Thanks sueellen and muzaway for your replies. I´ve booked the flight with Tap for 193 euro even though it means getting up in the middle of the night! The Aer Lingus flight was a better time, departing 3 hours later but with no certainty of getting a standby and cost probably well over 300 euro. I´ll plan better next time.
I´ve never met more hospitable people on holiday than the Portugese. The hotel I´m in and location are just great, close to beaches and with a 2km prominade to the next town - Cascais. There are plenty of restaurants reasonably priced and they don´t hassle the tourists as in so many other places. All the staff in this hotel are so pleasant and helpful, it´s a welcome change from rude and ignorant waiters in a hotel in Dubrovnik last year. It´s just the place to chill out and be pampered - so highly recommended.