Estoi

Estoi is a small village in the Algarve, part of the municipality of Faro, located a few kilometres from Portugal's southern coast. It is best known for the 19th-century Palácio de Estoi, a rococo palace surrounded by gardens adorned with azulejo tiles and fountains, now converted into a pousada while remaining partly open to visitors. Nearby lie the Roman ruins of Milreu, the remains of an ancient villa with mosaics and baths, evidence of the region's long history of settlement. The village itself retains a quiet, rural character, with narrow lanes, whitewashed houses and its parish church. The surrounding countryside is typical of the Algarve hinterland, with hills covered in almond, olive and carob trees. Estoi lies within easy reach of Faro, giving convenient access to the airport and the Algarve's beaches while offering a calmer setting away from the busier coastal resorts. The region enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild winters, making it a pleasant destination to visit throughout the year.