How to visit the Ruínas Romanas de Milreu near Estoi and Faro, Portugal

Edson Amorina Jr

1 year ago

How to visit the Ruínas Romanas de Milreu in Faro, Portugal

Complete travel guide and tips to explore the ancient Roman history and architecture at Ruínas Romanas de Milreu near Estoi and Faro in Algarve region in southern Portugal.

If you are looking for a unique and historical destination in Portugal, you might want to visit the Ruínas Romanas de Milreu in the city of Faro. These are the remains of a Roman villa that dates back to the 1st century AD. The site has been classified as a national monument since 1910 and offers a glimpse into the ancient culture and lifestyle of the Romans in the Algarve region.

Visiting the Ruínas Romanas de Milreu in Faro, Portugal is a great way to explore the historical Roman heritage of the region. Here you will find how to get there and make the most of your visit.

Be sure to read our post about What to do in Faro in the Algarve Region, Portugal: Top Attractions and Travel Tips.

If you are traveling in the summer, be sure to visit the 7 Most Beautiful Beaches in the Algarve Region in Portugal or 5 Churches with blue tile facades in the city of Porto, Portugal.

If you are traveling in winter, the best itinerary is to get to know the The best Pastel de Nata de Lisboa in Portugal and the Pastel de Belém.

And for all season: Where to stay in Lisbon, Portugal – Tips for the best region and hotel.

Brief History of Ruínas Romanas de Milreu in Faro, Portugal

The Ruínas Romanas de Milreu were once part of a large and luxurious villa that belonged to a wealthy Roman family. The villa had several buildings, such as a residential area, a bathhouse, a temple, a cemetery, and an agricultural complex. The villa was decorated with mosaics, frescoes, and sculptures that reflected the artistic and religious influences of the Roman Empire.

The villa underwent several transformations over time, adapting to the changing social and political contexts. In the 4th century AD, the villa became a Christian basilica, dedicated to the cult of water. In the 9th century AD, the villa was abandoned and partially destroyed by the Islamic invasion. In the 15th century AD, a farmhouse was built on top of the ruins, using some of the original materials. The site was rediscovered in the 19th century and has been excavated and restored since then.

Where is Ruínas Romanas de Milreu in Portugal

The Ruínas Romanas de Milreu are located in a small village in the Algarve region in southern Portugal. The site is about 10 km from the city of Faro and 8 km from the town of Estoi.

You can reach the site by car, bus, or bike. There is a parking lot near the entrance and a visitor center where you can buy tickets and get information.

How to go to Ruínas Romanas de Milreu

The easiest way to go to Ruínas Romanas de Milreu is by car. You can take the A22 motorway from Faro or other cities in the Algarve and exit at Estoi. Then, follow the signs for Ruínas Romanas de Milreu. The journey takes about 15 minutes from Faro and 30 minutes from other places in the Algarve.

If you prefer public transportation, you can take a bus from Faro to Estoi. The bus line is number 14 and it runs every hour from Monday to Friday and every two hours on weekends and holidays. The bus stop is near the train station in Faro and the journey takes about 25 minutes. From Estoi, you can walk for about 3 km or take a taxi to Ruínas Romanas de Milreu.

Another option is to rent a bike and cycle to Ruínas Romanas de Milreu. There are several bike rental shops in Faro and other towns in the Algarve. You can follow the bike path that connects Faro to Estoi and then take a dirt road to Ruínas Romanas de Milreu. The bike ride takes about an hour from Faro and is suitable for all levels of fitness.

Services that can help with your transfer and visit:

What are the best times to visit Ruínas Romanas de Milreu

The best times to visit Ruínas Romanas de Milreu are spring and autumn, when the weather is mild and pleasant. The site is open all year round, except on Mondays and some holidays. The opening hours are from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm from October to March and from 9:30 am to 6:30 pm from April to September.

The site is usually not very crowded, so you can enjoy a peaceful and relaxing visit. However, if you want to avoid the heat and the sun, you might want to visit in the morning or late afternoon. You can also join a guided tour that takes place every hour and lasts for about 45 minutes. The tour costs 2 euros per person and is available in Portuguese, English, French, Spanish, and German.

Where to stay near Ruínas Romanas de Milreu in Portugal – Resort, hotel, hostel and Bed & Breakfast

If you want to stay near Ruínas Romanas de Milreu, you have several options for accommodation. You can choose from resorts, hotels, hostels, or bed & breakfasts that suit your budget and preferences.

One of the most popular choices is Pousada Palácio de Estoi, which is a luxury hotel located in a former palace from the 18th century. The hotel has elegant rooms, a spa, an outdoor pool, a restaurant, and a bar. The hotel is only 2 km from Ruínas Romanas de Milreu and offers free parking and shuttle service.

Another option is Casa da Calçada Guest House, which is a charming bed & breakfast located in a traditional house from the 19th century. The guest house has cozy rooms, a garden, a terrace, and a shared kitchen. The guest house is only 3 km from Ruínas Romanas de Milreu and offers free parking and bike rental.

