u/ana_travels_portugal

Far from the typical Algarve coast lies the small village of Estoi - with one big secret - Palácio de Estoi.

This is a palace that first dates to 1840, and its original construction is even said to have been inspired by the iconic Palácio Nacional da Pena in Sintra! Today it's a luxury Pousada where you can fully immerse yourself in lavish, Rococo surrounds.

The best part? If you don’t want to stay the night, you can still visit the stunning interiors, walk through the French-style gardens, and enjoy the café as a visitor, for a small cost.

It’s also one of my favorite places to admire azulejos (traditional tiles) in the Algarve!

https://wetravelportugal.com/estoi-palace/

Fuseta is a small fishing town in the eastern Algarve, roughly halfway between Faro and Tavira. Despite sitting between two of the region’s better-known destinations, it has managed to keep much of its traditional character and low-key charm, more so than many of the Algarve’s other former fishing towns.

There are pretty backstreets to wander, narrow alleys to explore, and beautiful tiled houses to discover, along with lively plazas where people gather for coffee, lunch, and late-afternoon drinks. Its small fish market supplies some excellent local restaurants, and the whole town still feels relaxed, even during summer.

Then there are the beaches. Praia da Fuseta offers a smaller stretch of sand, sheltered waters, and views of the former lifeguard station. Or you can hop on a short ferry across the Ria Formosa to reach Ilha da Fuseta, a wide, sandy barrier-island beach that shows exactly why this part of the Algarve is one of my favourite parts! 💙

https://wetravelportugal.com/fuseta-portugal/

Farol Island, or Ilha do Farol as it’s known locally, is actually located on Ilha da Culatra. Although the names suggest they are separate islands, they are two different parts of the same 6km long island. On the island you'll find increidble sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, and an incredible island fee that's unlike anywhere else in the Algarve.

There's minimal roads, and there's no private vehicles here, it's idyllic. If you're in the area and looking for a beach day I'll always recommend hopping on a ferry from Faro or Olhão to explore it!

https://wetravelportugal.com/ilha-do-farol/