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Algarve Resorts

Algarve Acoteias Albufeira Alcantarilha Almancil Alte Alvor Armacao De Pera Balaia Boliqueime Bordeira Branqueira Caramujeira Carvoeiro Cerro D Aguia Espiche Estoi Ferraguda Ferreiras Goldra Guia Isla Canela Lagos Loule Luz Bay Moncarapacho Monchique Montechoro Montinhos Da Luz Olhao Olhos D Agua Pera Porches Portimao Praia Da Gale Praia Da Luz Praia Da Marinha Praia Da Rocha Praia Da Vau Quarteira Quinta Do Lago Quinta Dos Alamos Santa Barbara De Nexe Santo Antonio Sao Bras Sao Joao Sao Rafael Tavira Vale Da Ursa Vale De Garrao Vale Do Lobo Vilamoura

Estoi Holidays

Clinging to a hillside, this pocket of Portuguese charm is tucked away amongst almond trees, olive groves and green fields. At first glace it seems like just another sleepy rural community with white-washed houses and gardens full of colourful flowers. But it's also the site of two of the country's most important heritage sites. Behind high walls hides a lavish Rococo palace, built in the 18th century for the Conde de Carvalhal. It's currently being restored to become a poussada hotel. But from the cobbled road you can still get good views of the outer facade and formal grounds. Want to explore further afield? A stroll of ten minutes or so out of the village brings you to the Milreu Roman ruins. Don't miss what's left of this 'des res' - probably built by a 1st century fish tycoon - complete with baths decorated with stunning aquatic mosaics. You can tell it would have been one of the hottest properties in its heyday. Estoi has enough bars and restaurants to satisfy most. And for local colour, there's the vibrant Sunday market, featuring stalls stacked with fruit and veg, clothes and more. If you're looking for an even livelier atmosphere, Faro is only about 20 or so minutes away by car. There you'll find bustling waterfront bars, cafes and restaurants, as well as sandy beaches and superb golf facilities.

When you holiday in Estoi, you can wallow in the past. For this is the site of two of the Algarve's historical gems, tucked away amongst the orange and almond trees. Take the cobbled road from the peaceful main square to feast on views of the town's extravagant 18th century rococo palace - the peach coloured Palacio de Estoi. It's sadly closed to the public whilst being restored as a poussada hotel, but you can see the outside of the palace as well as the pavilions and fountains which grace the formal gardens. Ten minutes away lie the Milreu Roman ruins - once a second home for a fish tycoon, who decorated his baths with exquisite fish mosaics, now delightfully informal, rambling remains.

Of course, summer holidays in Estoi aren't all about history lessons. The vigorous Sunday market is firmly rooted in the present, selling clothes and shoes as well as glossy fruit and vegetables and even live goats and chickens, though even those on a self catering holiday in Estoi may not be tempted by the latter! Eat, drink and be merry in the town's scattering of restaurants and bars, or follow the Portuguese who travel miles to dine in the market town of Sao Bras de Alportel to the north of Estoi. Travel southwest and you'll come to the busy fishing town of Olhao, where seafood sizzles at the open air restaurants around the harbour.