After we’d had a leisurely breakfast, stowed and secured everything safely, emptied the waste water tank and toilet and filled the fresh water tank, we said goodbye to our dear friends and Mrs A. from reception. We set off around half past ten. After just under 100 kilometres and around 2.5 hours later, we had already arrived at our destination for the day in Estoi. We found a free pitch. It’s a sandy pitch and used to be a football pitch.
In the evening we went into the village to have a little ice cream and when we passed the church there was a wedding going on. It was very warm although there was a wind, so we sweated a lot. As soon as the sun went down, it became more pleasant. Nevertheless, we had to leave one or two windows open at night.
The next morning we had a leisurely breakfast. In contrast to the camper park in Figueira, we didn’t have to carry away any waste water, dispose of the toilet or fill up with fresh water today. We only had to do that at the next pitch.
Afterwards, we took a look at the Roman ruins of Milreu.
This opulent villa from the Roman Empire was continuously inhabited from the 1st to the 11th century and was a luxurious gentleman’s residence at the beginning of the 4th century.
It has spas, olive oil and wine mills as well as agricultural facilities and bears witness to the lifestyle of a family of high social and political status. It also includes a temple that was Christianized in the 6th century and used as a cemetery during the period of Islamic rule on the Iberian Peninsula.
Archaeological excavations at the end of the 19th century uncovered mosaics with a predominantly maritime theme, marble and various ceramics as well as painted stucco and sculptures that adorned the interiors and gardens and are now the room’s ex-libris.
It is located west of the village of Estói in the municipality of Faro and has a reception and interpretation center.
Thermal baths with hot and cold water baths.
The dining room.
The garden.
The 7 bedrooms. And beautiful mosaic flooring everywhere.
Oil and wine were produced there. Alex is standing in the storeroom.
Baths with hot and cold water. Swimming pool and fitness equipment.
The toilets.
The farmhouse.
The atrium.
Among other things, water was also stored in the temple.
Entrance area to the house.
If you are interested in history and archaeology, a visit to these excavations can be very interesting. Afterwards we walked through Estói, past the Palácio de Estói, the former palace, which was built in 1893 in the Rococo style. Since 1999, the fabulous palace has belonged to the Portuguese Pousadas de Portugal of the Pestana hotel chain and is also a member of the “Small Luxury Hotels of the World” association.
Another beautiful sight is the Igreja de São Martinho, Estói’s main church. Built in the 15th century.
