Keep Wales Tidy has unveiled the 86 coastal areas that have met the high standards needed to receive the prestigious Blue Flag, Green Coast Award and Seaside Award – a total of 102 awards for Wales.

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Across the country, 44 Blue Flags are flying at 40 beaches, three marinas and one boat tour operator, meaning that Wales once again has more Blue Flags per mile than anywhere else in the UK.

The iconic Blue Flag is a world-renowned eco-label owned by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). For more than three decades, Blue Flag has had a transformational impact on water quality, environmental awareness, protection, safety and services.

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18 beaches in Wales have gained the Green Coast Award, recognising the ‘hidden gems’ along our coastline. They include Silver Bay on Anglesey, after Silver Bay Holiday Village became the first private business to apply for a coast award on behalf of a beach.

A further 40 beaches have achieved the Seaside Award for their standard of water quality and facilities.

Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths said:

“We’re lucky in Wales to have some of the world’s finest beaches right here on our doorstep. It’s pleasing to see so many of our beaches receiving these awards as recognition of the hard work being done across Wales to keep our beaches and waters clean.

“The Blue Flag is a prestigious mark of quality showing how seriously we take environmental and water quality standards in Wales. We hope people across Wales are proud of the beaches which have received coastal awards this year and, along with visitors to Wales, take the opportunity to enjoy our stunning coastline.”

The award winners are being celebrated today (15 May) at a national ceremony hosted by Conwy County Borough Council. The event is taking place at Porth Eirias which has been newly designated as a bathing water and has received a Seaside Award for the first time.

Lesley Jones, Keep Wales Tidy Chief Executive said:

“The 102 awards are a testament to the hard work of staff and volunteers who help care for our beautiful coastline and keep our waters clean throughout the year.

“The Wales Coast Awards play a vital role in protecting our precious marine environment and attracting visitors from around the world. We should all take great pride in the quality of our beaches and coastal areas.”

Download the full list of winners of the Welsh Coast Awards here.