ESTOI

Estoi is a small town in the Algarve region, located about 10 km north of Faro. Its population is around 3,000–4,000 people.

It is a quiet and authentic place that feels very different from the busy coastal resorts. Key highlights include:

• Roman Ruins of Milreu — well-preserved Roman ruins with impressive mosaics.

• Narrow streets, traditional houses, and a calm, local atmosphere.

• Palácio de Estoi — a pink Rococo palace with elegant gardens and traditional azulejos.

Palácio de Estoi currently functions as a hotel. It is not just a hotel, but a pousada — a historic building converted into accommodation, managed by the Pousadas de Portugal network. Guests stay in an actual 19th-century palace with access to the gardens and grounds, modern comforts such as rooms, a pool, and a restaurant, while original features like azulejos, architecture, and décor are preserved. It is not a “museum only for guests,” as visitors can also walk around the gardens, enter certain interior areas, or have coffee or dinner. For someone considering Estoi as a place to live or stay, it’s a nice bonus nearby rather than the main reason to visit.

Estoi is a good choice for those who want to stay near Faro, but in a quieter and more authentic setting.