Saundersfoot Beach voted among world’s most sustainable shores

SAUNDERSFOOT BEACH has been recognised among the world’s most sustainable beaches by TripAdvisor users. This Welsh treasure finds itself in prestigious company, sharing the spotlight with stunning sandy stretches from locations as diverse as Sicily, Australia, India, South Africa, and the UAE.

The announcement comes as part of TripAdvisor’s esteemed Best of the Best Beaches for 2024, unveiled within the framework of its annual Travellers’ Choice Awards. These awards, celebrated for highlighting the crème de la crème of global travel destinations, derive from an exhaustive analysis of tens of millions of reviews submitted by TripAdvisor’s vast community of international travelers over the past year.

Specifically, this year’s rankings have been meticulously compiled based on both the quality and quantity of ratings for beach experiences, spanning several categories including the top beaches worldwide, the premier beaches in Europe, and, notably, a new subcategory dedicated to recognising the best in sustainable beach destinations.

This innovative sustainability category is evaluated through a combination of inputs from BeCause, via the renowned Blue Flag program, and TripAdvisor traveller feedback. It honours beaches that exemplify exceptional commitments to sustainability, with a focus on practices such as sustainable transport options, efficient waste disposal mechanisms, and superior water quality standards.

Although Welsh beaches were notably absent from the top 10 list overall, Saundersfoot Beach emerged as a beacon of sustainability, securing the third spot in its category. TripAdvisor lauds Saundersfoot as “a sandy beach with clear blue waters,” ideal for activities ranging from paddle boarding to rockpool exploration. The beach’s adjacent promenade, replete with an array of shops and cafes, further enhances its appeal.

Testimonials from recent visitors have been overwhelmingly positive, with one user praising the beach for its cleanliness and accessibility: “A really tidy beach with plenty of parking close by, we really enjoyed walking along the beach with some great views to see.” Another review highlighted its pristine condition: “Very lovely beach, nice and clean.”

Sarah Firshein, Head of Editorial at TripAdvisor, reflected on the significance of the 2024 awards, stating, “Last year, TripAdvisor received millions of reviews for beaches—it’s clear that our community absolutely loves them. But as our Travellers’ Choice lists reveal, there’s no one-size-fits-all ‘beach day’.” She also noted the dominance of European beaches in this year’s top rankings, a testament to the growing preference among travelers for the unique coastal experiences offered by the continent, over the traditionally favoured Caribbean destinations.

The list of the Top 10 Beaches in the World for 2024 showcases a diverse array of locations, with Europe’s shores leading the way, while the Top 10 sustainable beaches highlight global efforts towards maintaining the beauty and integrity of our planet’s coasts, with Saundersfoot Beach proudly representing the UK alongside Sandbanks Beach in Dorset.

This recognition not only celebrates Saundersfoot’s natural beauty and the community’s dedication to preserving it but also positions Pembrokeshire as a must-visit destination for eco-conscious travellers from around the globe.