Over at new year and seeing as I am sure we won't be sunbathing can anyone recommend somewhere rural and portuguese where we could spend the day at? Really looking for somewhere we can wander and relax,have a bite to eat etc....been to Silves and Monchique inland but that is about it,all the rest of my travels have been coastal

Why not take the walks around the barragen de bravura inland from Lagos, there is a cafe there for lunch.

Why not try Lisboa? It's a lovely city with everything you are likely to want to see or do whatever your interest. Lots of history, lots of shops, lots of bars and restaurants and if you stay late enough you could take in fado. The pendula train is really comfortable and you would see tons of true Portuguese countryside on your way. At this time of year the cooler climate is ideal for sightseeing whereas in the summer it can be too hot.

Dodger

You could try Evora which is close to the Spanish border but north of the Algarve. Fantastic restaurant O Filho if you want to have authentic Alentejo meal. Évora is ranked number 2 in the Portuguese most livable cities survey of living conditions published yearly by Expresso. It was ranked first in a study concerning competitiveness of the 18 Portuguese district capitals, according to a 2006 study made by Minho University economic researchers.
Due to its well-preserved old town centre, still partially enclosed by medieval walls, and a large number of monuments dating from various historical periods, including a Roman Temple, Évora is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
If you want to stay in the most memorable location during your stay in Evora, the Pousada dos Loios is the obvious choice located next to the Cathedral. The rooms are the Nuns cells and the restaurant really very good quality situated in the old Clositers of the convent.

http://www.pousadasofportugal.com/portu ... evora.html

Pickwick

Drive up the river along the Spanish border to Mertola, and then drive back overland, missing out the coast. We have done it a few times and you get to see parts of the Algarve the usual tourists don't.

If you go on from Mertola , northward, thru Serpa, Pias, Moura and Mourao to the hill top castle of Monsaraz you will be rwarded by breathtaking views across the Potuguese plain and in the other direction to Spain. A fair trek from the coast perhaps but then onward to Evora, take accommodation for the night and return south next day. If its the right time of day maybe dine at O Alcaide in Monsaraz, good food, breath taking views. Evora also boasts a broad selection of restaurants with traditional menus. The area up to Evora and west ward to and including the western coast has a great deal to offer, much of which can be viewed on single day trips from a base such as Carvoeiro. Enjoy.