Should you visit Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve in one trip?
You can combine Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve, but not casually. In a short trip, Lisbon plus Porto or Lisbon plus the Algarve often feels cleaner than trying to make city, wine and beach time all fit.
Answer
The Lisbon–Porto–Algarve triangle is tempting because it sounds like a complete Portugal trip. It can be, with enough days and a reason for each leg. Lisbon gives hills, food, river light and day trips; Porto gives a moodier northern rhythm; the Algarve gives coast and beach time, but also a separate southbound commitment. If the trip is under two weeks, adding all three can make the route feel busier than the country deserves. Decide whether you want city-and-food Portugal or beach-and-coast Portugal first. The Algarve is not a compulsory ending, and Porto is not just a northern box to tick.