Tel Aviv though isn't it…

Coastal train between Lisbon and Cascais from Cais do Sodre station is about 40 mins and plenty do this daily from Lisbon if you opt to stay in the City.

i like what i know and i know what i like

Comporta is a lovely side trip if flying into Lisbon. Drive there stopping off in Setubal (Jose Mourinho’s hometown) before taking a quick ferry to the Troia Peninsula / Comporta.

Google Comporta Conde Nast travel for restaurant suggestions etc

Im not sure but if it was me, it would mean:

https://www.cnn.com/2022/03/29/middleeast/shooting-near-tel-aviv-intl/index.html

Only got to about halfway down so we were mainly in the north but there were some good beaches there.

Spiaggia Porto Taverna was our favourite beach.
https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/1969173610019385/spiaggia-porto-taverna/

Le cinque spiagge at Golfo Aranci was good too (lots of other beaches in this area).
https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/1715786/golfo-aranci/

The beach at Bosa Marina was nothing particularly special.
https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/236149726/bosa-marina-sardegna-italy/

But the old town of Bosa was great to explore.
https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/229043460/bosa-italy/

Loads of history at Tharros.
https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/340037457/tharros-area-archeologica/

There were decent beaches outside Alghero but they were swarming with jellyfish when we were there. Plenty of history in the town though.
https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/738025/alghero/

Agree that the combination of the two is hard to beat, bar cape town which is obviously a lot further but a hell of a lot cheaper.

Might be too far depending on how far you want to travel but Matera was amazing (just outside Puglia admittedly). Alberobello is also a fair distance from where you're staying but pretty cool.

Lecce is closer and is full of grand architecture.

I can't remember any of the places we ate unfortunately (which is in no way a reflection on the quality of the establishments).

Lecce old town is great for a evening walk. 'Pizza and Co' next to Santa Teresa church was the pizza we had all trip.

Brindisi has plenty of good restaurants and is worth a visit too - had a good meal at Locanda del Porto.

At the very south Otranto is beautiful and very chilled. Porto Badisco and Porto Maggiore good for snorkelling.

Polignano a Mare is spectacular but was heaving when we went in early September. Matera is worth a visit - walk to the hill opposite the town for sunset views.

I've been living in Tel Aviv the last 4 weeks, having previously spent 15 years in Hackney. Tel Aviv is much safer in my so far limited experience despite the recent events on the outskirts. Can't beat the beach, sunsets, city energy, bars, restaurants, beautiful people everywhere. Have a look on YouTube at the promenade or nightlife vids