|  | Devon's beaches are one of the reasons why the county is so popular among visitors.
Thousands of holidaymakers come to Devon every year to enjoy the coast - while those of us who live here can enjoy it all year round.
In 2005, Devon was awarded 11 Blue Flags.
The award of a European Blue Flag is a symbol of high environmental standards as well as good sanitary and safety facilities.
If you're wondering why there are none in East Devon, it's simply because the local council doesn't participate in the Blue Flag scheme.
The 11 beaches are listed below - click onto the links to see a photo and find out more.
The county also has dozens of beaches in the Marine Conservation Society's Good Beach Guide.
The MCS tests bathing water quality for pollution and bacteria, and the beaches recommended in the guide need to pass those stringent tests.
For a list of the South West beaches on the recommended list, see the MCS website.
Devon also boasts 33 Tidy Britain Seaside Awards in 2005.
This distinctive yellow and blue flag award is only given to beaches that are clean, safe well managed and have water quality that meets European legislation.
The 33 beaches in Devon are:
| Bantham | | Beesands | | Bigbury-on-Sea | | Blackpool Sands | | Challaborough | | Croyde Bay | | Dawlish Warren | | Coryton Cove, Dawlish | | Hope Cove | | Ilfracombe Tunnels Beach | | Mouthwell Sands | | Putsborough Sands, Nr Braunton | | Salcombe, North Sands | | Salcombe, South Sands | | Shaldon, Ness Cove | | Slapton Sands, Torcross | | Strete Gate | | Teignmouth Town | | Thurlestone, South Milton | | Torbay, Babbacombe (new in 2005) | | Torbay, Breakwater, Shoalstone | | Torbay, Broadsands | | Torbay, Corbyn Head | | Torbay, Goodrington, South Sands | | Torbay, Maidencombe | | Torbay, Meadfoot | | Torbay, Oddicombe | | Torbay, Paignton Sands | | Torbay, Preston | | Torbay, St Marys Bay, Brixham | | Torbay, Watcombe (new in 2005) | | Westward Ho! | | Woolacombe resort |
 | See our beaches photos |  |
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