Daily Mail: Portugal has the best beaches in Europe

From the soft white sandy islands of the eastern Algarve to the quiet rocky coves north of Porto, Portugal is home to some of Europe's finest beaches – but with so many great coastal stretches, how do you choose the very best? 

Simon Heptinstall drove Portugal's entire 600-mile coastline to find the top ten secret seaside spots and discovered the delights of the wonderful Pousadas de Portugal – luxury, traditional or historic hotels – along the way.

Algarve beaches were voted Europe's best at the 2019 World Travel Awards. Escape the crowds on the Eastern Algarve's dreamy long stretches of soft sand and dunes. Adventure-seekers can find Caribbean-style beachy islands, while less energetic sun-lovers can relax in popular resorts such as Monte Gordo and Vilamoura.