Casa Apollo Guesthouse

Many travellers barely pause in Faro before continuing towards the beaches of the Algarve. Casa Apollo gives them a good reason to stay. Behind the restrained façade of a restored late 19th-century townhouse is a surprisingly green garden filled with citrus trees, palms and jasmine, with a heated pool at its centre.

Casa Apollo is an intimate, adults-only guesthouse, suited to couples and independent travellers who enjoy personal hosting, quiet mornings and being able to explore a city on foot. Faro’s marina and historic centre are close by, yet the garden feels pleasantly removed from the streets outside.

Casa Apollo has nine rooms, divided between the original townhouse and a small contemporary annex beside the garden. The rooms in the main house retain the proportions and character of the historic building, with high ceilings, thick walls and, on the upper floor, sloping timber roofs and tall French windows. The interiors are simple and contemporary, allowing the architecture, the garden light and a carefully chosen collection of furniture to shape the atmosphere.

Accommodation ranges from compact Standard rooms to larger suites with separate sleeping and living areas. The more spacious suites come with espresso machines, Marshall speakers and large televisions, although the rooms still feel relaxed and residential.

The Garden Cubes are set beside the pool and lawn, offering greater privacy and a closer connection to the garden. One of the ground-floor rooms opens directly outside without any stairs. In the Standard Cube, the glass-enclosed shower forms part of the bedroom, something worth knowing when selecting a room.

All rooms include comfortable Portuguese-made mattresses, locally produced organic toiletries and mineral water on arrival. Guests regularly comment on the comfort and cleanliness of the accommodation.

Casa Apollo occupies a late 19th-century Portuguese townhouse that has been carefully restored. The renovation respects the original proportions of the building, introducing understated interiors and a contemporary garden annex without disguising the character of the old house.

Jean-Paul is an important part of the experience. Guests often mention his warm welcome, his knowledge of Faro and the natural way in which he helps when needed without ever becoming intrusive. Recommendations are personal, conversations are easy and names tend to be remembered.

The garden is the heart of Casa Apollo. Citrus trees, palms and jasmine create a sheltered, fragrant space around the terrace and swimming pool. The water is heated during the warmer months and the pool has a counter-current system, making it suitable for a proper swim. There is also a small garden bar for drinks.

Breakfast is served on the terrace whenever the weather allows. It is generous but informal, with local produce, eggs prepared to order and vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free choices. Homemade cakes and the attentive breakfast service are often remembered by guests long after their stay.

Beyond the house, Faro deserves more time than it is usually given. Boats leave from the nearby marina for the lagoons and barrier islands of the Ria Formosa. In the old town, the Arco da Vila leads into cobbled streets that continue towards the cathedral and the walls of the Cidade Velha. The Capela dos Ossos, the waterfront Jardim Manuel Bivar, restaurants and small bars are all within easy walking distance.

Casa Apollo also makes a convenient first or final stop on a longer journey through the Algarve. The coast is within easy reach, but there is no need to stay in a resort. Faro’s railway and bus connections also make several day trips possible without a car.

The secluded garden, which feels surprisingly far removed from central Faro.

Jean-Paul’s attentive and personal welcome.

The heated pool with a counter-current system for proper swimming.

Long breakfasts on the terrace beneath citrus trees and palms.

Being able to explore Faro’s marina and old town on foot.

Casa Apollo is in central Faro, around four minutes on foot from the marina and approximately ten minutes from the railway station. Faro Airport is about seven kilometres away, so the transfer is usually straightforward, depending on traffic.

Once at the guesthouse, a car is not necessary for exploring the city or taking boat trips through the Ria Formosa.

The property does not have private parking. Guests arriving by car should check the nearby public parking options before travelling.

Reception is not staffed throughout the day and night. Check-in is normally between 3pm and 8pm, and guests should agree their arrival time in advance. Late arrivals may carry an additional charge. Check-out is by 11am.

As Casa Apollo occupies a historic townhouse, the rooms in the main building are reached by stairs and there is no lift. Guests looking for step-free access should request the ground-floor Garden Cube and confirm that it meets their needs before booking.

Casa Apollo is reserved for adults and does not accommodate children.