The Welsh coast has four more Blue flag beaches this year - though the number across the UK as a whole has fallen. Awards were given to Dale and Broadhaven North, both in Pembrokeshire, Penmaenmawr in Conwy, and Prestatyn Central in Denbighshire.
A total of 41 Welsh beaches have been given the award this year.
Organisers say the results reflect increased investment in bathing and river quality treatment.
Blue Flag awards are judged by Keep Wales Tidy, based on criteria including beach and water cleanliness and facilities on offer.
Three of Wales' Blue Flag sites are marinas.
The Blue Flag awards are made annually in 32 countries across the world to beaches and marinas that have met strict criteria.
The standards examined include good litter management, provision of information, strict dog controls and sustainable environmental management.
Marinas would have met 16 land-based criteria that include reception facilities for hazardous waste and adequate lifesaving equipment.
 Beach-users demanded high standards |
A total of 119 flags were awarded in the UK compared to 122 last year. Both Scotland and Northern Ireland were each awarded eight flags.
Keep Wales Tidy spokesman Wynne Williams, based in Caernarfon, is also one of four judges for the Blue Flag awards in Wales.
He said local users of Welsh beaches demanded high standards of the Welsh beaches in addition to the thousands of visitors every year.
He said: "We may not always have the sunshine, but we have beaches that are clean and safe.
"People are demanding quality on the beaches these days and we can offer that quality."
Welsh Water managing director Nigel Annett said: "We are pleased when our investment is leading to tangible benefits for our customers by being instrumental in gaining more Blue Flags for Welsh beaches".
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