We heard the news this week that the number of Blue Flag Beaches in Wales has this year increased! Seven more beaches than last year were awarded the prestigious award, totalling a whopping 41 beautiful beaches across Wales.

“Blaue Flagge 2007” by Roberta F. via Wikimedia Commons

The international award is given for a number of different criteria, namely water quality, facilities, safety and environmental management. So this latest news goes to show that Wales’ beaches are among the best in the world. Something we already knew, of course!

The Blue Flag Beach award is governed by an international body, the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEEE), whose aim is to promote and raise awareness of sustainable development, including tourism. It’s Blue Flag Beach awards are now in it’s 30th year and are internationally recognised as a symbol for the world’s best beaches.

Our home county of Gwynedd has again done really well in the awards – a total of seven local beaches have been awarded Blue Flag status. They are:

• Aberdaron Beach
• Abersoch South
• Barmouth
• Black Rock Beach, Morfa Bychan (nr Porthmadog)
• Morfa Dinlle, Dinas Dinlle (nr Caernarfon)
• Pwllheli
• Criccieth

So with some sunshine forecast this bank holiday, why not pay one of our lovely beaches a visit and judge the fabulous Blue Flag status for yourself? We promise you won’t be disappointed. Happy beach time!

by Peter Humphreys via Wikimedia Commons