**Over 20 Welsh Beaches Secure Blue Flag Status for 2025 Despite Drop from Previous Year**
Wales continues to boast some of the UK’s finest coastal destinations, with 21 of its beaches and marinas now officially recognised with Blue Flag status for 2025. While this international accolade is widely regarded as a gold standard for cleanliness, safety, and environmental performance, this year’s numbers reflect a slight decrease, with three fewer locations honoured compared to 2024.
The Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), headquartered in Denmark, oversees the prestigious Blue Flag programme, which identifies and rewards beaches, marinas, and tourism boat operators that exemplify world-leading standards in water quality, environmental management, and safety. On the ground in Wales, Keep Wales Tidy is the organisation responsible for assessing and announcing the annual list of qualifying sites.
Blue Flag awards are highly coveted, not simply for their prestige but for the assurance they give visitors regarding outstanding environmental practices and amenities. In order to secure the status, beaches must maintain rigorous standards, including excellent water quality, high levels of cleanliness, robust safety measures, and comprehensive facilities for the public.
This year, Pembrokeshire has again cemented its reputation as a premier seaside destination, leading the way with 10 beaches earning the Blue Flag. Standout names include Newgale, Saundersfoot, and the ever-popular Broadhaven North. Swansea follows with four award-winning sites such as Caswell Bay, Langland Bay, Port Eynon, and Swansea Marina, while both Bridgend and Ceredigion each have three Blue Flag recipients. Carmarthenshire rounds off the list with Cefn Sidan gaining the prestigious recognition.
However, the drop from 24 honoured sites in 2024 to 21 in 2025 has not gone unnoticed. Notably, Aberystwyth South and Prestatyn Central missed out on regaining Blue Flag status this year. Instead, both have been recognised with Seaside Awards, which remain national benchmarks for overall beach quality but do not carry the same international weight as the Blue Flag. These awards still affirm the beaches’ ongoing commitment to cleanliness, good facilities, and a safe environment for visitors and locals alike.
Adding further nuance, Penarth Marina—the only privately owned marina on last year’s Blue Flag list—did not submit an application for assessment this year, explaining its absence in the latest roll of honour. This highlights that year-on-year variations can result from both evolving environmental conditions and administrative choices.
The 2025 Blue Flag winners across Wales include:
– **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
– **Bridgend**: Rest Bay, Trecco Bay, Porthcawl Marina
– **Ceredigion**: Borth, Llangrannog, Tresaith
– **Carmarthenshire**: Cefn Sidan
In a statement, Keep Wales Tidy emphasised that “maintaining Blue Flag status reflects the dedication of local councils, volunteers, and community groups who are passionate about protecting the natural beauty of Wales’ coastline for everyone to enjoy.” The Blue Flag status also often translates into economic boosts for the regions involved, drawing holidaymakers seeking family-friendly, top-quality coastal breaks.
As environmental awareness and domestic tourism continue to grow, the Blue Flag scheme remains a key indicator for both residents and visitors when choosing where to spend their time and money. While a small decline in qualifying beaches might prompt further investigation and renewed effort, the overall picture remains one of proud achievement for Wales—and a call to continue striving for world-class standards along its scenic shores.
Looking to the rest of 2025 and beyond, there is hope that ongoing conservation efforts and public engagement will see more Welsh beaches return to or join the ranks of Blue Flag excellence. For now, holidaymakers have 21 officially recognised Blue Flag destinations in Wales where they can swim, play, and relax with confidence.