Sitting within majestic gardens and showcasing stunning examples of 17th Portuguese blue and white Azulejos, the pink Rococo Estoi Palace is now an excellent 5-star hotel and well worth a visit. The grounds are open to the public and it is just a short walk from the main square of Estoi.
On the outskirts of Estoi, the Roman ruins of Milreu are one of the finest examples of Roman settlements in the region dating back to the 1st and 2nd century AD. These well-preserved ruins provide an intriguing insight into the life of the wealthier and more elevated in local Roman society. There are time-worn columns, a large temple and several mosaics that were once part of a bath house.
The site is open daily, except Mondays. There is a shop and tours are available in english.
The regional capital, Faro, is often missed off the tourist trail as visitors pass through on the their way to and from the international airport. There is a delightful fortified historic old centre and pretty pedestrianised shopping streets with peaceful plazas for enjoying a coffee.
The city boasts more historic monuments and buildings than many other Algarve towns. Why not start a walking tour from the 'Cidade Velha' - the oldest part of the city which is to the east of the marina. Follow the tree lined Largo de Sé to the cathedral and climb the tower for a great view of Faro from above and the typically Portuguese pyramid shaped roofs (tesouro) on the 17th century Episcopal Palace, residence of the Bishop of Faro.
Many visitors spend half the day enjoying the scenic marina and take a boat trip to the Ria Formosa natural park.
