10-Day Portugal Itinerary Help Please

I loved the Algarve and can't wait to go back, so I'm a little biased. Public transportation is simple and inexpensive, so I'd recommend skipping the car and just taking the bus (which, if my memory serves me right, is quicker and cheaper than the train). I'd also suggest stopping by in Salema or one of the smaller villages. Lagos is okay, but it's pretty resort-like; you certainly don't get that great village feel like you do in some of the other Algarve stops.

I also loved the Algarve, but I found the public transportation a bit limiting. I'm probably too impatient, but I found trying to work around the bus schedule was a pain for the few days I was there. I stayed in Tavira - loved my hotel balcony overlooking the river. I also spent a day in Faro wandering around there (the bone chapel is creepy but fascinating!). Those are just my experiences. I'm sure others more travelled than myself can give you a better pro/con list between the Algarve and the northern parts.

Both the north and south of Portugal have lots to offer. Since you seem to have decided on the south, maybe you should stick with it and return another time for the north. Believe the beaches in the Algarve are warmer than Estoril & Cascais, but in May none will be very warm and both areas are beautiful. We have driven from Lisbon to the Algarve and it can be done in two hours if you don't stop for sightseeing but add two - four hours more for stops which is well worth it. A car in the Algarve will allow you to see various towns as public transportion may not go to where you want to go and will cause a lot of wasted time. This is opinion only as we have always rented a car. We have stayed in Quarteira and Portimao at different times and ventured out from those towns to visit Tavira, Faro, Lagos and other small towns in the area. In Lisbon there's the Castel Sao Jorge and Alfama district, beautiful public squares and neighborhoods for walking, and the Gulbenkian Museum if you're interested. Belem district is just a short bus ride from downtown Lisbon - be sure to stop at the historic Pasteis de Belem between Jeronimos Monastary and the Coach Museum (both worthwhile to see) for their famous pastries. The Belem tower and the Monument to the Discoverers also must sees. Sintra will take all day and may leave you wanting more. Have fun planning and more fun on your trip!