Hi, we booked a biking trip for late April which will begin and end in Lisbon and include one brief stop along the coast south of Lisbon before heading inland to the Alentejo. We will arrive a few days ahead of time in Lisbon to explore the city and probably visit Sintra. My questions are mostly for after the bike tour as we would like to explore more of the Algarve as well as visit Porto.
I've read that having a car is preferred to explore the Algarve. Ideally we'd pick one base and do some day trips. Was thinking of Sagres which is at the SW tip. Other recommendations that would give us the chance to explore the Atlantic side between Sines and Sagres? Or is Lagos a better base?
Then the question is whether to return the car rental to Lisbon and take a train to Porto or keep the car and do the drive, overnighting along the way, possibly stopping overnight in Coimbra or Tomar on the way north. Pros/cons?
How many days to see Porto as well as do some tours in the Douro valley area?
Thanks!