The coveted Blue Flag Awards 2008 have been announced! Our winners this year are: Bracelet Bay, Langland Bay, Caswell Bay, Port Eynon Beach, Aberavon Beach and Swansea Marina.

But there are scores of other bays and beaches to explore around our coastline. Most of them are located on Gower, famed for its rugged beauty and golden sand. And there is a beach for every activity!

Want to build sandcastles? Try Langland or Oxwich. Want to fly your kite? Head for Swansea Bay or Rhossili. Like surfing? Get down to Caswell or Llangennith. Want to take your four-legged friend for a walk? See our dog-friendly beaches. Want to relax away from the summer crowds? Head for Horton or secluded Fall Bay.

Use our interactive map to find your perfect beach!

The Travel Magazine praised Oxwich Bay for "magnificent and unspoilt" scenery and as a "great place for adults and children to explore". It boasts over three miles of soft, golden sands, making it the ideal family getaway. Not surprisingly, The Guardian voted it one of Britain's top 10 sandy beaches (2007).

The Independent newspaper hailed Rhossili Bay as the 'British supermodel of beaches' (2006) and the best beach in Britain for breathtaking cliffs (2007), whilst The Sunday Times listed it as one of the '25 best beaches in the world' (2006). 

Nearby Llangennith Beach, with its soft sands, consistent beach break and great facilities, was listed as one of the 10 'classic surfing beaches' by The Guardian (2007).

Gower also claims Britain's Best Beach in the shape of lovely Three Cliffs Bay! The stunning Gower landmark was voted Britain's best camping beach by The Independent thanks to its superb setting and quiet location (2007). Three Cliffs Bay even made it to the finale in ITV's latest series Britain's Favourite View - the only nomination in Wales and backed by singing sensation Katherine Jenkins!

So there you have it.

Year on year, our coastline wins an impressive array of awards, from the coveted Blue Flag to the Rural Seaside and Green Coast awards, all demonstrating the quality of the beaches, water and facilities on offer.

All the Blue Flag winners 2008 also won a Seaside Award. Limeslade, just outside Mumbles, was awarded the Rural Seaside Award and the Green Coast Award. Other Green Coast Awards went to Mewslade Bay, Rhossili Bay and Tor Bay.

* * * * * * * * * BE SAFE AT THE BEACH * * * * * * * * * *

Always check the weather and local conditions, as some Gower beaches experience strong tides or currents.

Check danger spots and always follow warning flags and notices.

If crossing over to Worm's Head, please report to the Rhossili National Trust Visitor Centre beforehand.

If surfing at Llangennith, please read warning here.