Pembrokeshire features prominently in Welsh locations crowned among the best beaches and marinas in the world, with good news for Tenby’s popular North Beach, which has regained its Blue Flag Status.
Keep Wales Tidy has announced the Wales Coast Award winners for 2024, spotlighting the 49 coastal sites achieving the high standards required to receive a prestigious Blue Flag, Green Coast or Seaside Award.
10 Pembrokeshire beaches have been awarded the Blue Flag Status. They are - Tenby’s South, Castle and North; Saundersfoot; Coppet Hall; Newgale; Dale; Whitesands; Poppit Sands; and Broadhaven North.
Meanwhile, picking up Green Coast Awards in the county were - Penally; Manorbier; Freshwater East; Abereiddy; Caerfai; Druidstone; West Angle Bay.
Blue Flag is managed internationally by FEE (the Foundation for Environmental Education) and is one of the world’s most recognised awards for beaches, marinas and boats.
The programme’s mission is to promote environmental education, sustainable development of tourism, environmental management systems and ensure safety and access for beach users.
The 24 Welsh beaches achieving this accolade must adhere to specific criteria related not only to water quality, but also information provision, environmental education, safety, and site management in equal measure.
Alongside the 24 Blue Flag awards, 13 beaches in Wales were awarded the Green Coast Award which recognises 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.
A total of 12 beaches also achieved the Seaside Award for the standard of their facilities and water quality.
Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, said: “Wales boasts some of Europe's finest beaches and water quality, and the global recognition of our coastline is a true reflection of the dedication and hard work of so many people.
“As we celebrate in this achievement, let us also heed the call to protect and preserve our coastal treasures. Let's ensure that we leave nothing but footprints, allowing these breathtaking spaces to be enjoyed for many generations to come."
Owen Derbyshire, Keep Wales Tidy Chief Executive said: “Achieving these prestigious awards means meeting rigorous standards put in place to ensure the safe enjoyment of visitors now and in years to come.
“This success is testament to the hard work of all involved in maintaining and enhancing the natural beauty of our Welsh coastline,” he added.