Where to go in Portugal?

[MotherofPearl]

We're thinking of booking a holiday in Portugal over the Easter break, a week to 10 days. It's me and DP plus 3 children aged (by then) 12, 8 and 4. We'd like to spend a few days in Lisbon itself but then we're not sure where to go next? We like going somewhere rural for a few days but aren't hugely into beach holidays... Any tips gratefully received.

Bump...

As you're not keen on beaches I'd probably avoid the Algarve and the south-west coast because it's mainly beach orientated. Porto and Coimbra are beautiful cities and I'd probably head north rather than south.

We've been to Portugal several times – friends have a place on the Algarve – and though we've tried really hard to do historical and cultural things when we've stayed there we've found it pretty underwhelming. Outside the major cities we regard Portugal as a place to go when we just want to veg out: we take books, we walk, we sit on beaches, we enjoy lovely simple food and wine in laid-back restaurants. Happy to be told there are a million things we've missed.

The coast to the north of Lisbon is lovely - Obidos is touristy but very pretty, Sao Martino is a very Portuguese resort, Peniche is interesting to visit. The Atlantic beaches can be quite spectacular - Nazare is a big surfing spot.

And Sao Martinho has a lovely sheltered beach too.

Thanks so much for these responses, really helpful. I am very happy to veg out!