Estoi Palace and the Milreu Roman Ruins

Just inland from Faro, the village of Estoi has two surprising sights: a pink rococo palace with ornate gardens, now a pousada, and the Roman ruins of Milreu, with mosaics of fish and sea creatures. Together they make a rewarding half-day away from the beaches.

Quick answer: Estoi is about 15 minutes north of Faro. Visit the Milreu Roman villa on the edge of the village for its mosaics and temple ruins, then walk to the Estoi Palace gardens with their tiles, statues and terraces. Allow 2 to 3 hours. Combine with Faro or Loulé.

What to see

• Milreu: the remains of a large Roman villa, with baths, mosaics showing fish and dolphins, and a temple later used as a church.
• Estoi Palace: a pink palace from the late 18th and 19th centuries, with rococo decoration and formal terraced gardens full of azulejos and statues. It’s now a pousada, but the gardens can often be visited.
• The village: a quiet square, church and cafés.

Nearby

• Faro: see things to do in Faro.
• Loulé: see Loulé.
• São Brás de Alportel: a hill town with a costume museum.

Tips

• Opening days: check before you go, as hours vary.
• Heat: the ruins have little shade, so visit in the morning.

More: the best Algarve villages, the Algarve on a rainy day and the best pousadas.

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