3 months rental in Portugal this summer

[1912ELIA]

A friend an I are looking for rentals in Portugal, 2 or 3 towns for about a month in each, to decide if we want to be there for a longer time, at least the next 4 years. Seems like VRBO or AirB&B rates now have lots of extra fees making it too expensive to go through them. Any recommendation to deal directly with IL members who want to rent out their places in July/August/September?
We are looking for 2 or 3 bedrooms close to the water, Algarve, Cascais or Silver Coast, mid sized place where we would not need a car, safe for single middle aged women, maybe where expats can share their experiences.
Any information would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Elia Saez