First time to Portugal - where to go?

Here is a recent article that appeared in Frommer's which might give you some ideas.

https://www.frommers.com/slideshows/848402-what-s-near-porto-10-great-places-in-portugal-s-north?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2023-08-08%20Editorial%20Mailing&utm_content=2023-08-08%20Editorial%20Mailing+CID_bbf63c17b5d49e7f7a5b6d30ee87f25f&utm_source=Newsletter&utm_term=10%20Great%20Places%20Worth%20Exploring%20in%20Portugals%20North

I will be in Lisbon for the first time in October. I have an old friend in Lagos, Portugal who I hope to visit. Lagos is at the southern tip of Portugal, appearing to be a small and beautiful community with great beaches. Might check out the entire area.

There are some very knowledgeable members on this site and I am certain they will be jumping in soon.

Thanks for taking the time to reply and the link.
Porto and the north of Portugal looks very interesting but something for the future, I think. As a first destination the south is more appealing in terms of sunshine, beaches and of course, a short transfer/easy access to an airport. You mention Lagos which seems to be about an hour from Faro airport? Is this somewhere you know well and you think fits the bill?

no, I do not know Lagos at all and can not recommend it. I can only suggest it based on my own research..

I have never been to Portugal and will be going for the first time in October.

I have an old friend living in Lagos who I have not seen since the 1960's when we met in San Francisco. I will be in Lisbon and Lagos is about 4 hours away taking either bus or train. It will be difficult for me to get to see her but I did a lot of research. I have watched youtube videos, asked some questions and read up on Lagos. it is the best that I can do.

If you do not get more or satisfying answers to this post, you might try asking a question about Lagos Portugal on this site under Portugal. Try watching youtube videos and or doing your own research.

I am only suggesting Lagos in response to your post.

you can go to the search bar at the top of the page in. the left hand corner and search Portugal. you will get a lot of results, ideas and information. Rick Steves offers tours to Portugal and has guide books as well as other information.

It is a good source. you can also find this information on the left hand. Tap on "Explore Europe" and then go to "Portugal"

Many members on this site are very well travelled and I hope that they might respond to your question.

Understood. Thanks for clarifying.
Ideally I am hoping for suggestions close to an airport (as is Malaga). Faro itself, for example, but I have no idea what it is like there…or anywhere else in Portugal! Hence my post. : - )

Although I can do lots of searching, and research lots of possibilities, there is no substitute for a personal recommendation from someone who has been there and knows first hand. Besides which many places are portrayed in glowing terms when in fact the reality can be less glamorous.

You can also look through the many posts on the Portgual Travel and Discovery page on Facebook and also on the Trip Advisor Portugal forum. They both are populated by people who have personally travelled to the area that you are looking at and are always willing to share their experiences. I will caution you that, before you ask any questions about where to go or things to do, you take some time to read through some of the relevant posts so that you have some idea of what you are talking about.

Thanks for your comments. I don't touch Facebook but I did post to Tripadviser Portugal a few days ago. A few replies are now coming through.