Palacio de Estoi near Faro is a beautiful and popular tourist attraction on this part of the Portuguese coast.
Portugal is a great destination for travellers seeking good weather, tranquillity, and attractions created by both nature and humans. I must admit, I have a really soft spot for the southern parts of Europe and won’t miss any opportunity to travel there.
Earlier, I wrote about our trip to Lagos on the Algarve coast, about the sweet Pasteis de Natas, and the wonderful natural caves and grottos near the town of Benagil, also located on the Algarve coast.
Palacio de Estoi near Faro, the town of Estoi and the ruins of Villa Romana de Milreu
I also wrote about Faro, the city that serves as the capital of the Algarve region. It was there, around Faro, that we came across the charming town of Estoi. It’s worth visiting for many reasons, and one of them is the ancient ruins of Villa Romana de Milreu. These are remnants of an old Roman settlement dating back, probably, to the turn of the 1st and 2nd centuries AD. Besides the age-old walls, remnants of a building that once adjoined the temple standing here, and remnants of Roman baths have been preserved.
Many historians believe it was the residence of the governor of Ossonoba associated with the imperial family. Interestingly, the Christian basilica from the 3rd century that emerged on the ruins of the Roman temple was one of the oldest churches in Europe. Walking in the scorching sun amidst the ruins of ancient temples is quite an adventure, especially since this place isn’t particularly well-known, and I was the only person there. Which allowed me to enjoy the monument in silence and true tranquillity.
Exploring the dusty ruins stirs up hunger and thirst, so I ventured into the shaded alleys of the charming town of Estoi searching for a snack and a proper cup of coffee. Palacio de Estoi, despite being close to Faro, is dreamy and incredibly peaceful. Walking through the narrow, flower-adorned streets, the locals looked at me with curiosity, and occasionally, someone would strike up a conversation. Unfortunately, I don’t speak Portuguese, and the residents of Estoi don’t speak a word of English, so we only exchanged smiles and international gestures of greeting and farewell.
Interestingly, faced with the language barrier, people simply pointed out places they thought were worth seeing. That’s how I stumbled upon the old, beautiful cemetery where monks and Catholic priests from the entire area have been buried for generations. I also visited the proudly standing white parish church in the town centre. Eventually, I had coffee and indulged in some local delicacies. I recommend the dessert made from local almonds and figs with ice cream and fresh orange juice.
When I’d had enough coffee and sweets, satisfied, I continued on my way, relying on the directions of the friendly residents of the small Estoi.
Palacio de Estoi near Faro, gardens and parks around the palace
Along the way, I found more than I could have expected. First, I stumbled upon the beautiful gardens surrounding the 19th-century baroque palace. The estate is surrounded by walls with a grand, ornately decorated gate wide open. When I arrived in Portugal, citrus season was in full swing. The gardens surrounding the Palacio de Estoi were full of oranges and lemon trees. So, the first thing I did upon crossing the palace gate was to have a picnic.
The main dish, of course, consisted of freshly picked sweet oranges and mandarins from the low trees. The taste was heavenly, nothing like what you know from fruits bought in our shops. The chilling process required for transporting them changes the flavour profile and texture of the fruit pulp. These freshly picked fruits are not only sweet but also almost crunchy; you can easily quench your thirst and satisfy your hunger with them.
In addition to the citrus trees, the gardens surrounding the palace feature fountains, secluded alleys, and glimpses of guest sculptures cleverly placed near the paths. It’s wonderfully colourful and smells like an exclusive perfumery.
Palacio de Estoi near Faro palace and hotel
At the centre of the vast garden stands the pink Palacio de Estoi. Yes, it’s pink! And as you’ll see in the photos, the colour suits it remarkably well. For centuries, the wealthiest residents from the nearby Faro, just 10 kilometres away, built their holiday estates in the Estoi area. The Palacio de Estoi is supposedly the most beautiful among them.
These lands once belonged to Fidalgo da Costa, a nobleman who made his fortune through trade with America. In the 19th century, he decided to build a palace for himself that would outshine all others near Estoi. The construction was entrusted to Francisco Jose Pereira, a renowned architect known for many successful projects in Faro and even Lisbon. During the construction, he incorporated historical motifs from the region. Both on the facades and inside the building, you can find elements inspired by Roman and Arabic architecture. When the palace complex was completed, it truly surpassed its neighbours and is still considered a jewel of architecture from that period.
In the second half of the 20th century, the building and gardens began to deteriorate, like many similar estates in the Faro area. Fortunately, someone with vision and funds stepped in. Today, part of the Palacio de Estoi has been transformed into a rather expensive hotel. Guests will find luxurious interiors, as well as indoor and outdoor pools. Additionally, excellent food and well-equipped rooms are on offer. However, this is not a sponsored article, so we won’t advertise them.
Fortunately, the owners don’t mind allowing visitors to explore the public areas of the old palace. You must take a stroll through the beautiful halls, furnished with original period furniture. Well-restored wood panelling, adorned with carvings and sculptures, adds charm and character to the place.
But the most enjoyable thing I recall is the view from the palace terrace, overlooking the gardens and the grand fountain below. The surroundings look fantastic, and the scent is just divine. Initially, Estoi was meant to be just a coffee stop, but I ended up spending nearly the whole day here. Moreover, I think I’ll come back again, and that’s the best recommendation.
Faro area in Portugal facts, information, and curiosities
- Faro is a city in southern Portugal.
- Faro is home to the largest airport in this part of Portugal.
- From Faro, it’s easy to reach the famous resorts on the Algarve coast.
- The Algarve is renowned for its deep caves, wave-carved passages, and rock formations.
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