Honest thoughts on Portugal after my first visit

First time in Portugal and I tried to approach it with open eyes rather than preconceptions. Porto was the base and a good one — central, manageable, and with strong food options including the best francesinha I've ever had. Cape Sagres was the big set piece and fully justified the trip.

Two things worth knowing: getting around Algarve without a car, which is more of a factor than some guides acknowledge. But also: fado music, which I'd never read about and turned out to be a genuine pleasure. Solid first impression — I'd return.