**Thirteen Pristine Welsh Beaches Honoured for Unspoilt Charm and Crystal-Clear Waters**
An impressive thirteen secluded beaches across Wales have received recognition this year for their untouched natural beauty and exceptional water quality, marking a triumph for the nation’s commitment to maintaining high environmental standards along the coastline.
The 2025 Wales Coast Awards, overseen by the environmental charity Keep Wales Tidy, has once again shone a spotlight on some of the country’s lesser-known gems. While the celebrated Blue Flag awards may be a familiar sight to many, denoting beaches that offer fantastic facilities and consistently clean water, the Green Coast Award takes a different approach. It highlights those special stretches of sand where nature takes centre stage and the raw wilderness has been largely preserved.
Unlike the busier Blue Flag resorts, these award-winning “hidden” beaches often lack the wide array of amenities associated with traditional seaside destinations. Nevertheless, each one maintains rigorous environmental standards, providing a tranquil retreat for visitors seeking to enjoy unspoilt surroundings. The Green Coast Award prioritises the preservation of natural habitats, making sure that even the quietest beaches remain places where both wildlife and visitors can thrive.
This year’s roll call of Green Coast Award winners spans from the north-western tip of Wales to the far south. Among the beaches celebrated are Silver Bay on Anglesey, four striking sites in Ceredigion—namely Cilborth, Llanrhystud, Mwnt and Penbryn—as well as Pembrokeshire’s Abereiddy, Freshwater East, Manorbier, Penally, Caerfai, Druidstone, and West Angle Bay. Rounding out the list are Bracelet Bay in Swansea and the ever-popular Traeth Llydan at Rhoscolyn, Anglesey.
Pembrokeshire continues to consolidate its reputation as a stronghold for natural coastal treasures, boasting seven of the thirteen awarded beaches this year. Ceredigion follows suit with four accolades, confirming its status as a haven for those seeking refuge from the crowds. Meanwhile, the single winning beaches in Swansea and Anglesey demonstrate that outstanding stretches of coast can be found throughout Wales.
The Green Coast Award is more than just a mark of a beautiful landscape. To earn this distinction, each beach must meet strict criteria, including offering accessible environmental education, upholding high water quality, and ensuring careful management. It’s a recognition that these areas serve not just as places for relaxation but also as open-air classrooms, teaching visitors the importance of protecting natural spaces.
Alongside the Green Coast Award, a further 21 beaches in Wales have been celebrated with the internationally renowned Blue Flag Award for their outstanding cleanliness, safety, and diverse amenities. This accolade is widely seen as a guarantee of a premier seaside experience.
Not to be forgotten, 15 additional beaches across the country have secured the Seaside Award—another marker of excellence in the UK, symbolised by the flying of a yellow and blue flag. These sites are acknowledged for their overall quality, cleanliness, and suitability for visitors of all ages.
The multiple awards handed out this year highlight the ongoing work by local communities and environmental organisations to safeguard Wales’ coastline. Holidaymakers and locals alike are encouraged to visit and enjoy these award-winning beaches, while also taking care to leave as little impact as possible.
In an era where commercial development and overtourism can threaten fragile ecosystems, Wales’ commitment to honouring and protecting its more secluded beaches stands as an exemplary model. It ensures that these serene natural spaces remain pristine now and for future generations, worthy of recognition both at home and abroad.