Just off the coast of the Portuguese town of Tavira, this little slice of paradise is a part of the Ria Formosa Natural Park. Regarded by many to be home to some of Algarve's finest beaches, Tavira Island is a popular tourist destination dotted with restaurants, bathing facilities and campgrounds where the ocean whispers soothing lullabies beneath the bejeweled night sky. Untamed, unfettered and unabashed, Tavira Island is as close to idyll as you can get without leaving behind the comforts of the city. Here, sparkling waterfront vistas are embellished with sightings of the vibrant plumes of the flamingoes that frequent the island's shore. Water taxis ferry visitors to and from the island from Quatro-Aguas yet its beauty remains unblemished by the typical trappings of tourism.
This museum named after the mythical river was initially constructed as a Jesuit college in the 16th Century. When the Company of Jesus was expelled in 1759, the building closed its doors. The advent of Napoleon brought General Junot to open them once again and French soldiers occupied the building until the end of the wars in 1815. Since then, the theater has undergone many transformations and today, this public theater hosts contemporary theatrical events.
The name comes from being located near the emblematic building of the Edifício das Figuras The theater has 786 seats and a great versatility of equipment. The program is multidisciplinary, covering areas such as music, theater, dance, comedy and even a circus.
The Culatra Island is a tranquil island that can be visited only by ferry from the town of Olhao. Praia da Ilha da Culatra is a pristine beach at the island that is gifted with crystal clear water and sands that make for a perfect outing with family and friends. The beach is an ideal destination for swimmers, divers and those who love to dwell amidst serene environs. Since motorized vehicles have no access to the island, the natural beauty of the place is maintained.
Boasting of a rich historic background, the Sé Catedral de Faro attracts tourists who come to see Faro's monument to its reconquest of the Iberian peninsula from the Moors. Constructed in 1215, the property remained for three centuries until the Count of Essex sacked and burned it in 1577. It was subsequently reconstructed in the Mannerist style which is seen today and the cathedral still serves as an ideal place to receive religious services. The cathedral draws in a large number of worshipers during Christmas Eve, New Years Day and other religious holidays. A must visit for history aficionados, the cathedral is a perfect place to visit if you wish to explore the city's Medieval past.
Auditório Municipal de Olhão is owned and managed by the municipality of Olhao. The place is used to promote art and cultural programs in the city, so several concerts and events by international artists take place here. The auditorium has been refurbished and has state-of-art equipments and a grand stage that makes all the events here worth watching. If you are interested in performing arts from different genres, Auditório Municipal de Olhão is the place to go.