Faro and Estói

The Milreu Roman Ruins correspond to a rustic villa, a complex that was built in the 1st century AD and restored in the 3rd century AD. They consist of a big manor house, agricultural facilities, a bathhouse and a temple. As for the residential area, which can be visited today, it made use of the part of the buildings of the former villa and was organized around a central peristyle –with 22 columns–, which surrounded an open courtyard with the garden and respective water tank. The villa was decorated with mosaics of Tunisian origin, representing the marine fauna.

Estói Village, in Faro, maintains the Algarve character in its streets and whitewashed houses, chimneys and small gardens with trees and flowers. The good quality of the soil and the existence of very rich water sources are the main reasons for the fact that it was inhabited since the earliest times. The gardens of the Palace, in the late-Romantic style, are arranged in several plans, with staircases, lakes, marble and ceramic sculptures.

Lying on the coast, overlooking the shallow lagoons of the protected Ria Formosa Natural Park, this is a destination blessed with a rich cultural wealth and a stunning location. Faro's charming historic center is surrounded by ancient city walls.The Romans called it Ossonoba, and its legacy is tangible. From the marina, fishing boats and pleasure craft travel along the narrow channels that wind their way towards the open sea, past dense marshes and deserted islands. The marshes are among the most important natural habitats in Europe and attract a dazzling array of seabirds and other wildlife. Tourists, meanwhile, are attracted to the city's eclectic choice of tourist attractions, traditional restaurants, and inexpensive shopping. The cafes lining the harbor esplanade are favorite meeting places, and the fabulous beaches are irresistible leisure options. The local gastronomy, based on shellfish from the Ria Formosa, is unique and one of the best in the country.