and Seaside Award. This year, Wales has retained not only 25 of its Blue Flag beaches but also 14 Green Coast awards and 12 Seaside Awards. Read on to find out which ten beaches in Pembrokeshire were awarded Blue Flag Beaches:
About The Blue Flag Award
Blue Flag is one of the world’s most recognised awards for beaches, marinas and boats owned by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). The mission of the programme is to promote environmental education, sustainable development of tourism, environmental management systems and ensure safety and access for beach users.
The 25 Welsh beaches achieving this accolade have to adhere to very specific criteria related to water quality, information provision, environmental education, safety, and site management.
Green Coast Award
In addition to the 25 Blue Flag awards, 14 beaches in Wales were also awarded the Green Coast Award including a new site at New Quay Traeth Gwyn, recognising their clean environment, excellent water quality and natural beauty. Green Coast Awards are ‘hidden gems’ along the Welsh coastline, exceptional places to visit and enjoy diversity and rich coastal heritage.
Seaside Award
A total of 12 beaches achieved the Seaside Award for the standard of their facilities and water quality with three new sites at Llantwit Major, Penarth and Southerndown.
Minister for Climate Change, Julie James said,
“Wales has some of the best beaches and water quality across the whole of Europe, and it is only fitting that this is recognised with the awarding of Blue Flags. “We’re known across the world for our beautiful coastlines and if we’re to keep our beaches and coast this way, we need to ensure we leave nothing but footprints so blue flags can continue to fly for many generations to come.”
Julie James
Minister for Climate Change
“The results of Wales Coast Awards are in, and we’re delighted to have our suspicions confirmed – some of the world’s best beaches are right here 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. 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.”
Owen Derbyshire
Keep Wales Tidy Chief Executive
The 10 Blue Flag Beaches in Pembrokeshire
Pembrokeshire has numerous beautiful beaches. Here are the ten that were awarded Blue Flag status by Keep Wales Tidy in 2023:
- Amroth
- Newgale
- Saundersfoot
- Dale
- Whitesands
- Coppet Hall
- Tenby South
- Tenby Castle
- Poppit Sands
- Broadhaven North
This is an inspiring list which makes a great wishlist of beaches to visit in Pembrokeshire this summer!
Ten Blue Flag Beaches to Visit in Pembrokeshire Wish List
25 Blue Flag Beaches in Wales
Here is the full list of 2023 Blue Flag Beaches in Wales:
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 Awards 2023
Fourteen beaches in Wales have been awarded Green Coast status in 2023, with seven Pembrokeshire beaches named:
- Abereiddy
- Freshwater East
- Manorbier
- Penally
- Caerfai
- Druidston
- West Angle Bay
Here is a handy checklist so you can try to visit as many as you can this Summer:
To see the full list of awards given at the Wales Coast Awards 2023 click here: Wales Coast Awards 2023 Full Results
Have you visited any of these Pembrokeshire beaches yet? Which would you like to visit?
Read more about Pembrokeshire.
I had not realised there were so many beaches in Wales! You live in a beautiful area!
Wow amazing!
I always knew Wales had stunning beauty and beaches but I never knew it’s recognised as one of the cleanest in Europe. That’s a big success!!