Estoi is part of the district of Faro, about 10 km to the south.
This is a romantic, sleepy little town with some cafés, bars, shops, post office and bank, market and the imposing white church up on the hill. After the strong seaquake of 1755 this clerical home was completely destroyed.
Some benches under old shady trees offer a spot for a break. It is a cosy town without frills, with the exception of the “Pousada of Estoi”. Many Algarvian houses have already been saved from dilapidation, others are still for sale while the mortar is crumbling from the walls…
Estoi is a mixture of old, ordinary houses of good substance, ruins or manor houses; a wide palette. The largest, most impressive building is the “Palácio de Estoi”, which today is a “Pousada”.  It is surrounded by a botanic garden, which will be re-opened to the public soon.
It took many years to renovate this building, combining antique design with contemporary fashion and exclusive materials.
You can enter the Pousada even if you are not a hotel guest, go there for lunch, dinner, a cup of tea, sit on the terrace and feel welcome. Open your eyes and walk through these extraordinary halls  -  they are a symphony of antique and modern side by side.
Flea markets or gypsy markets take place regularly, offering clothing, household goods, ham, cheese, olive oil, and plants. Sometimes you can even buy live animals, and of course snacks and drinks are on sale there, too.
At the entrance to Estoi is “MILREU”,  an exhibition of Roman ruins, parts of a Roman road, temple and marvellous mosaics – only a 10 minute walk down the street.
Milreu is an excavation site – a must for all friends of architecture, history and archeology.
Some more finds can be seen in the “Museu Municipal” in Faro (the Capital of the Algarve).