Beach keeps hold of top spot

A CARMARTHENSHIRE beach has retained its status as one of the best coastal locations, not just in Wales, but in the world, in the prestigious Wales Coast Awards 2025.

- IAN LEWIS

Cefn Sidan, near Pembrey, has hung on to the globally-recognised Blue Flag Award.

A total of 21 beaches across Wales were recognised in the awards. Cefn Sidan is an unspoilt eight-mile sandy beach backed by sand dunes and lies within Pembrey Country Park.

It is one of Carmarthenshire’s biggest tourist attractions, providing a unique blend of coast and countryside with Green Flag-status woodlands and a Blue Flag-status coast.

It was the the first beach in Wales to achieve a Blue Flag when the awards were introduced in 1988 - and no Welsh beach has won the accolade more than Cefn Sidan, which has picked it up 38 times.

Pembrey is popular with tourists who come to explore the walking and mountain-biking trails in the park’s 500 acres, as well as its more adventurous activities including a dry ski slope, a toboggan ride, crazy golf and train rides, and to stay at its large campsite.