It is no surprises that many visitors to Pembrokeshire come first and foremost to enjoy the county's magnificent sandy beaches. In 2003, no fewer than 26 of our local beaches qualified for the 'Tidy Britain Group Seaside' award, the highest number ever.

Saundersfoot is a Blue Flag Awarded Beach which means that it is constantly monitored to ensure it is of the highest standard. Did you know that Pembrokeshire has more Blue Flag Beaches and Seaside Award Beaches than any other county in Britain? So whether you are a sun worshipper, watersports fanatic, boat owner or you simply love the seaside, Saundersfoot is an idyllic place to enjoy the great beach holiday. Here are some details of local beaches.

The popularity of Saundersfoot as a family holiday resort is easy to understand when you see the extent of its superb main beach. The attraction is enhanced by the proximity of shops, cafes, ice-cream parlours, pubs restaurants and all the facilities and accommodation you could wish for. The busy harbour, which offers extensive parking, is a major draw too. On a clear day there are excellent views along the eastern coastline and south over the Gower peninsula, with Worm's head forming a very distinctive landmark.

Access to this beach is excellent because of the extensive car park, which backs it. This popular sandy beach, which has pebbles at the high-tide line, adjoins the main beach, which is only a few minutes walk away. This is the starting point of the old railway tunnel walk towards Wiseman's Bridge. Coppet Hall used to be the area where the old coal trains used to pick up fuel and water and it is believed that its name originates from "Coal Pit Halt."

Separated from the main beach by Saundersfoot harbour, except at low tide, this fine stretch of beach extends to Monkstone Point and is backed by impressive wooded cliffs. It has the attraction of clear rock pools, particularly at the harbour end, where it is in easy walking of the village's many facilities.

A sandy beach protected by a pebble and stone bank and punctuated with rocks. There is limited parking close to the beach and The Wiseman's Bridge Inn provides refreshment. At low tide you can walk across the sand to the neighbouring beaches of Coppet Hall and Saundersfoot. Alternatively you can take the tunnel route - which is the former tracked of the railway which transported coal to Saundersfoot harbour for export. Wiseman's Bridge has a claim to fame: in 1944 the beach was used for rehearsals of the Normandy D-day landings, with Winston Churchill in attendance.

Amroth is a tiny but charming seaside village spread along its narrow seafront. It has lovely wide expanse of gently shelving sand, exposed at low tide, making it a favourite beach for families and anglers alike. During the rough seas and storms of the winter months the village is protected by a series of breakwaters (groynes) punctuating the beach. It is a wild and beautifully unspoilt location. The Western end marks the start of the renowned 186 mile Pembrokeshire Coastal Path.

Access to this beach, which lies south of Monkstone point, is down very steep steps and consequently it tends to be a much less frequented beach than its neighbours. It is nevertheless a beautiful stretch of sand backed by some very unstable cliffs, which should not be climbed. You can get close to the headland via Trevayne Farm, which is at the end of a lane off B4316, next to the turn-off for New Hedges (the farm makes a small charge for parking). Alternatively you can take the coastal path between Saundersfoot and Tenby. The beach has no amenities but has spectacular views over Tenby and Caldey.