If you are looking for a budget-friendly option, you can stay at Hostel Estoi, which is a modern and comfortable hostel located in the center of Estoi. The hostel has dorms and private rooms, a lounge, a games room, and a shared kitchen. The hostel is only 4 km from Ruínas Romanas de Milreu and offers free parking and wifi.

Some hotels worth knowing to analyze your accommodation are:

Roots Hotel (Faro City Centre, Faro – 350 m from centre)
9.1 – Superb in 3,074 reviews
Located in Faro, 11 km from Church of São Lourenço and 400 metres from the centre, Roots Hotel provides air-conditioned accommodation with free WiFi, and a terrace.
AP Eva Senses (Faro City Centre, Faro – 150 m from centre)
8.4 – Very good in 5,453 reviews
AP Eva Senses is centrally located in Faro and offers a roof-top pool and a health club with sauna and Turkish bath. The airport and beach are only 10 km away.
3HB Faro (Faro City Centre, Faro – 250 m from centre)
9.5 – Exceptional in 2,357 reviews
Featuring 2 restaurants, 1 bar and views of city, 3HB Faro is set in Faro, 7 km from Faro Airport. This 5-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and room service. The hotel features family rooms.
Hotel ibis Faro Algarve (Faro – 2.4 km from centre)
7.8 – Good in 3,618 reviews
Located 2 km from the centre of Faro and 3 km from Faro Airport, Ibis Faro features an outdoor pool. It is 6 km away from the sunny beaches of Algarve.
Hotel 3K Faro Aeroporto (Faro – 3.2 km from centre)
8.0 – Very good in 6,733 reviews
Offering an outdoor swimming pool, Hotel 3k Faro Aeroporto is located in Faro. Free WiFi access is available.

There are also some other accommodation options in hotels, hostels and inns, be sure to check them out at Booking.com page.

What to do near Ruínas Romanas de Milreu in Portugal

Besides visiting Ruínas Romanas de Milreu, you can also enjoy other activities and attractions near the site. Here are some of the things you can do:

Visit the Palácio de Estoi, which is a beautiful palace from the 18th century that was converted into a hotel. You can admire the architecture, the gardens, and the azulejos (painted tiles) that decorate the palace. You can also have a drink or a meal at the hotel’s restaurant or bar.
Explore the town of Estoi, which is a quaint and picturesque town that has a rich history and culture. You can see the church of São Martinho, which dates back to the 16th century, the chapel of Nossa Senhora do Pé da Cruz, which has a Baroque style, and the market square, which hosts a monthly fair.
Hike or bike in the Serra do Caldeirão, which is a mountain range that offers stunning views and natural scenery. You can follow one of the many trails that cross the hills and valleys and discover the flora and fauna of the region. You can also visit some of the villages that dot the landscape, such as Querença, Alte, or Salir.
Enjoy the beaches and the sea in Faro or other coastal towns in the Algarve. You can relax on the sand, swim in the water, or try some water sports such as surfing, kayaking, or sailing. You can also visit some of the islands that form part of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, such as Culatra, Armona, or Farol.

Suggestions for touristic attractions, activities and guided tours in Faro in the Algarve Region:

Top tourist attractions near Ruínas Romanas de Milreu in Faro, Portugal

If you have more time to spend in the area, you might want to visit some of these tourist attractions that are near Ruínas Romanas de Milreu:

Faro Cathedral: This is a Gothic cathedral that was built in the 13th century on the site of a former mosque. The cathedral has a tower that offers panoramic views of the city and the sea. The cathedral also has a museum that displays religious art and artifacts.
Faro Old Town: This is the historical center of Faro that is surrounded by medieval walls. The old town has narrow streets, whitewashed houses, and charming squares. You can see some of the landmarks such as the Arco da Vila, which is a gate that leads to the old town, or the Largo da Sé, which is a square that hosts cultural events.
Museu Municipal de Faro: This is a museum that showcases the history and culture of Faro and the Algarve. The museum has collections of archaeology, art, ethnography, and numismatics. You can see some of the highlights such as a mosaic from Ruínas Romanas de Milreu or a bust of Emperor Hadrian.
Capela dos Ossos: This is a chapel that is decorated with human bones and skulls. The chapel was built in the 19th century by a monk who wanted to remind people of their mortality. The chapel has an inscription that reads “Stop here and think of the fate that will befall you”.
Igreja do Carmo: This is a Baroque church that was built in the 18th century by
the Carmelite order. The church has a rich interior with gold leaf, marble,
and azulejos. The church also has an annex that contains more than 1000
skeletons from monks who died in the convent.

Ria Formosa Lagoon Boat Tour – Set sail on a comfortable pontoon boat as you explore the Ria Formosa and the walls of the Old Town of Faro. Keep an eye out for the rich biodiversity that lives in these protected waters.

Ria Formosa Natural Park: This is a natural park that covers an area of
about 18000 hectares along the coast of Faro. The park consists of lagoons,
islands, marshes, sandbanks, and salt pans that provide habitats for various
species of birds, fish, reptiles, and plants. You can explore the park by boat,
bike, or foot.
Ilha Deserta: This is an island that is part of the Ria Formosa Natural Park
and is also known as Barreta Island. The island is uninhabited and has only
one restaurant and one beach. The island is ideal for those who want to enjoy
some peace and solitude in nature.
Estoi Palace: This is a stunning 19th century palace that was built on the site of a former 18th century palace. It has a pink façade, a rococo style and a magnificent garden with fountains and statues.

