Portugal Visitor Guide

Palace of Estoi (Palacio de Estoi)

The Palace of Estoi (Palacio de Estoi) close to Faro on the Algarve is a 19th-century stately home now converted into a luxury pousada.

The design of the palace mirrors that of Queluz, near Lisbon

History

Work began on the palace in the 1840s but the original owner died while the building was still ongoing. The rococo-style palace was completed in 1909 by the wealthy José Francisco da Silva. The reigning Portuguese monarch at the time, King Carlos I (1863-1908), made da Silva the Viscount of Estoi, so impressed was he by the palace and its beautiful gardens.

The stately home was built on the design of the palace in Queluz, near Lisbon. Inside there are opulent ceilings, delightful frescoes, lavish carvings, as well as antique furnishings. The interior is a mix of styles including neoclassical, rococo and Art Nouveau elements. The gardens are also wonderful and are arranged on three levels. There are fountains and grottoes and some superb azulejos tile panels to admire.

The lavish interior of the palace

José Francisco da Silva himself passed away in 1926 and from then on the house had several owners and began to fall into disrepair. Faro Municipal Council acquired the house and grounds which reopened as a luxury Pousada in 2009.

Estoi is a short bus ride from Faro

Access - Getting There

Rua São José
8005-465 Estói

Accommodation

Book the Pousada Palacio de Estoi. More modern facilities include a swimming pool, air-conditioned rooms, and a restaurant.

There are regular buses from Faro Bus Station to Estoi.

The quaint village of Estói just 10 km north of Faro is also home to a set of 1st-century AD Roman ruins known as the Ruinas de Milreu, situated just off the N2 Highway.

The whole site is set in lovely countryside complete with orange trees and a visit to the Ruinas de Milreu can easily be combined with seeing the palace.

Accommodation in Faro

Faro is chock-a-block with places to stay, and with all competing for guests, most are of excellent quality for reasonable rates. Start your search with the following recommendations, listed from more to less expensive.

Luxury Guest House Opus One offers one of the best possible hotel experiences to be had in Faro, with quarters that truly live up to the name "Luxury." The interior is as varied as it is tasteful, impeccably combining aesthetics and comfort - and not without an element of surprise. The rooms are very spacious and guests can enjoy a private semi-open pool and Jacuzzis. Even includes a billiard room and music room. The location is prime, down a quiet side street, with the Igreja do Carmo on 2 minutes' walk away, and Faro Train Station only 5 minutes' walk away. Supreme comfort and relaxation in the heart of Faro.

Casa da Madalena Bed & Breakfast has something for everyone in terms of budget, but the private Double Room sleeping up to three people, and including breakfast, is legendary. This beautifully atmospheric space is a blend of modern minimalism and classic old warmth. The location, too, is unbeatable, being in the middle of Faro very near the bus and train stations, the Faro Marina, the Igreja do Carmo, the Lethes Theater. Boasts an expansive terrace with hammocks for delightful relaxation. Spotlessly clean, and warmly hospitable.

Lemon Tree Stay is a superbly tasteful, restful hideaway near the Praca da Liberdade offering the mod-cons of accommodation convenience with a traditional vibe - and lots of greenery. Guests love the helpfulness and hospitality of the hosts, the central location, the courtyard and rooftop terrace, and the immaculate cleanliness.

© PortugalVisitor.com