Tip itineraries for 1 day to visit the Ruínas Romanas de Milreu

If you have only one day to visit the Ruínas Romanas de Milreu in Portugal, you can choose one of these itineraries:

Itinerary 1: Start your day by visiting the Ruínas Romanas de Milreu and learn about its history and culture. Then head to Estoi Palace and admire its architecture and garden. Next, go to Faro Cathedral and climb up its tower. Finally, end your day by taking a boat tour in Ria Formosa Natural Park and see its wildlife and landscapes.
Itinerary 2: Begin your day by exploring the Ruínas Romanas de Milreu and marvel at its mosaics and temples. Then drive to Tavira Island and enjoy its beach and water activities. Next, stop by Olhão Market and buy some fresh food and souvenirs. Finally, end your day by visiting São Lourenço Church and see its azulejos.
Itinerary 3: Start your day by discovering the Ruínas Romanas de Milreu and its archaeological site. Then head to Loulé Castle and visit its museum and chapel. Next, go to Quinta do Lago and play some golf or tennis. Finally, end your day by visiting Cacela Velha and enjoy its view and village.

Ria Formosa Natural Park Segway Tour & Birdwatching – See the protected areas of the Algarve region of Portugal on a 1.5-hour Segway tour of Rio Formosa Natural Park, located 20 minutes outside of Faro. Ride the paths through the park, observing the huge variety of bird life and learning about the ecosystem.

Where to eat near Ruínas Romanas de Milreu in Portugal – Tips for bars and restaurants

If you are hungry after visiting the Ruínas Romanas de Milreu in Portugal, you can find some bars and restaurants near the site. Here are some tips:

O Alpendre: This is a cozy and rustic restaurant that serves traditional Portuguese dishes, such as grilled fish, meat, salads and desserts. It has a terrace and a garden where you can dine al fresco.
Pousada de Estoi: This is a hotel that is located in the Estoi Palace. It has a restaurant that offers fine dining with local and international cuisine. You can also enjoy a drink at the bar or the lounge.
A Taska: This is a casual and friendly restaurant that specializes in seafood, such as clams, octopus, squid and prawns. It also has some meat and vegetarian options. You can also try some local wines and beers.
O Castelo: This is a modern and elegant restaurant that is located in the Loulé Castle. It has a menu that features Mediterranean and fusion dishes, such as pasta, risotto, salads and desserts. You can also enjoy a cocktail or a coffee at the terrace.
Casa Velha: This is a charming and romantic restaurant that is located in Quinta do Lago. It has a menu that showcases French and Portuguese cuisine, such as foie gras, duck, lamb and cheese. You can also savor some fine wines and champagnes.

Faro Old Town Guided Walking Food Tour – Enjoy a crash course on Portuguese gastronomy and local history on a guided walking tour of Faro’s Old Town. Visit 4 different restaurants and try authentic traditional food from the Eastern Algarve.

Summary of practical information for your visit

Here’s how you can get there and make the most of your visit:

Location: The Ruínas Romanas de Milreu are located in Estoi, a small village about 10 kilometers north of Faro, the capital of the Algarve region in southern Portugal.
Getting There:
- By Car: The most convenient way to get to Milreu is by car. From Faro, take the N2-2 road, and you’ll reach Estoi in about 15 minutes. The ruins are well signposted.
- By Public Transport: You can take a bus from Faro to Estoi. Check the local bus schedules as they can vary depending on the time of year.
Opening Hours: The opening hours of the Ruínas Romanas de Milreu can change, so it’s best to check the latest information before planning your visit. Generally, they are open to the public during daylight hours.
Admission Fee: There is typically a small admission fee to enter the ruins. Again, be sure to check the current pricing when you plan your visit.
Explore the Site: Once you arrive at the ruins, take your time to explore the site. Milreu was a Roman villa, and you’ll find remains of various structures, including a temple, baths, and a well-preserved mosaic.
Visitor Center: The site has a visitor center where you can learn more about the history of Milreu and the Roman presence in the region. It’s a good place to start your visit to gain context.
Guided Tours: If you want a more in-depth understanding of the site, consider taking a guided tour. Local guides can provide valuable insights into the history and significance of the ruins.
Respect the Site: Remember to respect the archaeological site by not touching or climbing on the ancient structures. Take care of the environment, and do not litter.
Photography: Feel free to take photographs but be mindful not to use flash photography, as it can be damaging to ancient artifacts and mosaics.
Local Refreshments: After your visit, consider exploring the charming village of Estoi, where you can find local cafes and restaurants for a meal or a refreshment

Before you visit, it’s a good idea to check the latest information on opening hours, admission fees, and any special events or exhibitions that may be happening at the Ruínas Romanas de Milreu. This will ensure that you have an enjoyable and informative experience exploring this historical site.

General international travel tips

For general travel tips, be sure to check out: